We continue our week of 2025 SSI Hall of Fame inductee announcements with WeSuite co-founder and president Tracy Larson as our latest inductee.
Here’s her story in her own words. The full SSI Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be celebrated at ISC West in Las Vegas next week.
The Tracy Larson Hall of Fame File
- Born in Kingston, N.Y., second of four children
- Father a talented mechanical engineer and wonderful outdoorsman; mother a teacher and homemaker
- Earned bachelor of science in interior design and facility management at Cornell University
- NYC Marathon 1997; several half-marathons with sister Amy; many 5Ks for charities; most recently, The Army Ten-Miler (just for fun!)
- WeSuite, co-founder and president, 2008
- WeSuite, a Valsoft Company, managing director/president, 2024
Why Tracy Larson is on the List
- Security industry veteran for 30-plus years
- SIA Security Project Management Certification Program – course development, instructor since inception
- SIA Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year, 2021
- 3x WISF Power 100
- SIA Women in Security Forum Steering Committee and Subcommittee chair: StrengthenHER, focused on helping women entrepreneurs
- SIA TIME Mentor, four-plus years
- Co-Chairwoman, Mission 500, 2021-2024
- Mission 500 Board Member since 2019
- ESA LINQ Committee Member 2024-present
- Founding member California Alarm Association Women in Security Evolution
- ESX Education Committee Member since 2024
- Speaker ISC West, ISC East, ESX, PSA TEC, Resideo CONNECT, CAA and other industry conferences and events
Keys to Success
“Throughout my career, I’ve embraced change — even when it felt uncomfortable or uncertain. New experiences can be humbling, challenging your character and beliefs. But they also bring a deep sense of accomplishment and invaluable lessons.”
“A solution-oriented mindset has also been key. Problems arise daily, and it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But focusing on ‘the bottom line’ brings clarity, allowing you to move efficiently toward the best resolution. This is especially important when working in teams.”
“Another essential ingredient to success? Showing up with a great attitude. Attitude is one thing we can control. When we recognize that we’re not at our best, we can adjust our attitude by taking a deep breath and shifting gears. Making a conscious effort to reset makes all the difference.”
Enduring Memories
“At my first ISC West, I knew very little about the industry. We came to find manufacturing partners for what was, at the time, a crazy idea: using our private corporate network to create a single access control and badging system for 80,000 employees worldwide. Our integrator partner had a progressive mindset, which fueled my learning and excitement.”
“What I also remember about that event was how few women there were. That memory still resonates with me today. Now, when I attend ISC West, I’m filled with pride — not just for how far we’ve come as an industry but also for the incredible women who are leading by example. I am proud of their achievements, grateful for friendships and thrilled to be part of a community that is raising the bar collectively to benefit the industry and those we serve.”
“I remember the mix of emotions in deciding to leave my solid corporate job to start my own company — twice! The excitement of building something new came with immense pressure to succeed. Thankfully, I had no way of truly grasping the energy, sacrifices and challenges that lay ahead. Carrying the responsibility of employees’ livelihoods, making financial sacrifices and navigating the unknown was daunting. If I had fully understood what was coming, I might have left my dreams in the ‘big ideas’ box. But I’m grateful that I took the leap, trusting only in my belief that I could make it work.”
Tracy Larson Hall of Fame Words of Wisdom
“Time moves quickly. Don’t wait. Say yes to opportunities for growth and surround yourself with people who inspire you to do your best. Take on new challenges, make decisions knowing that you can always pivot and never stop learning. Show up, ask for help and help others. Check in on your goals regularly, and don’t be afraid to change direction. Your career is a journey filled with adventures — embrace them.”
Making Our Industry Better
“Today, I have incredible women friends who have changed the face of the industry and made my career rich and rewarding. We have fabulous organizations like SIA’s Women in Security Forum (WISF) and the California Alarm Association’s women’s group, among others. In SIA Security Project Management classes, women techs and project managers are obtaining certification! I am very proud of the numerous women in the industry in ownership, leadership and active contributor positions. What once felt like a lonely space for women has become an exciting and inclusive industry — and we’re only going up from here.”
Larson’s Hall of Fame Legacy
“If I’m remembered for anything, I hope it’s for my contributions to building the industry, my willingness to help others, my passion for mentorship and my belief in giving back.”
