Electronic Security Association - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named 24 recipients for this year’s SIA RISE Scholarship, a program offered through SIA’s RISE community, which supports the education and career development goals of young industry talent and emerging pioneers. Through this scholarship program – open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees at SIA member companies – each awardee will receive a USD 3,000 scholarship to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, SIA program offerings and/or other academic or education programs. Array of security professionals Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources, information technology, marketing, sales, project management, security engineering, and/or risk management. “SIA congratulates this year’s class of RISE Scholarship awardees – an impressive, diverse array of security professionals and rising stars who are making their mark on our industry,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We are proud to present scholarships to more recipients this year than ever before and honoured to support these inspiring young pioneers as they pursue their educational and career development goals.” RISE Scholarship The winners for this year’s RISE Scholarship are: Zachary Allen, account executive, Convergint Technologies Brianna Bonfondeo, account manager, Traka, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Joi Brown, control centre specialist, Rapid Response Monitoring Services Brenda Constantin, account executive, 3Sixty Integrated, a Division of the Cook & Boardman Group Jonathan Crabtree, channel sales specialist, Genetec Taylor Davenport, HR business partner, i-PRO Americas Mason Fanning, end user specialist, ASSA ABLOY Natalie Fetsko, customer success manager, dormakaba Aishwarya Gandhe, senior channel marketing coordinator, North America, Genetec Anish Chandra Jalla, software developer II, Genetec Kajaanei Kajenthiran, security guard, City of Toronto, Canada Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas Ryan Knoll, account executive, Pro-Tec Design Chandni Lalwani, DevOps engineer, HID Global Vincent Malenfer-Henard, security analyst, Genetec Josh Martin, mechanical engineer II, dormakaba Bryn Menzel, director of strategic accounts and marketing, 3millID Corporation Gabriella Moraniec, contracts manager, GSA Schedules Taylor Nevells, digital marketing and content specialist, Wavelynx Juan Pelayo, technical support supervisor, i-PRO Americas Itzel Portillo, marketing specialist, Allegion Joel Searle, program manager, ZBeta Maria Sturges, project coordinator and administrator, Northland Controls Julie Trinh, SDK specialist, Genetec New opportunities in the security industry SIA would also like to thank the following individuals and companies which contributed to the 2024 RISE Scholarship fund.  Tax-deductible donations were made through the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), a nonprofit organisation co-founded by SIA and the Electronic Security Association and dedicated to connecting passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in the security industry. ADI Allegion Axis Communications Convergint Genetec HID i-PRO Secure Access & Digital Systems Securitas Technology TIME program SIA RISE is a community that fosters the careers of emerging pioneers in the security industry. In addition to the SIA RISE Scholarship, SIA RISE offers fun in-person and virtual networking events for young professionals, the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program for early and mid-career professionals, the 25 on the RISE Awards, career growth webinars and trade show education tracks and the annual AcceleRISE conference – a unique event designed to ignite new thinking, strengthen leadership and sharpen business acumen in young security talent.  The SIA RISE community is open to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years; learn more and sign up to join.

