ZBeta, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

ZBeta, a pioneer in delivering comprehensive physical security consulting services, announced that Jaret Alexander has been appointed Vice President of Design Services.  In this role, he leads ZBeta's technical and operational teams, driving strategic growth and operational excellence. He ensures teams are equipped to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions, while fostering leadership development, optimising processes, and working to position the organisation for long-term success. Prior roles held by Jaret Alexander "Jaret has made a significant impact on ZBeta's operational framework, and his success reflects his ability to lead with integrity, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding results," said Jesse Knutson, Chief Operating Officer, ZBeta, adding "His dedication to data-driven strategies and fostering collaboration sets a high standard and ensures we consistently exceed client expectations across the board." Jaret Alexander has more than 20 years of expertise in security technology and integration Jaret Alexander has more than 20 years of expertise in security technology and integration, complemented by a background in the construction and trade industries. Prior to joining ZBeta in 2023, he held increasingly senior-level operations, management, and engineering roles at SAGE Integration, McKenney’s Inc., and U.S. Security Associates.  He holds a variety of licences and certifications, including the PSP certification from ASIS International and the CPSM certification from the Security Industry Association. ZBeta’s mission "Security is a discipline I am deeply passionate about, and I’m excited to support ZBeta’s mission of ensuring security is a cornerstone of business success," said Jaret Alexander. He adds, "I look forward to working with our expert team to further align strategies and improve efficiencies that make us better than yesterday. Together, we will deliver exceptional value to our clients, enhance ZBeta’s competitive advantage, and foster a culture focused on delivering excellence."

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.

ZBeta, a pioneer in delivering comprehensive physical security consulting services, announces the launch of LabZ, an innovative program dedicated to driving the future of security technology through rigorous testing, independent evaluation, and continuous improvement. Designed to be a centre of collaboration for the security industry, LabZ is an unparalleled resource for the testing of emerging innovations, complex integrations, and system and device convergence. Enterprise security programs LabZ is designed to help security pioneers evaluate and analyse technologies to ensure In the modern landscape, businesses are confronted with growing complexities, shifting risks, and swift changes, all of which demand strategic and robust security programs. The need for comprehensive evaluation and understanding of the diverse solutions that serve as the basis for enterprise security programs has never been more critical. LabZ is designed to help security pioneers evaluate and analyse technologies to ensure that they can excel in real-world environments. ZBeta's journey LabZ is the key piece of the puzzle in ZBeta's journey from a technology, services, and system design firm to a comprehensive security consulting provider. It is a proving ground for new ideas, a fully equipped, highly resourced environment where ZBeta can test solutions and address complexities before incorporating them into any system design. By continuously innovating, collaborating, and striving for excellence, LabZ also ensures its evaluations evolve with the security landscape. Challenges and solve problems "LabZ is a centre of collaboration where the industry can come together to evaluate challenges and solve problems," said Zack Brunette, CEO, ZBeta. "As a dedicated space for hands-on testing and concept proving, this initiative ensures that the solutions we recommend and that our clients implement are responsive to business needs and risk, aligned with use cases and operations, and fully optimised. LabZ is a space where we will have the freedom and ability to dig deeper, look further, push boundaries, and pursue fundamentally better results." Integrated solutions LabZ facility features a state-of-the-art testing centre, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas Located in Chicago, the LabZ facility features a state-of-the-art testing centre, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas. This environment serves as a test bed for program goals and evolving client needs, offering multiple engagement avenues for potential clients and industry professionals, and the ability to pilot and demonstrate the integrated solutions that have been fully configured and implemented up to their full potential.  It is also a centre of collaboration, supporting industry discussions, innovations, and strategy development focused on elevating the role of physical security. Several key pillars The foundation of LabZ is built on several key pillars: Testing: LabZ performs performance, and function tests on equipment and integrated solutions, documenting and publishing findings for clients and the industry. Research and Analysis: The LabZ team, made up of expert security practitioners and consultants, collects and analyzes system and program data to identify trends, validate costs and benefits, and support internal and client data collection objectives. Solution optimisation: Develops research-driven consulting, roadmap development, subject matter expertise, and R&D assistance, along with app configuration and solution optimisation. Knowledge Base: The team builds and sustains an extensive, interactive database of security manufacturers, products, and essential features. Industry Collaboration and Thought Leadership: LabZ addresses persistent industry challenges by proposing solutions, questioning assumptions, and issuing constructive challenges. LabZ provides a comprehensive suite of resources, including in-depth content and publications offering insights and findings, targeted testing with practical solutions, extensive market research and industry guidance, and product alerts highlighting emerging technologies and their value.