WeSuite - Experts & Thought Leaders

Mission 500, the security industry's nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, proudly announces the appointment of Andre Greco, Co-Founder and Vice President of Xcelerate Sales, to its Board of Directors. With over three decades of experience in the electronic security industry and a strong background in community service, Greco will play an instrumental role in advancing the organisation’s mission. Prior roles of Greco Greco focuses on helping organisations create effective lead-generation programs “It is truly an honour for me to be appointed to the Mission 500 Board,” said Greco. “I’ve long been passionate about the organisation’s work and am eager to deepen my involvement in making a difference in the lives of children and families. I will work diligently to propagate our message and vision inside the security industry as well as to communities at large.” Greco’s career within the electronic security industry has spanned 34 years, during which he has held numerous leadership positions at organisations including Milestone Systems, Hikvision, and Panasonic. As the current Vice President of Xcelerate Sales, Greco focuses on helping organisations create effective lead-generation programs, optimise sales processes, and enhance the performance of sales teams. Mission 500’s board In addition to his industry expertise, Greco has been a dedicated volunteer, particularly in his community of Enfield, Connecticut. He has coached youth sports for eight years, served on the Board of Directors for Enfield Little League, and played a pivotal role in creating the Challenger Division—a league for children with special needs. “Andre's dedication to community service, combined with his professional achievements, makes him a natural fit for Mission 500’s board," said Tracy Larson, President of WeSuite and Co-Chair of Mission 500. “We look forward to working alongside him to further amplify the impact of our programs.”

The PSA Network, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators announced the lineup of sponsors for PSA TEC 2024 (TEC) in Dallas, Texas, May 13-17.  PSA TEC 2024 "PSA TEC 2024 will again be the most powerful event for security integrators, and we have an incredible group of technology partner sponsors that enable PSA to exceed expectations in delivering high-quality educational offerings, networking, and exclusive engagement with prominent industry pioneers,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “PSA unites elite security integrators with the strongest technology partners in the industry, and we look forward to PSA TEC being a platform for creating enduring connections.”   Educational content and networking opportunities Over the four days, integrators will meet one-on-one with technology partners during TEC Talks TEC 2024 is exclusive to PSA owners, members, and sponsors providing premier educational content and networking opportunities between integrators and technology partners.  Over the four days, integrators will meet one-on-one with technology partners during TEC Talks and visit gold, silver, and bronze and tabletop sponsors for product showcases, demonstrations, and meetings.  Event sponsors The sponsors are industry-pioneering manufacturers and solutions providers including:   Gold Altronix Corporation AMAG Technology Hanwha Vision Johnson Controls   Silver   ASSA ABLOY Bosch Security and Safety Systems Eagle Eye Networks HID LenelS2 March Networks Milestone Systems ProdataKey   Bronze  3millID Acre Security Aiphone Alarm.com/Shooter Detection Systems Allegion Alvarado BCD ComNet by acre Digital Watchdog Farpointe Data Guetebrück USA Identiv IML Security Supply Intel i-PRO LifeSafety Power Louroe Electronics OpenEye Safety Technology International SECLOCK Solutions360 Velsea Windy City Wire Zenitel   Tabletop  ALConsulting D-Tools Plante Moran Snellings Walters Insurance Agency SPRX Swell System Surveyor WeSuite Zitko Member support and engagement "We are truly grateful to our PSA TEC 2024 sponsors for their incredible support and engagement with our members,” said Brittany Board, director of technology partners for the PSA Network. “Their contributions are invaluable, and PSA TEC wouldn’t be the same without them.”  Registration for TEC is open to PSA members and provides access to all networking events, meals, and conference courses. 

Valsoft Corporation Inc., a Canadian company specialising in the acquisition and development of vertical market software businesses, is pleased to announce the acquisition of WeSuite, a pioneer in sales management software solutions tailored for the security and technology services sectors. Since its inception in 2008, WeSuite has led the charge in transforming sales management with comprehensive solutions that streamline complex processes. The innovative suite begins with WeOpportunity, a platform designed to boost sales prospecting, lead generation, and pipeline management, positioning businesses for success in a competitive market. Transforming sales management WeEstimate further elevates the suite by offering sales teams control over configuration, pricing WeEstimate further elevates the suite by offering sales teams control over configuration, pricing, and quoting, complemented by a framework for approvals, contracts, and commissions. Additionally, QuoteAnywhere caters to field sales professionals with real-time, interactive quoting through visualisation and product positioning. Collectively, these offerings highlight WeSuite's dedication to innovation by providing the necessary tools for clients and partners to thrive in a dynamic business landscape.  “Our goal is to ensure the future of our incredible and dedicated team, and to continue to provide our clients the best of breed software WeSuite is known for,” said Tracy Larson, WeSuite’s President, and Michael Fazio, WeSuite’s Chief Technology Officer, in a joint statement, adding “We are extremely excited to be a part of a company that will continue to enhance our legacy and has an existing global presence in the security software space.” Security software space Valsoft is delighted to confirm that founders Tracy & Michael will maintain their current roles at WeSuite following the acquisition, ensuring continuity of the exceptional leadership and innovative ethos that have been integral to WeSuite’s achievements.  “We are excited about the opportunities WeSuite will bring to our sales management portfolio,” said Gustavo Vargas, Operating Partner of Valsoft’s operational arm, Aspire Software, adding “WeSuite’s unmatched commitment to client satisfaction, coupled with a strong management team and solid product offerings, will unlock great opportunities for customers, employees and other Valsoft businesses in related industries.” Valsoft acquires WeSuite This latest acquisition marks the first company in the sales management software industry to join the Valsoft family, broadening their solutions within the security vertical. Working with Aspire Software, Valsoft’s operating division, WeSuite will have the opportunity to further strengthen their presence in the market, while being ideally positioned for significant product and service improvements, while leveraging the Valsoft network.

The design of buildings encompasses many elements, from the practical to the aesthetic. Well-designed buildings should be functional, and they can also be beautiful and inspiring. But can security systems and building design coexist and complement each other? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How does building design impact physical security systems -- and vice versa? 

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.