Josh Johnson is an expert in the “fine art of concealment.” Founder and owner of Wilmington-based Covert Concepts Secret Door Company, Johnson builds hiding places for valuables, safe rooms “for personal security” or “the ultimate playroom for your kids,” according to his website.
Covert Concepts, 1308 S. Fifth Ave., incorporated in October 2009.

Johnson, 33, is a native of Springfield, Ill.

After U.S. Marine Corps service, Johnson “went back to my roots in Springfield to study architectural design,” he said in an email response to questions.

Secret passageways
“I grew up on a horse farm in Illinois and to occupy my time, I would build forts in the hay loft with secret passageways taking me from one place of the barn to another,” he said. “My interest in making secret doors and passageways came from my formative years when I watched movies like Batman, Indiana Jones and Labyrinth, just to name a few.”

Sometimes, Johnson “was more interested in how they disappeared into a secret door than watching the actual movies.”

After moving to Wilmington in 2004, Johnson worked for a company building high-end homes, then got into the remodeling business.

“Doing this type of work, I noticed a lot of unused space in homes and began to ponder creative uses for this space,” Johnson said.

Combining security experience from the military with his construction and architectural background, “the idea for Covert Concepts was born,” Johnson said.

Security industry thriving
Homeowners feel the need these days for enhanced security, Johnson said.

“People are naturally protective of their belongings, each other and especially of their families,” he said. “With every burglary, stabbing and shooting that hits the news today, I believe citizens have a stronger urge to protect themselves.

“How many people do you think have asked themselves, ‘What would I do if someone breaks into my house while I’m here?’ ‘Where would I hide, and will they find me?’ and ‘Is there a safe place I can hide my valuables while I’m away on vacation?’ he said.

In general, the home security business is booming. Technology has improved. Products like smartphones “make home surveillance a cheap and viable solution,” according to SecurityInfoWatch’s website.

One of the leaders in the industry, ADT, has about 6.7 million customers “delivering $240 million per month of recurring revenue,” according to the website.

Covert Concepts fits into a home security niche sought by many homeowners. One popular service offered by the business is a bookcase that opens up to reveal a hidden room.

“I have also built picture frames that swing open, exposing a safe in the wall. A customer had me build a secret room for his children to play in,” Johnson said. “Of course, this also doubles as a safe room if they needed to hide in an emergency and a great place for ‘hide and seek.’ ”
The price range of services varies.

A bookshelf that conceals an existing room starts at about $2,500, Johnson said.

Depending on “size and complexity,” a safe room can cost between $10,000 and $50,000, while a wall safe hidden by a picture frame can range from $500 to $1,500.

Discreet service
To maintain confidentiality, Johnson comes to a customers’ house in an unmarked truck.

“If a nosey neighbor asks me what I’m doing, I just tell them I’m installing some bookshelves or
helping with some odds and ends. Nobody will ever know what I’m doing except the customer,” he said.

Johnson said he could provide similar services to business customers.

“Most buildings have areas that can be altered to be used as secret spaces,” he said.

He said in recent decades, many contractors have built designer homes that include raised ceilings, open floor plans, extra large closets and bathrooms, finished rooms above the garage and other custom options.

“They often have areas of ‘dead space’ that have no use and can be utilized as hidden spaces,”Johnson said. “That’s where I come in.”