Electronic Security Association - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the nation's largest trade organisation representing the electronic life safety and security industry, announces the formation of the ESA Industry Research Center Advisory Council, a distinguished group of industry leaders who will help guide the strategic direction of the association's research initiatives and ensure they address the issues most important to electronic security and life safety professionals. The Advisory Council brings together respected executives from across the security integration ecosystem to provide industry expertise, identify emerging trends, and help shape future research priorities for the ESA Industry Research Center, including the ESA Industry Performance Index (IPI). The inaugural members of the Advisory Council include: Michael Barnes, Founder, Barnes & Associates Kirk MacDowell, President, MacGuard Security Advisors Scott R. Elkins, Executive Chairman, Zeus Fire and Security Ken Francis, Executive Vice President, Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) Additional Advisory Council members will be announced in the coming weeks. Broader security community "The ESA Industry Research Center was created to provide independent, data-driven intelligence that helps security professionals make better business decisions," said Merlin Guilbeau, CEO of ESA. "Our Advisory Council ensures that our research remains grounded in the real-world challenges and opportunities facing integrators, dealers, manufacturers, and the broader security community. Their collective experience will help keep our research relevant, practical, and focused on the issues that matter most." Serving in an advisory capacity, council members will work alongside ESA leadership and Beacon Economics, the association's independent research partner, to provide guidance on research priorities, emerging industry trends, and topics that can deliver the greatest value to ESA members and the industry at large. Emerging industry trends The council will also provide ongoing feedback as the ESA Industry Research Center expands its portfolio of research, benchmarking tools, economic analysis, and educational resources. "One of the greatest strengths of the Industry Research Center is that it is being built with input from the industry," said Scott R. Elkins, Executive Chairman, Zeus Fire and Security, and a member of the Advisory Council. "This council represents leaders with diverse experiences across the security market, and together we have an opportunity to help ensure the research reflects the realities businesses face every day." Informed strategic decisions The ESA Industry Research Center was established to provide objective economic intelligence and market insights that help security companies better understand industry trends, benchmark performance, and make informed strategic decisions. A cornerstone of the initiative is the ESA Industry Performance Index (IPI), developed in partnership with Beacon Economics. Scheduled to launch later this summer, the IPI will measure the health of the electronic security industry across four key dimensions: business activity and market growth, workforce capacity, revenue and business model health, and technology and AI adoption. By combining independent economic analysis with guidance from experienced industry leaders, ESA is creating a trusted resource designed to help businesses of all sizes navigate an evolving marketplace with greater confidence.