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Jim Lantrip of Allied Universal Technology Services to the FAST Board of Directors. The FAST Board of Directors, drawn from the membership of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA), defines and refines FAST’s strategic plan, as well as the foundation’s annual goals. Jim Lantrip Jim Lantrip is a seasoned security industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. Currently serving as the senior vice president of operations at Allied Universal Technology Services, a global systems integrator, he oversees the company’s operations, ensuring the delivery of innovative security solutions to clients on a global scale. Lantrip’s journey in the security industry began with a detour, initially joining ADT Security Services for sales experience, he unexpectedly found his niche and built a successful career spanning various roles, including sales, sales leadership, engineering, operations, and strategy. One-stop-shop solution His expertise extends to designing, delivering, and supporting a wide range of security products With a proven track record and a passion for mentoring, Lantrip has played a pivotal role in shaping the security industry. His expertise extends to designing, delivering, and supporting a wide range of security products, platforms, and services, making Allied Universal a one-stop shop for comprehensive security solutions.  Work experience Before serving in his current role, Lantrip held leadership positions in several North American security companies, contributing to their growth and success. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is committed to fostering the next generation of security professionals; he enjoys mentoring and motivating others, introducing them to the exciting and often overlooked opportunities within the industry. “We have an exciting, largely unknown, industry that needs to draw in and develop new talent through educating the world about all the possibilities in the security world,” said Lantrip. FAST Board of Directors The FAST Board of Directors includes the following members: Chair: Kerri Sutherland, manager, human resources business partnerships, Axis Communications Vice Chair: John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE Integration Secretary: Erin Mann, senior manager, product operations, Brivo Treasurer: Ken Kocher, president, of Force Security Solutions Scott Harkins, vice president, sales, Resideo Jim Lantrip, senior vice president of operations, Allied Universal Technology Services Brendan McFall, East Coast operations manager, Northland Controls Michal Moss Early, executive director of corporate strategy, Digital Monitoring Products Rick Seymour, chief operating officer, Guardian Hawk Security Yaron Zussman, general manager, Magos America FAST The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology FAST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry. Created in 2020 through a partnership of ESA and SIA – the industry’s major associations – FAST connects passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in electronic security and life safety. The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places, and property safe. FAST Jobs Board The FAST website offers job seekers information about the security industry’s growth and unique position at the convergence of cutting-edge technology and a mission that matters, the types of roles available in the industry, what employers are looking for, pioneering certifications in physical security and cybersecurity and a jobs board featuring immediate opportunities in security technology and life safety. The FAST Jobs Board allows job seekers to search by keyword, job title, and location and has featured thousands of jobs from over 800 companies. FAST’s key efforts The jobs board continues to grow in 2024 and has become the go-to destination for hiring and finding job opportunities in the security industry. FAST’s key efforts include outreach to schools, colleges, and universities to increase awareness of the exciting and rewarding careers available in security; research on the industry’s workforce development needs and possible solutions; recognition programs to celebrate the work of security technicians; events; and continuing education resources to help those already in the industry stay current with rapidly emerging and evolving technologies.

Members of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) recently approved several competency director and officer positions. After voting for recent director positions concluded on May 24th, Chair-elect Kevin Stone recommended two Competency Directors and requested Board approval on June 2nd. These director positions are selected based on their subject matter expertise and must be an owner, officer, or employee of an ESA Member in Good Standing. Each Competency Director shall serve for a two-year term beginning July 1st, 2024. Competency director positions Kirk MacDowell, the 2023 Weinstock Person of the Year Award winner, is the founder and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors. Bringing insight from his time at industry innovator Alarm.com, top Fortune 100 manufacturers General Electric and United Technologies, a top 50 SDM integrator, and his own electronic security firm, Kirk now offers guidance on how to innovate, transform, and compete in the ever-changing electronic security landscape. Kirk also remains active in many corps serving on multiple industry and private firm boards A sought-after industry speaker, Kirk also remains active in many associations serving on numerous industry and private company boards. He was the Past Board of Director of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and The Monitoring Association (TMA), past Chairman of AIREF (Alarm Industry Research & Education Foundation), past Chairman of the Security Industry Alarm Collation (SIAC) and past president of the Los Angeles County Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (LABFAA). Kirk currently serves as the Chairman