Force Security Solutions - Experts & Thought Leaders

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.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. proudly announced the commemoration of its 150th anniversary, a significant milestone few businesses reach. Through its long-time commitment to the industry and proactive approach to shaping the future of technology, the company has not only kept pace with industry developments over the years but consistently appeared at the forefront. Recognising employees Commemoration of this milestone has centered around showing gratitude to Konica Minolta’s stakeholders and recognising its employees, the people responsible for transforming the organisation into the company it is. They are Konica Minolta’s legacy, carrying out the company’s long-standing philosophy to ‘create new value for society.’ Organisational culture This approach in turn garners the commitment and loyalty needed from employees to create that value The company enables that philosophy by enhancing employees’ capabilities as professionals, and fully unleashing the performance and potential of individuals and teams. Konica Minolta fosters and maintains an organisational culture that promotes health and safety, encourages individuals to take on challenges, and facilitates open communication. This approach in turn garners the commitment and loyalty needed from employees to create that value and continue to shape the company. Diversity and inclusion “Our people are our single greatest asset, and we work extremely hard to cultivate employees who demonstrate innovative spirit and show true dedication to drive success across the business,” said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, of Konica Minolta. “We are big promoters of diversity and inclusion and making sure that as an organisation, different individuals in different walks of life can prosper here. It allows us to get different viewpoints on ways to approach the business. That has helped our culture ensure an environment where people can flourish and grow their careers.” Dynamic business change The company thrives on combining diverse perspectives with creativity to transform the future of work Through its broad product portfolio, Konica Minolta transforms the workplace experience and drives dynamic business change with solutions, services, and offerings built specifically around how customers and their businesses work. Konica Minolta employees have the opportunity to collaborate with clients around the world to solve society’s greatest challenges. Continually building on its rich heritage as a manufacturer of technology hardware and prominent position as an innovative technology provider, the company thrives on combining diverse perspectives with creativity to transform the future of work and innovate for the good of society and the world. Milestones achieved Some extraordinary milestones have paved the way for the global technology giant since Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic and lithographic materials in 1873. 1873 Konica started business as Rokusaburo Sugiura began selling photographic and lithographic materials at Konishiya Rokubeiten in Kojimachi, Tokyo. 1903 Konishi Honten (predecessor of Konica) markets the “Cherry Hand Camera,” Japan’s first brand-name camera. 1958 Company's first planetarium unit was completed and opened to the public 1962 The first pictures of Earth were taken from space with a Minolta Hi-Matic (during John Glenn’s “Friendship 7” Space flight) 1970 World’s first color copy machine introduced: Konica Minolta’s U-Bix 480 2003 Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc. was established by integrating the management of Konica Corporation and Minolta Co., Ltd. 2005 Released the world’s first Mammography to use phase contrast technology 2007 Withdrawal from photo and camera business 2011 U.S. Division acquires All Covered and begins digital transformation journey ahead of competitors 2013 Company name changed to Konica Minolta, Inc. 2015 U.S. Division launches Step Forward, an initiative to inspire women in professional excellence at all career levels. 2016 The Bizhub PRESS C71cf digital press is the first of many new products that support Konica Minolta’s strategy in the label and packaging industry market. 2018 U-Bix 480 certified as a “Copying Machine Heritage” established by the Imaging Society of Japan (ISJ). 2020 U.S. Division Launches Return to Work solution during the pandemic to assure employee safety when returning to offices 2021 Announces Status as a Microsoft Global Partner 2023 U.S. Division acquires Force Security Solutions Reflecting on heritage and history The company reflects on its journey, having pushed the boundaries of what's possible to make a positive impact Konica Minolta has taken the opportunity to proudly reflect on its heritage and history since the start of its fiscal year on April 1. Earlier in 2023 the company debuted its 150th anniversary video, in which the company reflects on its journey, having pushed the boundaries of what's possible to make a positive impact in the world. The video launched via a global social media effort, with all regions of Konica Minolta aligning with posts simultaneously, another first for the company. Driving positive change Amidst ongoing challenges in the industry, uncertainty in the market, and general concerns about recession, the tenacity of Konica Minolta’s employees shines through. Despite difficulties, particularly in recent years with the pandemic and supply chain issues, the company has maintained the right culture and drive to turn things around. With this track record of perseverance, the company is confident that alongside its employees, as well as its clients and partners, it will continue to drive positive change throughout the world.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Force Security Solutions (Force), a pioneering managed security services provider and systems integrator. Founded in 2003, Force provides state-of-the-art security products and services, including risk assessments, the design and implementation of intrusion detection, access control and IP video surveillance technology. Smart security solutions With an increasingly critical need for more effective physical security measures at organisations across the U.S., Konica Minolta U.S.A. is dedicated to developing and offering smart security solutions to protect assets, staff and operations, and to guard against potential threats and liabilities through its video security solutions (VSS) portfolio. By acquiring Force, an end-to-end managed security service provider, Konica Minolta U.S.A. rounds out its established VSS offering and strengthens its ability to provide managed services and work closer with end customers. Author's quote With Force, we will strengthen our vision for an AI-driven end-to-end secure service approach “Our customers have identified physical security as a top priority for them and the acquisition of Force is a continuation of our focus on helping our customers digitally transform their environments,” said Sam Errigo, President and CEO, Konica Minolta U.S.A. He adds, “With Force, we will strengthen our vision for an AI-driven end-to-end secure service approach to the market.” Cloud/AI/managed services With a shared approach to grow with the cloud/AI/managed services, Konica Minolta U.S.A. sees great synergies for long-term success with Force. The company has a full-service direct integration footprint in the Washington, D.C. area, building a high-value solution-based business across both commercial and government customers. Konica Minolta U.S.A. will also continue to work with other integrators nationwide to provide managed security services. IOT security services Force’s strong customer focus in both commercial and government spaces will enable our VSS" “As a security system service provider, Force’s strong customer focus in both commercial and government spaces will enable our VSS business unit to truly offer end-to-end solutions, using our award-winning AI software and solutions and Force’s strong service-based approach,” said Vijay Raghavan, Senior Vice President, Digital Transformation and Emerging Businesses, Konica Minolta U.S.A.  He adds, “Combined with our already successful VSS portfolio, we look to help our customers execute on the next generation of AI-driven IOT security services.” Electric security technologies Through its consultative approach, Force performs thorough risk assessments and strives to educate its clients on the benefits of effective security processes, policies and supporting electric security technologies that ultimately mitigate risk and exposure for their clients. “At Force, we are laser-focused on providing our customers state-of-the-art, proactive security services and products so they won’t be left vulnerable,” said Ken Kocher, President, Force Security Solutions. “We could not be more excited to join Konica Minolta U.S.A. and be part of its growing video security solutions. This strategic move offers the opportunity to scale our business and meet the needs of the market in protecting the community at large.”