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the nation's largest trade organisation representing the electronic life safety and security industry, today announced the launch of the ESA Industry Research Center, giving the security industry a new lens into performance, growth, and what's ahead. The security industry is evolving quickly, and understanding where the market is headed matters more than ever. The ESA Industry Research Center is designed to give integrators and dealers a deeper, more informed foundation for the decisions that drive their businesses forward. Smarter business decisions Backed by the nationally recognised macroeconomic forecasting firm Beacon Economics and led by ESA Chief Economist Christopher Thornberg, PhD, a founding partner of Beacon Economics and one of the nation's foremost economic forecasters, the Center will deliver meaningful economic and industry insight to help integrators and dealers make smarter business decisions. At the core of the Research Center is the ESA Industry Performance Index (IPI): a composite 0-100 score reflecting the health, capacity, and forward trajectory of the electronic security and life safety sector. Rather than broad economic proxies, the IPI is built entirely around the specific forces that drive performance in this industry. Customer-facing technology The IPI measures industry health across four dimensions. The first, Business Activity and Market Growth, tracks current demand and future trajectory, capturing revenue trends, project backlogs, segment growth, M&A activity, and sales velocity. Workforce Capacity and Pressure examines whether the industry can meet that demand, monitoring hiring timelines, vacancy rates, wage pressures, and the growing skills gap between traditional field roles and today's AI-enabled technical positions. Revenue and Business Model Health looks beyond topline growth to assess the durability of earnings, analysing profit margins, the ongoing shift toward recurring revenue, and contract quality. Rounding out the Index, Technology and AI Adoption tracks the industry's pace of modernisation, from the transition to proactive monitoring and connected systems integration to customer-facing technology and cybersecurity readiness. Broader research initiatives "The ESA Industry Research Center represents a pivotal moment for our industry. For the first time, integrators and dealers will have access to the kind of rigorous, purpose-built economic intelligence that supports smarter decisions, stronger businesses, and a more resilient industry overall. This is exactly the type of forward-looking investment ESA exists to make on behalf of its members and the industry." Kevin Stone, ESA Chairman and COO of Doyle Security Systems Beacon Economics brings nationally recognised forecasting expertise and rigorous quantitative methodology to the ESA Industry Research Center. Working alongside the Beacon Economics team, Dr. Thornberg will provide ongoing economic insights, analysis, and guidance in direct support of the IPI and the broader research initiatives behind the Center. Trusted industry intelligence "ESA has always been committed to equipping the industry with the knowledge and resources it needs to grow. The ESA Industry Research Center takes that commitment further, adding a new layer of economic intelligence that gives integrators and dealers a sharper, more data-driven view of where the industry stands and where it is headed." Christopher Thornberg, PhD, ESA Chief Economist and Founding Partner, Beacon Economics Together, ESA and Beacon Economics are establishing a new benchmark for trusted industry intelligence, designed to give professionals at every level of the electronic security and life safety ecosystem a clearer, more confident view of the trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.

In a powerful show of solidarity, the U.S. security industry gathered for a crucial information-sharing webcast concerning recovery efforts for the Los Angeles-area wildfires disaster. Hosted by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and coordinated by Elite Interactive Solutions Marketing Director Scott Goldfine — with official endorsements from the Electronic Security Association (ESA), The Monitoring Association (TMA) and PSA Security Network (PSA)  Collaborating for wildfire recovery The presentation featured security, law enforcement, local government and construction leaders discussing the current situation, recovery plan, and critical safety and security needs and challenges. L.A. Wildfires Session is dedicated effort to foster a united public-private partnership in response to a historic disaster“L.A. Wildfires Info Session: Overview of Security’s Role in the Recovery & Rebuild” is not sponsored or related to monetary or promotional interests or gains. It is a dedicated effort to foster a united public-private partnership in response to a historic disaster and establish cooperation and best practices to deploy when other widescale tragedies occur. Participating in the discussion Michael Zatulov, President, Elite Interactive Solutions, and co-organizer of the Palisades Rebuild group; his and his family’s homes were destroyed in the fire. Keith Bushey, LAPD Commander (retired); Deputy Chief, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; also served as U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Colonel. Randy Johnson, Managing Partner, RSJ & Associates Development Services; Adviser to Palisades recovery officer Steve Soboroff. Mitch Tavera, Palisades Rebuild member; ex-Police Chief (39 years with El Segundo, Calif., PD). Industry’s role in recovery The Pacific Palisades’ rebuilding process is expected to take many years and faces significant logistical hurdles, including debris removal, infrastructure repair, and obtaining necessary permits and resources.  Through viewing this presentation, security channel professionals hear an impactful and personal assessment of the tragic and devasting wildfires upon the surrounding communities and learn of the opportunity for interested industry stakeholders to pursue a potential role in the recovery efforts. Focused solutions “Being successful is dependent on the unity of the community. They must be informed on how the different facets of the electronic security world can help, from the integration side to the remote guarding side to the traffic control side,” Zatulov said during the roundtable.  “There are political challenges we need to rally the community to work through, and we need law enforcement support. The biggest challenge is to focus on one problem at a time. One solution is better than a bunch of questions.” Stronger together for security Central to overcoming this disaster and ensuring better tomorrows is expanding the co-operative public-private partnership between the security industry channel businesses and law enforcement. Thus, the panelists strongly advocate for a collaborative effort that also includes other government agencies and developers to streamline the rebuilding process and improve security.

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.”