As 2005 nears an end, it’s the time of year when most people ease back from the hustle and bustle of work to focus on family and friends. Personally, I reflect on my own life and determine how I can make it better during the upcoming year, not just for myself but for others. Perhaps this is a good time for you to take stock as well.
Looking at the electronic security industry, I believe all of its problems and successes can be summed up by one thing — personal accountability. If each one of us made a New Year’s resolution to truly do the best we could, we would minimize or eliminate many of the problems facing this industry.
On a daily basis, the power is within each individual to make decisions whether to cut corners or take the time to make his or her work a masterpiece. The fact is that each one 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.
Last month, I was invited to our company president’s home for Thanksgiving dinner. Many people from all walks of life were there. As we sat around waiting for dinner to be served, someone suggested we go around the table and take a few moments to tell what we were truly grateful for and to give thanks.
Well, I consider myself a private person who is not into spilling out my deepest, heartfelt thoughts in front of other people. So initially, my mind went blank! Anyway, as we went around the table, one person said he was a physician who was thankful for his God-given talent to help people with illnesses. I thought to myself, “Yes, of course, I knew he was going to say that — he’s a highly trained doctor! What could I possibly say that could have as much positive, far-reaching consequences as healing people?”
All of the sudden, my mind was no longer blank and the answer was clear. After spending 20+ years working in the electronic security industry, I was grateful to be publisher of Security Sales & Integration, as well as our sister publication Campus Safety.
My job was to assemble and maintain a team of the industry’s finest, most talented and dedicated security individuals to make up our publication’s backbone. Each of our staff members eat and sleep the security industry; it’s not just a “job” for them — all are interested in making our industry a better place. These folks are:
- Scott Goldfine, Editor-in-Chief (18 years in electronic security and journalism) — Well known for producing award-winning editorial, in-depth case studies and industry executive interviews.
- Chris Reed, Senior Editor (12 years in journalism and electronic security) — Expert at ferreting out the latest news stories and business trends affecting our industry.
- Al Colombo, Technical Editor (30 years in electronic security and journalism) — Deciphers the complexities of equipment technology and presents them in an easily understandable format.
- Bob Dolph, Technical Writer (30 years in electronic security installation) — A writer for the sophisticated technician; focuses on installation and troubleshooting tips.
- Joe Freeman, Market Analyst (28 years in electronic security research and consulting) — The industry’s foremost research authority offers insight into developing trends in the security market.
- Bob Grossman, Market Analyst (17 years in electronic security project management consulting) — Bridges the communication gap between installing systems integrators and corporate end users.
- Bob Wimmer, Video Security Consultant (34 years in CCTV technical training) — Known as “CCTV Bob,” this highly respected technical guru focuses on providing unbiased CCTV education.
- Rich Collins, Western Sales Manager (12 years in the electronics industry and B2B magazines) — Expert in helping advertisers realize their full marketing potential.
- Steve Peterson, Eastern Sales Manager (21 years in electronic security and B2B magazines) — Brings firsthand knowledge to sales, having spent many years in wholesale distribution dealing with manufacturers.
This exceptional team of professionals helps make my job easier. Together, we are able to produce a magazine and associated media that I believe is head and shoulders above the crowded field of industry publications, a magazine that first and foremost looks out for security professionals, a magazine that is deeply involved and cares about the industry, a magazine with which I am very proud to be affiliated. For this, I am indeed extremely grateful and thankful.
As 2006 rolls in, I urge you to undertake the same exercise I did and discover what really matters to most to you. I would love to hear your answers.
All of us at SSI wish you and yours a joyous and safe holiday season.