of ESA’s Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC). Kirk was recently inducted into the SSI Industry Hall of Fame. “I am honoured to join ESA’s board of directors as a competency director and proud to serve the industry that has given me so much. Looking forward to working alongside ESA’s elected board and officers.” Michael Barnes, who recently served as a Competency Director from 2022-2024 under Chairman John Loud, founded Barnes Associates in 1986 and directs the firm’s Mergers and Acquisitions activities. He is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Since founding Barnes Associates, Michael has been involved in more than 280 security alarm acquisitions and financings, with an aggregate transaction value in excess of $29 billion. He has lectured at numerous events within the security alarm industry on matters relating to acquisitions, the availability of capital and the operating dynamics and performance of alarm companies. Michael was the 13th person to be inducted into the SSI Industry Hall of Fame, an honor he received in 2004. Barnes Associates co-sponsors the annual Barnes-Buchanan Conference. “Overall, I feel honoured to once again be invited to serve on ESA’s Board. The organization does such great work in supporting and advocating for the industry, and the Board has a large responsibility for setting direction. I feel the weight of that responsibility and hope I can rise to the occasion.” Officer Positions In addition to the approval of the Competency Directors, the Board approved three officer positions to serve from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Integrator Director Jeremy Bates, of Bates Security, will serve as Vice Chairman. The Vice Chairman reports to the Chairman and the Board of Directors, serves as liaison to at least one of the standing committees of the Association, promotes all the objectives of the Association, and performs such duties as may be assigned to him or her by the Chairman and the Board of Directors. Competency Director Michael Barnes, of Barnes Associates, will continue in his role as Treasurer. The Treasurer has general supervision of the fiscal affairs of the Association. Integrator Director Melissa Brinkman, of Custom Alarm, will serve as Secretary to the Board. The Secretary is responsible for the preparation of accurate minutes of the proceedings at all membership and board meetings.

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) will be held at the Indiana Convention Center, June 3-6, in Indianapolis. The show focusses exclusively on the electronic security and life safety industry, including companies that service the connected Internet of Things (IoT) space for homes and businesses. The ESX Main Stage will highlight inspirational presentations from motivational speakers, Dr. Rick Rigsby and Kevin Brown. In addition, there will be a founder of a drone security company and an Entrepreneur-in-Residence from Kleiner Perkins for OpenXchange, and a Secret Service agent for the Closing Keynote. Sharing best practices and trends In breakout sessions, colleagues and business thought leaders will share best practices, trends and opportunities that helped their own companies and careers, so that others might replicate their successes or minimise their failures. These sessions are aimed at propelling attendees to reimagine their business models and go-to-market strategies, says George De Marco, Chairman of ESX and Managing Partner for DECO Ventures LLC. Examples of breakout sessions include: CounterPoint Forum – “False Alarm Dispatches - A Real Threat or a Nuisance to the Industry?” “Top 3 Ways to Grow Your Video RMR” “5 Faster, Smarter Ways to Improve Cash Flow” “Artificial Intelligence Real Time Video Monitoring Solutions” Promoting security professionals’ growth Our goal is to develop next-gen methods that deliver industry content and promote professional growth"“Each year, we challenge ourselves to raise the bar of the educational sessions and main stage events,” says De Marco. “One of the ways is introducing new faces and voices for the peer-developed and peer-driven educational sessions that offer best practices and identify trends, opportunities and challenges for industry professionals to consider today and in the future. Our goal is to develop next-gen methods that deliver industry content and promote professional growth as the industry pivots to the future.” New entrants and disruptors are challenging traditional go-to-market strategies, causing traditional companies to rethink how they rise above the noise in a changing competitive landscape and handle new consumer buying behaviours, says De Marco. Exhibitors at ESX Exhibitors that support ESX include Interlogix (Diamond sponsor), Napco (Platinum sponsor), Alula and DMP (Gold sponsor), and ADI, Altronix, Bold Group, Essence, ICT, Quick Response, Resideo, Secura key, Security Central and WeSuite (Silver sponsors). ESX seeks to connect exhibitors with the influencers and decision-makers from companies that represent a cross section of dealers, integrators and monitoring companies in North America. The exhibit hall will be the focal point for exhibitors to showcase their latest technology in the city’s impressive convention centre. The exhibit hall will be the focal point for exhibitors to showcase their latest technology in the city’s convention centre “We recognise individuals and companies during the Opening Celebration that help propel the industry forward and at our VIP Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” says De Marco. “During the day, there are meals around the Main Stage sessions which gather attendees around the table for casual conversation before the presentation begins.” Indianapolis, home of the Indy 500, is a unique location that has a lot to offer the attendees of ESX. A special night at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will invite a limited number of guests to share great food and drinks, to experience a trip around the track in an official pace car, and to ‘kiss the bricks’, a speedway