Security Nation Podcast

In this episode of Security Nation, Kirk MacDowell, Chair of ESA's Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC) and President of MacGuard Security Advisors, sits down with ESA’s National Company Director candidates: Holly Borgmann (ADT) and Brian Robertson (Comcast/Xfinity Home). With deep expertise in government affairs, compliance, and national operations, these candidates share the...

In this episode of Security Nation, Kirk MacDowell, Chair of ESA's Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC) and President of MacGuard Security Advisors, sits down with ESA’s Associate Director candidates: Dean Belisle (DMP), Quentin Gunther (Resideo), and Don Morrow (Highland Tech). Representing the manufacturers, service providers, and innovators that power the industry, these ca...

In this episode of Security Nation, Kirk MacDowell, Chair of ESA's Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC) and President of MacGuard Security Advisors, sits down with ESA’s Integrator Director candidates: Neil Atha (Atronic Alarm), Jordan Jackson (Security Central), and Randall Renfroe (Allstate Security Industries). These leaders live and breathe the day-to-day realities of runn...

In this episode of the Security Nation Podcast, ESA sits down with AI strategist Jeff Schatten, Ph. D., keynote speaker for the upcoming ESX OpenXChange Breakfast, to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the electronic security industry. Jeff shares practical insights on where AI stands today, where adoption is heading next, and how integrators and monitoring providers can start usi...

In this episode of Security Nation , we sit down with Steven Swavely, Distribution Account Manager at Resideo, to explore his journey into the industry and what it’s like to build a career as a Gen Z professional. Steven shares what surprised him most about working in security, the challenges he’s faced, and the opportunities he sees for his peers. From flexibility and mentorship to purpose and pr...

In this episode, we sit down with Kirk MacDowell , Tony Wilson , Colby Monachino , Jana Sherer , and Jake Voll to discuss the contested election for the one open Associate Director position on ESA's Board of Directors. From there, Kirk interviews each candidate about their background in the industry and what they would bring to the table if elected.

In this episode, we sit down with Kirk MacDowell, Jeremy Bates, Melissa Brinkman, Brendan Armstrong, Josh Dice, Peter Goldring, and Ken Kosher to discuss the contested election for the three open Integrator Director positions on ESA's Board of Directors. From there, Kirk interviews each candidate about their background in the industry and what they would bring to the table if elected. Make sure to...

In this episode, we sit down with cybersecurity consultant Fanta-Marie Toure to explore her key takeaways from ESX 2024 and the event’s impact on the security and life safety industry. She shares insights on standout sessions, valuable networking opportunities, and how ESX helps professionals stay ahead of evolving trends and technology. Looking ahead to ESX 2025 in Cobb County, she highlights why...

In this episode of the Security Nation Podcast, we sit down with Will Fleenor, President of Fleenor Security, to discuss the profound impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton on ESA members and their clients. We explore how businesses and accounts were affected, the ongoing recovery efforts, and what can be done to support those impacted by these devastating events. Join us for real-world insights...

In this episode, we sit down with Kirk MacDowell, Dean Belisle, Kelly Bond, Jordan Burnsed, Nick English, and Greg Simmons to discuss the contested election for the Associate Director position on ESA's Board of Directors election. From there, Kirk interviews each candidate about their background in the industry and what they would bring to the table if elected. Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all...

In this episode, we sit down with Aiden O'Brien, Executive Director of the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), to discuss the workforce shortage issues our industry faces, the 2024 Industry Compensation Study, and FAST's mission to address these challenges. To learn more about FAST visit -  www./advancingsecurity.org Make sure to subcribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the vid...

In this episode, we sit down with John Loud, President of LOUD Security Systems Inc. and Chair of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) to discuss FAST's Compensations Study, industry trends forecast for 2024, the Membership Campaign ESA, and ESA's call for nominations on open positions on its Board of Directors.  To learn more about ESA's Membership Campaign, visit www.esaweb.org/membership-c...

