There are many reasons to appreciate and like — even love — this great security industry of ours.
The smart, enterprising, ethical, helpful, friendly people it tends to attract are a big reason, as they are woven into the industry’s fabric. The high demand for security solutions, enormous business opportunities and relatively low barrier to entry are other major factors.
Ever-advancing technologies and devices that often are just plain cool make up yet another core element.
Proud to Be a Security Industry Pro
Although all those virtues are undeniably true, most will tell you that fulfilling the security industry’s overriding mission of ensuring people’s safety and well-being is what makes them proud to be a security professional.
Closely aligned with that is deterring — or, better yet, helping to capture — criminals and terrorists, as well as safeguarding property and material assets. Beyond that, there is also satisfaction in leveraging security solutions to produce better business outcomes for clients, as well as lifestyle or convenience enhancements for consumers.
What an amazing industry to belong to (and what key selling points to recruit young talent)!
I believe the focal point of our industry should be achieving results that, firstly, contribute to society’s greater good and, secondly, turn a profit. That mentality is not limited to security solutions; rather, it permeates the culture of many companies within the security channel.
Having spent a quarter-century as editor-in-chief overseeing SSI’s SAMMY (Sales & Marketing) Awards program, and now continuing as an invited judge, I have firsthand knowledge of participating dealer/integrator/monitoring firms making profound impacts within the communities that they serve.
The entries in the Best Community Service Program category are impressive and they will tug at your heartstrings.
Security Industry Could Do a Better Job
Although all that is wonderful, I am also of the opinion that our industry could do a better job promoting itself and becoming more conspicuous to decision-makers in the built environment.
We have made inroads, but in most cases that involve new or remodeling construction, security is — at best — near the bottom of the punch list (and commonly overlooked altogether). The trade associations, particularly SIA, recognize these challenges and are making a difference. They continue to need your active support.
A powerful example of the security industry’s efforts lies in the recent initiative to raise awareness and give the security industry a prominent seat at the table among stakeholders addressing this year’s Los Angeles County wildfires disaster that decimated cities like Pacific Palisades, Calif., and Altadena, Calif.
My company is headquartered in L.A. and its president and family lost three homes in the disaster, so I reached out to my longtime friends at SIA, CEO Don Erickson and senior director of marketing Geoff Kohl, to organize a united industry effort to partner on security and life safety solutions.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, they responded enthusiastically, and a SIA-hosted information-sharing webinar quickly came together. In an inspiring show of solidarity, after I reached out to them, the channel’s other leading trade groups — namely, ESA, TMA and PSA — officially endorsed the presentation.
In it, security, law enforcement, local government and construction leaders discussed the current situation, the recovery plan, and critical safety and security needs and challenges.
Not Sponsored, Not Promotional
Available on demand through SIA’s website or on YouTube, “L.A. Wildfires Info Session: Overview of Security’s Role in the Recovery and Rebuild” is not sponsored, nor is it related to monetary or promotional interests or gains.
It is a dedicated effort to foster a harmonious public-private partnership in response to a historic disaster, as well as to establish cooperation and best practices to deploy when other large-scale tragedies occur.
I urge you to watch the video and, if appropriate, carefully consider how your company might become involved. Please reach out to me if you are interested in participating in an ad-hoc taskforce or coalition.
Between the fire calamity and the World Cup, the Super Bowl and the Olympics being scheduled there during the next few years, Los Angeles certainly has its hands full. Together, let’s show America how and why security should always be top of mind!
