Forty years ago, a young electrician took a leap of faith that would shape the security landscape of the Sunshine Coast.
With experience in electrical and electronic systems, Maks Maksan saw a gap: security needed to be more sophisticated than locks and screens. It needed to be monitored, responsive and intelligent.
With no investors willing to back the idea, Mr Maksan sold his home in 1986, moved back in with his parents and founded Naskam Security Services.
From the outset, the business operated out of 5 Production Avenue in Warana – a headquarters it still occupies today. The company was officially opened by former Queensland Premier Mike Ahern, marking the beginning of what would become one of the region’s most enduring businesses.
For the first five years Mr Maksan ran the business alone quoting, selling, installing systems and working monitoring shifts in the control room.
“Alarm systems back then were primitive, they relied on vulnerable phone lines and offered limited information,” he said.
“If an alarm activated, operators often knew only that something had happened, not where on the business premises or why.”
Despite this, Mr Maksan believed strongly in monitored security for businesses. As the region grew and the crime rate increased, Naskam evolved. Systems became more precise, identifying specific zones and users.
Communication advanced from landlines to secure dual-network cellular systems, improving reliability. Cameras, once prohibitively expensive, became more accessible, allowing for integrated surveillance solutions.
Naskam expanded rapidly under Mr Maksan’s leadership, servicing areas from the Gold Coast to Bundaberg and west to Toowoomba. The business grew to employ more than 40 staff, building a skilled and respected team.
In 2003, Mr Maksan strengthened operations with the construction of a state-of-the-art control room. It was officially opened by Tony McGrady, Minister for Police and Corrective Services.
Innovation remained central. As digital surveillance advanced, Naskam developed a reputation for pioneering live video monitoring.
This expertise led to high-level engagements with organisations including the Australian Federal Police, Victoria Police, NSW Crime Commission and Airservices Australia.
The company also led complete security operations for major projects such as the Queensland Curtis LNG development.
Mr Maksan maintains a defining strength of Naskam is its people.
“Many employees have remained with our company for more than 15 years, with some serving nearly two decades,” he said.
Long-standing client relationships mirror this loyalty, with some customers remaining since the company’s earliest days and ongoing partnerships with local government spanning more than a decade.
Mr Maksan’s leadership has also extended into the community. In 2005, he served as President of the Kawana Chamber of Commerce, contributing to the growth and collaboration of local businesses. He is also the chamber’s longest standing member.
Security technology is now entering a new era.
“AI (artificial intelligence) is enabling systems to learn patterns, detect anomalies and provide real-time alerts – transforming security from reactive to predictive,” Mr Maksan said.
Yet even as technology advances, Naskam’s foundation remains unchanged. Still headquartered in Warana after 40 years, still family-owned and still guided by its founder, Naskam Security Services is a rarity in Australian business.