In this episode, we sit down with Tracy Larson, Tracy Larson, President of WeSuite, and Kendall Horner, Vice President at Braveheart Sales Performance to discuss their roles as advisors for ESX 2024's Sales education sessions.   ESX 2024 will be from June 3-6 in Lousiville Kentucky. Learn more - www.esxweb.com Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the video version is avail...

In this episode, we sit down with Eric Garner, President of Pye Barker to discuss the company's aggressive and very successful acquisition strategy, along with special considerations of the current economy and the industry's aging workforce. Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the video version is available on Youtube. If you’re curious about how ESA Membership can power...

In this episode, we sit down with Kirk MacDowell, Melissa Brinkman, Brendan Armstrong, Jeremy Bates, April Maloney, Randall Renfroe to discuss the contested election for the Integrator Director position on ESA's Board of Directors election. From there, Kirk interviews each candidate about their background in the industry and what they would bring to the table if elected. Make sure to subscribe, we...

In this episode, we sit down with Kirk MacDowell, Dean Belisle, Jason Lutz, Joe Monachino, and Alex Nitterhouse to discuss the contested election for the Associate Director position on ESA's Board of Directors election. From there, Kirk interviews each candidate about their background in the industry and what they would bring to the table if elected.   Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasti...

In this episode, we sit down with Elizabeth Parks, President of Parks Associates to discuss research on the top trends to look out for in the residential market.  Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the video version is available on Youtube. If you’re curious about how ESA Membership can power your security business, visit our website at esaweb.org. Take some to schedule...

In this episode, we sit down with Merlin Guilbeau, CEO of the Electronic Security Association to reflect on 2022's wins and challenges, industry trend forecast for 2023, and the Membership Campaign ESA is starting to celebrate its 75th year. To learn more about ESA's Membership Campaign, visit www.esaweb.org/membership-campaign.  Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the vi...

In this episode, we sit down with Brandon Wilson, Account Executive at RFI to discuss RFI's recent program to serve and educate people about liver disease and liver cancer. The program was motivated after Brandon's father, Brad Wilson's, untimely passing shortly after being diagnosed with liver cancer. Visit the following link to donate to the American Liver Foundation in Wilson’s honor:  https://...

In this episode, we sit down with Jake Braunger, ESA's new VP of Advocacy and Public Affairs to discuss his background in political campaigns and how he is eager to advocate and educate ESA members about legislation that will benefit the electronic security and life safety industry. Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the video version is available on Youtube. If you’re c...

In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Fleck, President, and Owner of NewVision Security to discuss a recent security system his company installed at his old High School and what it is like being a younger entrepreneur in the industry Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the video version is available on Youtube. If you’re curious about how ESA Membership can power your...

In this episode, we sit down with Paul Hevesy, speaker, author, and Chairman of the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) to discuss the process of writing and publishing his first book, personal discipline, developing inspiration for you and your team, and his long term goals for FAST. Learn more about FAST by visiting advancingsecurity.org Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcastin...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Barnes to discuss ESA's upcoming virtual Town Hall on Tuesday, November 8, and the industry's attrition trends and best practices. Michael is the founding Partner of Barnes Associates, an advisory and consulting firm that specializes in providing acquisition, financing, and valuation services to the security alarm industry. He is also serving on the Board...

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Doctor, Senior Director of Product Management at Johnson Controls, Preston Grutzmacher, Residential Business Leader at SALTO Systems, and Mariam Rogers, Director of Multifamily at Brivo. These Multi-Family experts were presenters at the Electronic Security Expo in June 2022 and they hosted the peer-to-peer education session “Top 5 factors you need to know...

In this episode, we sit down with Troy Iverson from AvantGuard Monitoring and Eric Garner from Pye Barker to discuss new monitoring trends and practices that reduce false alarm dispatches; which lowers attrition and even increases RMR. Make sure to subscribe, we’re on all podcasting platforms and the video version is available on Youtube. If you’re curious about how ESA Membership can power your s...