Bill Bozeman
SSI Hall Of Fame: 2005
Why He’s On the List:
- Professionalism in standing up for and representing security systems integrators
- Building and growing PSA, a group benefiting hundreds of independent security entrepreneurs and some of the world’s largest systems integrators
- Helping make some of the industry’s best training available to all, while maintaining special benefits for PSA members
- Working with the security consulting community to bring together integrators, manufacturers, consultants and end users
Something People Might Not Know: In the late 1960s, earned a scholarship to LSU as a 220-pound fullback with a full head of hair. The team did very well, finishing the season 9-2. Unfortunately, he was injured during practice and did not play.
Most Memorable Moment: “I had been unsuccessfully trying to sell security in the Louisiana oil fields. I had the door shut in my face 10 times and decided to tell the owner we should give up. But there was one more office left, which I looked at as my last security sales call ever. When I walked in he said, ‘Just the guy I want to talk to. We lost four pumps totaling $50,000.’ A few years later, we were securing Exxon, Shell and British Petroleum, and had increased revenues to $4 million.”
How Things Have Changed: “The entrance of large corporations into the security marketplace and the necessity for technical expertise. The large corporations are changing the landscape, while knowledge of networking and IT is becoming essential to integrators/dealers.”
What the Future Holds: “I see a convergence of access control, CCTV, building management and life safety into a common platform that will be easy to use and able to be monitored from anywhere in the world. I also see big business taking a more active role in the industry, thanks to high growth that will attract more capital investment.”
Reaction to Being Inducted: “I attribute my success to enjoying what I do and not giving up easily. It’s quite an honor to be inducted considering the quality, professionalism and achievements of those who have already been enshrined.”
Career Highlights:
- After graduating from the University of New Orleans, got a job with an audio/visual company
- In 1979, owner agreed to fund his idea for an electronic security division
- Within four years, the security division was as profitable as the A/V business
- In 1986, acquired the company and within two years decided to focus on security, specializing in CCTV and access control
- In late 1980s, bought Dictagraph franchise to cash in on recurring monthly monitoring revenue
- In 1996, sold Dictagraph franchise to The Alert Centre; later sold systems integration company to Pinkerton, where he remained as a vice president
- Became a Certified Protection Professional (CPP) in 1998
- Named president of PSA Security Network in 2000
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