One of the most fascinating and beloved films in American cinema history is “It’s a Wonderful Life.” In it, George Bailey (James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls where he dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his father’s business, Bailey Building & Loan. Frustrated by his life and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. However, a heavenly angel arrives to show him a vision of what the world would have been like if he had never been born.

Ever wonder how things might have been different in our industry if a particular person had not existed? We have. In fact, we believe it is the truest measure of a person’s impact and importance. History is built upon the work of many, but it’s the decisions of a select few whose actions can ultimately determine the fate of a given enterprise or industry. That’s why this month, we are inducting six more people who changed the course of security into the SSI Hall of Fame, where accomplishments — not popularity or politics — serve as the overriding criteria.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to attend the Barnes, Buchanan & Mallon Conference in Palm Beach, Fla. The event primarily attracts those involved in investment banking, acquisitions, divestitures and other financial services to the security alarm industry. It was there I had the pleasure of meeting with two of the six individuals who will be inducted into the SSI Hall — Michael Barnes and Jim Covert. Both individuals were facilitators heavily involved in huge financial transactions that have changed the landscape of the security industry forever. This year’s other deserving individuals are Bill Bozeman, Alan Forman, Sandra Jones and Stan Martin (see story here).

We will continue to honor our industry’s most distinguished figures each year, but I am here to tell you that for every one of them there are scores of others who are as accomplished in their own right. The fact is that each of us, no matter how insignificant we may think we are, has the power to make a difference. The measure of our humanity has nothing to do with fame or money, but with how we live our life on a day-to-day basis.

Our industry has many everyday heroes who go above and beyond to make their community and everyone’s lives better. This is one of the aspects of our SAMMY Awards program that makes me so proud. Each year, we receive entries from dozens of companies, large and small, that exemplify professionalism in their sales, marketing and installation efforts.

These are folks who are committed to being the best they can be for their business, their customers and the industry.

Those mostly unsung individuals and companies will receive their just due at the 10th Annual SAMMY Awards reception and presentation, which takes place April 5 at 4:30 p.m. in Room 601 of the Venetian Resort Hotel in Las Vegas. With a combined attendance of hundreds of dealers/system integrators, manufacturers and other industry professionals, this is one event that happens in Vegas where the ideas exchanged surely won’t stay in Vegas!

Among those attendees will be executives from our manufacturer sponsors, whose support makes the SAMMYs program possible. Just like George Bailey, if they did not exist, neither would the SAMMYs! They are a select group that understands there is more to the industry than just promoting products. They understand it’s also about the people who help make them successful and promote a positive industry image. Therefore, I urge you to support those who support you!

Be sure to mark your calendar and make your plans to attend the SAMMYs! It’s a great networking opportunity to witness firsthand how installing companies are succeeding in their marketplace!

 

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