About ACME

Improving emergency response times

Our Mission

To provide an affordable Rapid Emergency Response System (RERS) that instantly notifies emergency responders and building occupants of an emergency situation, expedites a rapid response, triggers emergency management protocols and ultimately saves lives.

Our Team

John McNutt, Co-founder, CEO
johnmcnutt@ACMEalert.com
John initiated the concept of ACME with a single goal: save lives. He leads the company in product line and new system development, and advocates for increased security not only in schools but all public spaces. He has successfully designed and implemented Rapid Emergency Response Systems for dozens of school facilities and churches. In addition to his work with ACME, John is an engineer and managing partner of Shales McNutt Construction with more than 25 years' experience in the construction industry.

John Shales, Co-founder, CMO
johnshales@ACMEalert.com
John leads ACME in product development, system integration, and marketing strategy.  He is also the company's industry liaison for informational outreach. He works closely with education officials and private industry leaders to implement ACME's Rapid Emergency Response Systems. In addition to his work with ACME, John is an engineer and  managing partner of Shales McNutt Construction with more than 25 years' experience in the construction industry.

Ken Volkening, Co-Founder, COO
kenvolkening@ACMEalert.com
Ken, a graduate of Northern Illinois University, has more than 45 years of experience in fire safety and security systems and products. Ken has served as president of Fox Valley Fire and Safety Inc. for the past 17 years, overseeing a base of over 30,000 customers. Ken holds two certificates from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies-Fire Protection Technology: Special Hazards System Layout Level III and Fire Alarm Systems Level II. He has also completed the FEMA Emergency Management Institute for Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Training for K-12 Schools.

Mike Shales, CPA, Partner
mikeshales@ACMEalert.com
Mike, a graduate of Western Illinois University, is a Certified Public Accountant and has been involved in construction-related accounting, finance, and administration for more than 25 years. Before joining Shales-McNutt predecessor Seagren/Shales, Inc. as part owner, he was controller of a large road building and aggregate mining conglomerate. Knowing that information management is key to running an efficient construction project with all parties working as a team, Mike is always looking for ways to employ technology to make the process smoother and more accessible.

Stephen Nelson, AIA, LEED AP, Partner
stevenelson@ACMEalert.com
Stephen, a graduate of the University of Illinois and is a licensed  architect with 25 years of experience in architecture with a focus in  public architecture. He has served over 40 different school district  clients, numerous municipalities, libraries, park districts, churches  and banks as well as other private clients. Mr. Nelson serves on his  local School Board, Education Foundation Board and Planning and Zoning  Board. He has also completed the FEMA Emergency Management Institute for  Multi-Hazard Emergency Management Training for K12 Schools.

Jake McNutt, Sales/Operations
jakemcnutt@ACMEalert.com
Jake leads the system implementation and estimating efforts for ACME. He works closely with our clients to ensure each solution is customized to their particular needs. Jake also coordinates ongoing and follow up training to enhance each client’s experience.

JT McNutt, Lead Engineer
jtmcnutt@ACMEalert.com
JT is ACME’s Lead Engineer and his primary role is the oversight of system development, installation, programming, testing, and training. He coordinates closely with our Certified Partners, manufacturers, and our UL-rated Central Station to ensure that our product functions reliably and fits the unique needs of each individual client.