“On the RISE” is a column by the Security Industry Association (SIA) in partnership with Security Sales & Integration, profiling the next generation of security industry leaders. This column is part of SIA RISE, a community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security through networking and career growth events, education and professional development offerings, and scholarship and mentorship opportunities.
For this installment of “On the RISE,” SIA spoke with Devin Gonzalez, video insight product champion at i-PRO Americas.
Security Industry Association: Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career path to i-PRO.
Devin Gonzalez: I’m a passionate professional with a proven track record of success in navigating dynamic environments and achieving success for both customers and businesses. My journey began in customer service, where I honed my communication skills and learned the importance of exceeding expectations.
This foundation fueled my exploration of sales, where I gained valuable insights into customer needs and motivations. I then transitioned into technical roles, where I thrived on tackling challenges and solving problems.
My expertise grew through positions in technical support, training and even electromechanical service, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of customer needs and translate them into actionable solutions.
Today, I leverage this well-rounded background as a product champion at i-PRO. Here, I bridge the gap between customer insights and product development strategies. By actively gathering and analyzing customer feedback, I play a critical role in ensuring our products are designed to not only meet but exceed user expectations.
SIA: What first got you interested in security and safety as a career choice?
Gonzalez: I came into the security field unexpectedly; it quickly became clear it was the perfect fit for me. Through my experience, I’ve gained a deep understanding of security technology. Most importantly, I’ve developed a passion for helping our end users, integrators and dealer partners. I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that keeps people safe.
SIA: Who has influenced or mentored you — either within the security field or outside?
Gonzalez: Throughout my career, I’ve cultivated transferable skills that extend beyond security. These experiences have honed my ability to anticipate challenges, identify opportunities and develop solutions before they become critical.
This proactive approach, coupled with the guidance of Jeff Jostandt and Adam Ring within security, has empowered me to take the initiative, think creatively and gain a well-rounded perspective on business.
SIA: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Gonzalez: Surprisingly, many are unaware that, alongside my passion for sports and fantasy leagues, I also have a keen interest in the stock market and trading. While it might seem like an unlikely combination, I’ve found enjoyment and excitement in both realms. Whether it’s analyzing player statistics or market trends, I thrive on the strategic thinking and calculated decision making required in both arenas.
SIA: What are some challenges and advantages of being a young professional in security?
Gonzalez: There’s a wealth of fresh ideas and perspectives coming from young professionals in our industry. These new voices are vital for innovation and growth. The challenge, however, is ensuring these ideas are heard and implemented, especially when experience often carries a lot of weight. We can bridge this gap by fostering a culture that values diverse perspectives regardless of experience.
SIA: What advice do you have for young professionals just starting out in the industry?
Gonzalez: Launching your career is all about building connections and taking initiative! Network with colleagues by attending company and industry events. Don’t shy away from challenges. Proactively seek out opportunities to learn and grow.
By stepping outside your comfort zone, you’ll open doors to exciting possibilities!
SIA: What do you enjoy most about being at i-PRO — and in the security industry?
Gonzalez: I have a deep appreciation for the culture at i-PRO, which prioritizes the well-being of its employees and customers. At i-PRO, initiatives such as employee resource groups, committees and regular events contribute to fostering engagement, growth and development.
Unlike my experiences at other companies where communication with leadership or higher-ups felt restricted by hierarchy, i-PRO fosters an environment where employees feel comfortable engaging with HR and leadership. Here, open dialogue is encouraged, and seeking career advice or guidance is met with helpfulness and support from all levels of the organization.
SIA: How do you define success?
Gonzalez: Success, to me, is about not just achieving a goal but also taking the journey itself. It’s the unwavering commitment and the lessons learned from overcoming setbacks that truly define accomplishment.
SIA: How do you think the SIA RISE community can help foster the careers of young people in the industry? What does the program offer that is most important to you/your company?
Gonzalez: Through professional development programs, networking events and mentorship opportunities, SIA RISE equips young professionals with the skill sets and connections crucial for success in the security industry.
SIA: What are some key components of your role with i-PRO?
Gonzalez: My days as a new product champion are filled with leveraging my market analysis and user experience expertise. This translates to bridging the gap between what customers need and the evolution of our products.
My focus is twofold: collaboration and communication. I work closely across departments to prioritize features and ensure everyone understands the product vision. This includes internal teams and external stakeholders, who all benefit from clear communication about the product roadmap.
It’s an exciting role, and I’m eager to contribute to delivering innovative security solutions that truly address customer needs.
SIA: You have had a rapid ascent over your few years at the company. Could you speak about your career path at i-PRO and your approach to achieving these new roles and taking on new challenges?
Gonzalez: I’ve embraced a growth mindset and actively sought opportunities. My eagerness to learn and willingness to take on challenges haven’t gone unnoticed. Everyone who knows me can attest to my love for a good challenge!
By diving headfirst into new opportunities, I’ve gained valuable experience and consistently looked for ways to contribute. This proactive approach, combined with i-PRO’s supportive culture, has allowed me to progress quickly in my career.
SIA: You have a lot of background in technical support and engineering. What are some of the most important things you’ve learned in past roles, and how have you leveraged those skills in your security career?
Gonzalez: My background in technical support and engineering has been invaluable in my security career. One of the most important things I learned is to always consider the big picture. In technical support, you rarely see an issue in isolation.
There could be underlying causes, dependencies on other systems or potential cascading effects. This translates perfectly to security, where a holistic view is crucial to identifying vulnerabilities and preventing attacks.
Additionally, my experience honed my ability to think proactively and instilled a problem-solving mindset and the ability to think creatively. Troubleshooting taught me to anticipate potential problems and identify preventative measures. In security, I have used these skills to assess vulnerabilities, implement safeguards and address complex challenges with unconventional approaches.
SIA: What are some ways in which you think the security industry could foster more diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)?
Gonzalez: The security industry’s recognition of DEI as a driver for innovation opens doors. Moving beyond race and ethnicity, a broader definition that encompasses gender, disabilities and mental health is key. To foster this inclusive environment, we can organize awareness-raising events, celebrating diverse cultures and experiences, while spotlighting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
SIA: What key challenges, opportunities and/or trends do you see as most important to the industry, or more specifically to those in the video surveillance space like i-PRO?
Gonzalez: The video surveillance industry is confronted with a twofold challenge: managing data overload from high-resolution cameras and countering cybersecurity threats, all while striving for solutions. However, amidst these challenges, there are avenues for enhancing surveillance intelligence through artificial intelligence- (AI-) powered video analytics and cloud storage solutions.
For companies like i-PRO, this involves refining the development of intelligent cameras that securely leverage cloud infrastructure, while simultaneously ensuring compatibility for seamless integration with broader security systems.
Furthermore, staying ahead of the curve in the development of corresponding video surveillance systems is paramount for maintaining competitiveness and relevance in the industry.
SIA: What has been the most rewarding accomplishment or experience in your career in the security industry?
Gonzalez: One of the most rewarding experiences in my security career has been transitioning from a technical role to product champion at i-PRO. While I enjoyed the challenges of the technical side, I’ve always been passionate about understanding customer needs and translating them into solutions.
This move allowed me to leverage my technical expertise to bridge the gap between what customers experience and how our security products are developed. It’s incredibly satisfying to see customer insights informing product features and ultimately creating a more secure environment for our users.
SIA: What are your predictions for where the security industry may be headed in the next five to 10 years?
Gonzalez: The security industry is on a fast track, driven by AI, automation and cloud adoption. Expect smarter security, streamlined delivery through consolidation and a focus on the holy trinity: security, efficiency and user experience.