tradition. Centrally located in the US, Indianapolis is a convenient convention destination for travel, whether flying or driving. Connecting with peers and colleagues Another benefit of the show is the cross-section of companies represented in the industry, whether large, medium or small There are also networking opportunities throughout the week. The Pub Crawl, an attendee favourite, is a night where long-time friends gather, and new friendships are made. “This is where the real conversations happen between peers and colleagues about real problems of running and growing a company, and solutions that can make a difference,” says De Marco. Another benefit of the show is the cross-section of companies represented in the industry, whether large, medium or small players. This enables professionals to come together to connect with their peers and colleagues, allowing for deep discussions on how to grow their people, revenues and profits, including mentoring opportunities that encourage leadership development, says De Marco. The subject of finding qualified employees is top of mind for almost every industry today, especially the security industry. Sessions that address hiring and managing employees for industry professionals include  “Hiring from Outside the Monitoring Industry: Surprising Resources for Great Operators” “Maximise New Employees: Why Onboarding is Critical to Their Success” “5 Tips for Effective Employee Performance Evaluations” Helping attendees to reinvent their business “Our focus is primarily on the attendee, helping them connect with suppliers, colleagues and opportunities that reimagine their businesses, so they can be stronger competitors,” says De Marco. “If we can provide the right knowledge to inspire or transform the attendees to take meaningful action or implement change that helps them remain relevant, we believe we have succeeded.” There will be an undercurrent of sadness at ESX this year because the industry recently suffered a loss. George Gunning, former CEO of USA Alarm Systems and one of the founding members of ESX, passed away in February. “We would be remiss if we didn’t recognise his contributions and influence on the industry and ESX over the years,” says De Marco. Another founding member of ESX who has passed away is John Murphy, formerly CEO of Vector Security.

What factors should an end user consider when looking for a professional systems solution provider? Andrew Schonzeit, President of IDESCO Corp., New York, knows what it takes to have an award-winning, top-in-its class systems integration company. For more than seven decades, the company has grown, morphed and continued to move into the world of value-add integrated solutions contracting. They’ve received numerous industry and business accolades and increased their stature in the security industry and end-user community. Here, Schonzeit provides six tips listing what end users should look for in a professional systems solution provider:   1. See the end results Always ask for project references and make an on-site visit to a couple of jobs if possible. This way you can see if the integrator has the insights into a specific vertical market and its nuances. Integrators need to be problem-solvers, and that means knowing what might be applicable in the healthcare market, versus education for example, or how to approach legacy equipment without a total overhaul if the budget won’t allow. There are many potential scenarios – a good systems integrator can come up with viable solutions for most of them. 2. Assess applicable certifications and credentials Depending on the type of work, many technicians are required to have certifications from manufacturers, basically attesting that they are up to speed on the latest versions of the products and have been factory-trained on operations. A number of associations also have training and credentialing; for example, the Electronic Security Association, Irving, Texas, and the ASIS International, Alexandria, Virginia. Obtaining and maintaining credentialing is a good gauge of how serious a company is about keeping its employees up to speed on ever-changing technologies. With well-established firms, you’ll have greater assurance that you can stay with these companies and grow your security as needed in the future 3. Scrutinise service and support Can you call the company directly and have the phone answered by a friendly and knowledgeable source? Or are you able to leave a voice or email message and get a quick response? Having a support team that works closely with the customer is one of the most important factors in having a successful installation. There should be responsible support team members who are on top of the project and can answer questions if challenges arise so as not to delay the scheduled timeline. 4. Look for experienced designers What’s the philosophy when it comes to designing a system? Look for firms that do everything from start to finish – consulting, design-build, final testing and commissioning, and after-installation 24/7 support. Remember that it’s the consultative approach that’s important, so select a security company who can provide you input prior to any technology or hardware discussion, first considering the specific challenges or issues at the facility. 5. Vet product manufacturers There are many manufacturers in the security industry, so it’s critical for a contractor to offer proven products that have a long history of stability, reliability and scalability. With well-established firms, you’ll have greater assurance that you can stay with these companies and grow your security as needed in the future without starting from scratch. 6. Consider due diligence on market expertise It’s impossible for everyone to know the nuances of every business, so select contractors who have experience in your target market, whether it’s healthcare, education, government, institutional or corporate and enterprise facilities. They should understand the rules, regulations and other mandates required of security for the particular facility.  

