About 30 security industry professionals between the ages of 25 and 45 gathered here recently to take part in the inaugural Young Security Professionals (YSP) Executive Forum to share ideas and network with other industry managers and executives.
Organized by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), YSP members serve in management positions at installing security and fire/life-safety contractor companies. Launched earlier this year, the program already has more than 200 members nationwide.
Ed Bonifas, vice president of Aurora-based Alarm Detection Systems, hosted the Executive Forum and provided a kick-off dinner and a barbecue lunch for the event, held Aug. 19-20. Bonifas, who is a member of SSI‘s Editorial Advisory Board, along with industry icons Mel Mahler and Bud Wulforst, served as mentors to the YSP team.
The forum focused on effectively managing change, implementing and selling new products, and controlling attrition. It also provided a chance to discuss best practices in a non-competitive environment.
“It was a great experience getting to know this bright group of young people,” says Bonifas. “They have a lot to share, and my hope for the group is that they become a think-tank for the rest of the industry. They can really help us make this industry better and think through important issues.”
NBFAA, which recently voted to change its name to the Electronic Security Association (ESA), created YSP to engage and cultivate younger security managers with the goal of fostering the next generation of leaders in the industry.
