We wrap up our weeklong celebration of the SSI Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2026 with our fifth and final new inductee: Steve Rubin, partner at Bridgepoint Advisors, LLC. He joins Darryl Keeler, John Nemerofsky, Tricia Parks and Ira D. Riklis as the newest members of our ultimate industry honor roll.
The Steve Rubin Hall of Fame File
- Born Dec. 24, 90 seconds from Christmas
- Raised in Chicago with strong Midwestern values
- Parents exemplified an outstanding work ethic
- Sister Bev Davis remains closest friend
- Married to Shelley for 54 years
- Has one son, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren
- Hold an MBA in management and psychology; applies both in client and business relations
- Passionate art collector who enjoys learning about artists; finds art to bring balance to life
- Ran in and completed 25 marathons
- Captain, U.S. Army; trained as medic during Vietnam
- Grateful to have worked with Ron Davis (mentor) and, now, Kelly Bond and Jason Grelle at Bridgepoint Advisors
Why He’s on the List
- More than 40 years’ experience in the security industry, supporting alarm dealers
- Established one of the first franchise programs with professional standards; authored key manuals for alarm dealers
- Supported hundreds of alarm dealers nationwide in improving their businesses through recruitment and training
- Collaborated with National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association to launch ongoing education, including “The One-Day Way to Professionalism”
- Co-founded Security Associates International (SAI), one of the earliest national central stations; later sold to COPS Monitoring
- Co-hosted seminars with a security magazine, introducing recurring monthly revenue to the industry
- Founded and later sold Certified Security & Electronics, gaining valuable experience in business development and transitions
- Created the Management Assistance Program (MAP), the industry’s first consulting package for small and medium-sized dealers; developed seminars on effective communication
- Continued sharing expertise through additional seminars and webinars on building and selling businesses, while also sharing life lessons
Keys to Success
“Communication is essential for both business relationships and personal relationships. Experts recommend listening more than talking; yet, often, the reverse happens.”
“Owners should listen to employees, as valuable ideas can be lost if they’re not heard. This may also discourage staff.”
“Employees should listen to managers to avoid misunderstandings and errors in tasks.”
“Maintaining eye contact and actively listening can foster loyalty in workplaces and help couples navigate challenges in their relationships.”
Enduring Memories
“I helped build four companies, including an alarm company for which my first sale was to a 75-unit townhouse complex. We installed the industry’s first wireless panels, although the antennas initially caused interference between townhouses. With assistance from ADEMCO (soon to be Honeywell) and their technicians, we adjusted the antenna length, resolving the issue. ADEMCO later acquired the product line.”
“Public speaking wasn’t my strength, but I was unexpectedly asked to address more than 100 company owners when the scheduled speaker fell ill. Initially frozen on stage, I eventually found my confidence by sharing my own experiences in the alarm industry, leading to an engaging discussion and a standing ovation. Since then, I’ve truly enjoyed speaking to groups.”
Words of Wisdom
“Apply Kenny Rogers’ advice — know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em — to your business. Assess where you are: launching, growing, struggling or thriving. Is there a clear goal?”
“Step back and evaluate your plan. If it’s not working, develop one with input from employees or consultants. Involving your team builds loyalty and motivation.”
“Finding great people is tough, but mutual trust and loyalty attract talent and enhance your reputation.”
“Don’t wait for permission to make changes; be proactive and drive positive change in your field.”
Making Our Industry Better
“We tried it with our dealer and franchise programs, including national management, sales, operational and technical education — essentially, a national college with regional offices. Although our Management Assistance Program (MAP) helped individual companies, it only reached a fraction of our industry.”
“A well-funded and well-designed industrywide program could solve our fragmentation. Many dealers sell their businesses because they struggle to find and retain qualified staff. A pool of graduates trained by industry experts would help address this issue, allowing owners to focus on growth instead of turnover. It’s an opportunity worthy of continued support.”
Steve Rubin’s Hall of Fame Legacy
“I hope to be remembered as someone who helped people to build and realize their dreams. If people say, ‘That’s what Steve Rubin did for me,’ I’ll be satisfied.”
