7 Security Pros Named to SSI Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Seven leaders who have been quickest on the draw and ridden tallest in the saddle of security success are recognized for lifetime achievement by being inducted into the SSI Industry Hall of Fame.

THERE ARE MANY QUALITIES, achievements and paths that can make for a monumental career in the electronic security industry. Cases in point: success and endearment as a video surveillance manufacturing executive; status as one of security’s most significant installation and monitoring business builders; a maverick who brought game-changing approaches to the residential market; a leader who guided security manufacturing businesses to new plateaus of growth and product innovation; a man whose 20+ awards and acknowledgements include CAA’s lifetime achievement honor that bears his name; and executing multigenerational succession planning and earning widespread admiration of business practices. Those impressive accomplishments sum up this year’s roster of inductees into Security Sales & Integration’s Industry Hall of Fame: Frank DeFina, Russ MacDonnell, Todd Pedersen, Kit Vail, George Weinstock, and Bruce and Roger Westphal.

When most people think “hall of fame” they think of entertainers such as sports legends and musical greats. While those are fun and the athletes and artists receiving that recognition have undoubtedly excelled in their chosen fields, it’s hardly life and death. That’s what makes SSI’s Industry Hall of Fame so important and compelling – it honors those whose efforts have had life-and-death consequences. The fact is everyone in all walks and levels of the security/life-safety industry plays a role, some more directly than others, in the noble mission of protecting people and property. SSI’s Hall salutes those who have had the greatest impact.

SSI HOF Class of 2016

  • Frank DeFina
  • Russ MacDonnell
  • Todd Pedersen
  • Kit Vail
  • George Weinstock
  • Bruce and Roger Westphal

Founded in 2004 to represent the highest honor for extraordinary professionalism, conduct and achievement, each year SSI’s Hall of Fame pays tribute to those remarkable people who have had an unforgettable impact on the industry, continuously sustained over the duration of a long and illustrious career. Nominated by past inductees and other luminaries, this year’s seven honorees now join 78 others in the industry’s pantheon. The class of 2016 will be recognized in an official induction ceremony held during the SAMMY Awards the eve of ISC West (April 5) at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Here are some highlights concerning the Class of 2016. DeFina bridged cultures to score success for Panasonic, Samsung and Hikvision. MacDonnell was a pivotal business figure for SecurityLink, Alarmguard and now Rapid Response Monitoring. Pedersen is a disruptive industry force who has led Vivint to a $2 billion acquisition and a million customers. Vail put Silent Knight on the industry map and helped pioneer digital communications. Weinstock’s leadership imprint on top companies like Morse Signal Devices and Protection One was only surpassed by his industry volunteerism. And brothers Bruce and Roger Westphal have exemplified integrity while building Bay Alarm Co. into one of nation’s largest independent operators.

Based on extensive interviews with each subject or their associates, the following profiles encapsulate how they faced challenges head-on, and enriched themselves, those around them and the industry at large. SSI is delighted to officially welcome these pivotal and praiseworthy members of the security community into the Hall of Fame.

Continue to the next page for a profile of Frank DeFina…

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About the Author

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Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].

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