The Discussion that Created A Company

It began with the news of a lost young woman.

“One night after dinner, I was watching TV when a tragic event made me really stop and think. On the news was a story about a young woman who had gone missing; she had a cell phone but was unable to call for help. Which raised the question, ‘Why can’t you use technology to help people like that who are lost and can’t help themselves?’” —Jim Nalley

Jim Nalley and Chris Buehler had each spent over 20 years in the telecom industry. They knew technology could find the location of a device on a wireless network, even if the person wearing the device was unable to initiate a call. This knowledge, and the aforementioned discussion of the lost young woman, led to the creation of a company called EmFinders (short for Emergency Finders).

Jim and Chris worked with E-9-1-1 dispatchers and law enforcement to develop a nationwide system that would be reliable, affordable, and would work with existing equipment and systems. No hardware or special training would be needed, which meant zero costs for law enforcement agencies. In an emergency, the EmFinders EmSeeQ would remotely activate and communicate with existing cellular and E-9-1-1 systems to help locate people who may not be able to help themselves.   

On September 23, 2009 the company announced it had secured a strategic investment from True Position, Inc., a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, who assumed a controlling interest in the company. This partnership allowed EmFinders to launch its product in October 2009.

Today, the EmSeeQ device makes recovery of lost individuals possible in minutes. Law enforcement agencies have a much-needed helping hand and the tireless caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s, dementia or autism can enjoy the peace of mind they deserve in knowing their loved ones are protected.

Our sweet history has only begun.