Minuteman Security & Life Safety, recognised as the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year, has announced a significant leadership change to fuel its continuing expansion in North America.
Effective from January 1, 2026, founder and current Chief Executive Officer Joseph Lynch will transition to the role of Chairman of the Board. Taking over the CEO position will be Ron Oetjen, who currently serves as the company's President.
Leadership transition plan
This plan underscores Minuteman's dedication to maintaining stable and strategic development
This change in leadership is part of a meticulously crafted succession strategy, spearheaded by Lynch over the past year, to ensure smooth transitions in responsibilities while maintaining Minuteman's strong growth trajectory.
This plan underscores Minuteman's dedication to maintaining stable and strategic development, alongside an evolving leadership team. Established by Lynch in 1988, Minuteman has evolved from a New England alarm installation service into a national systems integrator, boasting revenue exceeding $200 million with offices stretching from Maine to Florida.
Achievements under Lynch
During Lynch's tenure, the company completed seven acquisitions since 2023, unified its operations across the United States, and fostered a culture that prioritises employee growth, customer trust, and community safety. "It has been the honour of my life to build Minuteman into the company it is today," stated Lynch.
"From our start in Massachusetts to becoming a nationally recognised integrator, our growth has always been fuelled by an unwavering focus on protecting people and organisations." He anticipates that Ron Oetjen's leadership will further elevate the company's successes. "As we enter this next chapter, I am confident that Ron’s leadership and vision will take Minuteman to new heights," Lynch added.
Role of Ron Oetjen
Oetjen became part of Minuteman through the acquisition of Strategic Solutions (S3) in 2023. His influence has been instrumental in the company’s swift national growth, cultural integration, and attainment of operational excellence.
Known for his focus on process discipline and employee development, Oetjen has helped secure Minuteman's standing as a respected partner in the enterprise, healthcare, higher education, and critical infrastructure sectors. "I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment in Minuteman’s history," expressed Oetjen, emphasising the solid foundation Lynch has built. He plans to continue the company's expansion, foster innovation, and maintain a relentless focus on customer needs.
Strategic priorities
As Chairman of the Board, Lynch will continue to play an integral role in shaping Minuteman’s long-term strategic goals, ensuring the firm remains committed to delivering reliable, innovative security and life safety solutions nationwide.
In his capacity as CEO, Oetjen will spearhead the next stage of growth, striving for operational excellence and championing a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance across the organisation.
Minuteman Security & Life Safety, the 2025 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year and one of the fastest-growing security integrators in North America, announced a leadership transition to support its next phase of growth.
Effective January 1, 2026, founder and current CEO Joseph Lynch will assume the role of Chairman of the Board, while Ron Oetjen, the company’s President, will be promoted to Chief Executive Officer.
Leadership transition
This leadership transition has been part of a thoughtful succession plan, which Lynch has been instrumental in developing over the past year, to ensure a seamless shift in responsibilities and maintain the organisation's strong momentum.
The plan reflects Minuteman’s commitment to stable, strategic growth and the continued evolution of its leadership team. Joseph Lynch, who founded Minuteman in 1988, has led the company from its beginnings as a New England alarm installer to a national systems integrator with more than $200M in revenue and offices spanning from Maine to Florida.
Under his leadership, Minuteman has completed seven acquisitions since 2023, unified operations nationwide, and built a culture rooted in employee development, customer trust, and community safety.
Nationally recognised integrator
“It has been the honour of my life to build Minuteman into the company it is today,” said Lynch. “From our start in Massachusetts to becoming a nationally recognised integrator, our growth has always been fuelled by an unwavering focus on protecting people and organisations.”
“As we enter this next chapter, I am confident that Ron’s leadership and vision will take Minuteman to new heights. I look forward to continuing to support the company as Board Chairman.”
Acquisition of Strategic Solutions
Ron Oetjen, who joined Minuteman through the acquisition of Strategic Solutions (S3) in 2023, has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s rapid national expansion, cultural integration, and operational excellence.
Known for his emphasis on process discipline, employee development, and a “momentum and moxie” philosophy, Oetjen has helped position Minuteman as a trusted partner for clients across the country in enterprise, healthcare, higher education, and critical infrastructure sectors.
Pivotal moment
“I am honoured to take on the role of CEO at such a pivotal moment in Minuteman’s history,” said Oetjen.
“Joe has built an incredible foundation, and together with our talented team, we’ve created a culture of innovation, unity, and relentless customer focus. Looking ahead, we will continue to expand our national footprint, invest in our people, and lead the industry in proactive, technology-driven security solutions. I’m excited to build on our momentum and deliver lasting value to our customers, employees, and partners.”
Minuteman’s long-term vision
As Chairman of the Board, Lynch will remain deeply engaged in guiding Minuteman’s long-term vision and strategic priorities, ensuring the company stays true to its mission of delivering trusted, innovative security and life safety solutions nationwide.
As CEO, Oetjen will lead the next phase of growth, driving operational excellence, scaling best-in-class practices, and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance throughout the organisation.
