In the rapidly evolving world of technology, security, and life safety, very few companies have managed to balance tradition with innovation for as long as Benson Systems has. As the Arizona-based, family-owned business approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026, the company stands as a testament to how values, vision, and technical expertise can sustain growth across generations.
At its core, Benson Systems is about more than just systems integration; it is about protecting people, safeguarding property, and delivering solutions that blend cutting-edge technology with the personal touch of a family-run operation. The company’s reputation has been built over nearly four decades by staying true to its values while continuously adapting to new demands. “Being a second-generation company means that we carry forward not only the name, but also the values and reputation built by my father,” says Eric Benson, President and CEO. “That legacy is something we take very seriously, and it motivates us to keep raising the bar.”
Benson Systems’ origins trace back to 1986, when Shawn Benson first launched the business with a simple but ambitious goal: to provide reliable, professional service in an industry where safety and trust are paramount. At the time, Arizona was experiencing steady growth in both residential and commercial development, and there was a growing need for specialized systems that could keep up with new construction and regulatory standards.
Over the years, the company evolved from a small local operation into a trusted regional leader. From its earliest days, Benson Systems has stood out for its family approach: treating every client as a long-term partner, not a mere transaction. This philosophy helped build relationships that have endured through multiple projects, property expansions, and even generational changes on the client side. Now, under Eric Benson’s leadership, the family legacy continues.
Family ownership, he notes, is about more than succession. It is about continuity of values, consistency of service, and accountability that extends beyond the bottom line. “When you work with Benson Systems, you’re not just another project or number,” he explains. “You’re part of a relationship. We bring a personal touch that bigger firms often can’t replicate, and we take pride in delivering on promises.”
Employees benefit from this approach just as strongly, and many have stayed with the company for decades, creating a workplace where technical excellence and loyalty go hand in hand. That sense of belonging and shared mission helps Benson Systems maintain consistency, even as the company grows and adapts to shifting markets, regulations, and innovations.
“You don’t make it 40 years in business without adapting to changing markets and technology, or without staying true to who you are,” Benson reflects. “Our customers know they can trust us because we’ve been here for the long haul.”
This dual focus—evolution paired with consistency—is at the heart of Benson Systems’ longevity. The company has successfully navigated multiple economic cycles, from the housing booms of the early 2000s to construction slowdowns during recessions. Through it all, Benson Systems kept investing in people and technology, ensuring it was positioned to serve clients when demand rebounded.
Looking ahead, the 40-year mark is both a celebration and a launchpad. Benson Systems plans to honor its long-term clients, spotlight its employees, and use the milestone to showcase a vision for the future. For Eric Benson and his team, the anniversary isn’t simply about looking back but about setting the tone for the decades ahead.
One of Benson Systems’ priorities is keeping work in-house. The company maintains a staff of highly trained engineers who manage design, implementation, and support under one roof, allowing the team to ensure quality control, shorten project timelines, and adapt more quickly when challenges arise. Teams enjoy a collaborative culture wherein they share knowledge and mentor new talent, creating a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to carry the company forward.
“Having engineers on staff gives us the ability to respond quickly, customize solutions, and control quality at every step,” Benson says. For example, on a recent large-scale commercial installation, Benson’s engineers were able to customize a low voltage and fire life safety system that integrated seamlessly with the client’s existing operations, and were able to pivot quickly when needs changed. The result was a project delivered on time, on budget, and with long-term reliability.
While Benson Systems provides a wide portfolio of services, its reputation is strongest in low voltage technologies and fire life safety, specializations that reflect both industry demand and the company’s commitment to protecting people and property.
Low voltage systems encompass everything from structured cabling and communication networks to access control and security cameras. In today’s connected world, reliable low voltage infrastructure isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity. Businesses, hospitals, schools, and municipalities all rely on these systems to function safely and efficiently.
Equally critical is fire life safety. From detection systems and alarms to emergency communication and monitoring, Benson Systems designs and maintains solutions that meet rigorous codes and exceed client expectations. This work is not only technical but deeply personal, as lives depend on systems performing without fail.
“Fire safety isn’t optional, it’s life and death,” Benson emphasizes. “That’s why we’ve made it a core part of what we do. Our clients depend on us to keep their buildings and their people safe, and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.”
By focusing on these specialties, Benson Systems has carved out a reputation as a trusted partner in industries where there is no margin for error. Clients know they can depend on the company not just to meet compliance requirements, but to design systems that provide real-world reliability when it matters most.
Operating for four decades means facing and overcoming numerous challenges, and one ongoing issue has been the shortage of skilled labor in the technical trades. Rather than accept this as a barrier, Benson Systems has doubled down on training and development, building internal pathways to grow talent from within.
Another challenge lies in balancing customization with standardization. Every client has unique needs, but too much customization can increase costs and timelines. Benson Systems has found the sweet spot: creating repeatable frameworks for efficiency while maintaining the flexibility to deliver bespoke solutions.
The company has also kept pace with rapid regulatory change. Fire codes, building standards, and safety regulations evolve constantly, and Benson’s in-house expertise ensures the team can interpret and implement these changes seamlessly for clients.
Beyond its work for clients, Benson Systems also plays an active role in the community. Sponsorships, charitable giving, and educational initiatives reflect the company’s belief that success should be shared. As Eric Benson puts it, “We don’t just work in these communities; we’re part of them.”
Indeed, the future for Benson Systems looks as dynamic as its past. Smart building technology, integrated security solutions, and advanced fire life safety systems are reshaping the industry, and Benson is investing heavily to remain at the forefront. Sustainability is also becoming a priority, with a focus on energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious practices. Most importantly, the company is preparing the next generation of leaders, both within the Benson family and among its engineers and technicians. This commitment to people, alongside innovation, ensures Benson Systems will remain relevant and respected well beyond its 40th anniversary.
Eric Benson sums it up best: “Our legacy is important. But so is the work we’re doing today and the opportunities ahead. We want Benson Systems to be here for the next 40 years and beyond, continuing to make a difference in the lives of our clients and communities.”
At its heart, Benson Systems is more than a business; it is a legacy. Built on family ownership, strengthened by in-house expertise, and distinguished by a specialization in essential systems, the company has stood the test of time. With its 40-year anniversary on the horizon, Benson Systems is not just reflecting on its past but laying the foundation for its future. For clients, employees, and the community, that means one thing: a trusted partner that will continue delivering safety, reliability, and excellence for decades to come.
