If you hear the word "technology," you might think of phones and other hand-held devices. For more than 70 years, a local company has followed tech trends for emergency and business needs.

Police light bars across emergency vehicles. They are one of many items MobilCom provides.

The Meadville-based business has spent more than 70 years navigating tech trends. 

"We started out as a 2 way radio company and service and since developed into an all in one exclusive technology company for everybody from police, and safety to business and manufacturing, to private business, schools, a lot of government," said Eric Hawkins, President. 

Eric Hawkins is the president. Twenty-five years ago, he started at MobilCom as an installer—a business founded in 1948 by Clare Watson and carried through generations and industry developments.

Like this vape detector, the air quality sensor can alert school staff if students are vaping in the bathroom.

Then he has devices described for panic situations. Some of them include a phone that can be taken out for someone to use and get away from a scene.

That, along with desk phones, Wi-Fi and networking systems, and key fob systems are all part of what MobilCom offers to non-residential clients.

One of the most diverse services that MobilCom offers is video surveillance and of course the way that businesses and schools can use it for safety and security. 

It has been one of the hallmarks of the business.

"We are a re-seller for most everything," said Hawkins. "So, we buy it, so it's customized for your application."

The staff of about 20 people from this Conneaut Lake Road company is dedicated to servicing the products, along with tech support and sales, including being on call 24/7 for several 911 centers and the towers that keep operations going.

MobilCom works with three local 911 centers and, among the reach of other businesses, about 23 different school districts in the region.