White Gloves Security
As Avante Security marks 30 years, its CEO and founder reflects on a legacy built on speed, service, and constantly evolving technology
By Charlotte Bushnell-Boates
To Emmanuel (Manny) Mounouchos, home security is the feeling of assurance and ease, knowing that if anything were to happen, you can rely on things to be taken care of with confidence, urgency, and expertise. This peace of mind is exactly why Mounouchos founded Avante Security.
Far beyond simple home security systems and alarms, Avante specializes in customized solutions for luxury homes, high-profile individuals, and premium businesses. Experts in a suite of security and risk management offerings and technologies, the company is now celebrating its 30th anniversary, an opportunity for Mounouchos to both reflect and look ahead to what’s next. “Our anniversary is not only a milestone of the growth and the wonderful journey that brought Avante to where it is today, but also the exciting future release of a new service that will bring Avante’s rapid response to an unprecedented level globally,” Mounouchos says.
Crucial to the company’s long-standing success is its rapid response. Once an alarm is triggered through cameras or environmental sensors, time is of the essence to mitigate risk and neutralize any threats. Avante’s response time on average is six minutes or less, which is made possible through patrol vehicles in zones served on-call 24 hours a day. What’s more, Avante operatives are trained in security protocols, emergency response, and threat assessment, as well as safety training like first aid and CPR.
Avante’s clients are its focus, and the company is constantly innovating to better serve them. “Avante develops its own technology by listening to client needs and building the technology from the user experience perspective,” Mounouchos says. He points to Avante’s Smartboxx, which the company developed 25 years ago, as an example. “The client’s need was a rapid response. If an alarm went off, the existing security companies took an hour to get there because of the signaling technology.” In contrast, the Smartboxx utilizes automated dispatch technology to send the signal directly to the response vehicle and the company’s world-class control centre.
Video analytics is another tech-focused option from Avante, with AI-powered analytics designed to recognize suspicious behaviour and detect threats automatically, generating an alert for any unauthorized activity.
Customer service is paramount at Avante, ensuring clients feel at ease. “Our control centre picks up the phone after two or three rings, never puts the client on hold, and never says we cannot help you,” Mounouchos says. “Our team is the true definition of white glove security concierge service.”
Beyond residences, Avante secures some of Toronto’s most prominent commercial buildings. For those on the go, Avante offers a luxury transport service for clients seeking security, privacy, and premium transportation in unmarked black vehicles.
With the acquisition of NSSG in Bucharest, the company now operates in over 100 countries, providing bodyguarding, escort, and evacuation services in high-risk environments, while its Avante Black division continues to grow through specialized investigative work. No matter what person, place, or thing needs to be secured, Mounouchos is confident in his team’s ability to quickly and discreetly offer a solution. “There is no problem that we cannot solve,” he says.