Angela White was sworn in as President-elect of ESA at the ESX show in June and will take office July 1 The Electronic Security Association (ESA) wrapped up its annual ESX conference June 8-10 at a new location in Fort Worth, Texas, with keynote speakers, educational sessions, networking events, exhibitions, awards and the installation of new officers. Logging its ninth year, ESX is jointly owned and sponsored by ESA and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). This year’s show hosted some 2,000 security industry companies and personnel as well as central station owners, while some 200 exhibitors participated. Marshall Marinace, outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer of ESA and the President of Marshall Alarm Systems Corp., Yorktown Heights, New York, received one of the association’s highest accolades, named as the 2015 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year. ESA welcomes four new board members In addition, ESA installed Angela White as the 2016-2018 president. White, who is an equity partner and the Executive Vice President of Central 1 Security in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is currently Vice President, President-elect of ESA and will take office July 1. Other board members elected include: Vice President Tim Creenan, Chief Executive Officer of Amherst Alarm, Amherst, New York; Vice President Chris Mosley, President of Complete Security Systems Inc., Marlboro, New Jersey; Vice President G. Thomas Eggebrecht PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bonds Alarm Co., Phoenix; and Secretary Jon Sargent, Industry Relations/Government Affairs, Tyco Integrated Security, Hayward, California. In addition, Ken Nelson, Vice President of OEM sales for Interlogix, Lincolnton, North Carolina, was re-elected to a two-year term as an associate member representative. Marinace will continue to serve on the Executive Committee for two years as immediate past president. “I look forward to focusing on the full deployment and success of the programmes and initiatives ESA has embarked upon over the last few years”, commented ESA President, Angela White Impressive industry credentials White is a 30-year veteran of the electronic security industry whose background includes positions as installer, service technician, sales, general management and company owner. She also was the founder and previous owner of Pro-Tech Systems of Vermont, where she co-authored state licensing as the president of Vermont ESA. White says no other event comes close to providing the inclusive professional experience of ESX. “ESX remains a personal event that gives dealers direct access to vendors and allows for one-on-one discovery of new products and solutions," says White. "The ESX Innovation Awards and TechVision Challenge have really gained momentum over the last couple of years, and that is evidence of the vibrant ecosystem that the show creates within the channel. I left ESX inspired and excited about where our industry is headed and what that means for my business." As president, White says she will focus on the future of the organisation and continuing its legacy. “ESA has an incredibly strong foundation that was constructed by the diligence of those who proceeded me," she adds. "In collaboration with other team members and our professional partners, I look forward to focusing on the full deployment and success of the programs and initiatives ESA has embarked upon over the last few years. Specifically, these include enhancements to the quality training and insurance solutions we provide along with the ESA mentorship programme and workforce development project for the industry. "ESA has dramatically raised the bar as it relates to the value delivered to members, and we will continue to do so. This will ensure continued success as the number one trade association in our field. In addition, the inclusion of our rising leaders for new ideas, energy and vision will position them for leadership roles within ESA and our industry and will provide current leaders comfort in knowing that the association will thrive.”