Security Nation Podcast: Recent Episodes
Electronic Security Association - ESA
Security Nation Podcast is hosted by ESA, and it brings the voice of the electronic security and life safety industry to you! Host Hannah Boone brings on security pros to discuss best practices, real-life experiences, industry forecasts, and more on this bi-weekly podcast. It's the ever-present voice in an ever-changing industry.
The security industry has talked about the technician shortage for years. But what if the solution isn't just finding more people—it's developing them more effectively?Greg Breyer, Vice President of Design and Compliance at Zeus Fire & Security, joins the Security Nation Podcast to discuss workforce development, structured training, AI's role in the field, technician retention, and how security companies can build stronger teams for the future. The episode also explores ESA's redesigned CAT Level 1 certification and how it helps companies onboard and develop technicians with greater confidence.
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 their perspectives on advancing public safety initiatives, shaping legislation, and strengthening industry standards. From advocacy to operational excellence, they discuss how national leadership can create impact across companies of all sizes. Get to know the leaders working to represent the broader industry and drive ESA’s mission forward at a national level.
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 time to schedule a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 candidates bring decades of experience across sales, training, program development, and AI-driven solutions. They discuss how associate members can better support integrators, foster stronger partnerships, and drive meaningful innovation across the channel.
Tune in to hear how each candidate plans to enhance member value and help shape the future of 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 curious about how ESA Membership can power your security business, visit our website at esaweb.org. Take some time to schedule a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 running integration businesses, from scaling operations and driving RMR growth to navigating workforce challenges and emerging technologies. Each candidate shares their perspective on where the industry is headed, how ESA can better support integrators, and the priorities they would bring to the Board.
If you're an integrator, this is your opportunity to hear directly from the voices representing your business and your future.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 using AI to improve efficiency, decision-making, and business performance. The conversation also explores the risks companies face if they ignore the accelerating role of AI in operations and service delivery.
Note: There is a brief section where the audio becomes choppy due to a connection issue during recording. From approximately 2:33 to 4:00, Jeff’s audio cuts in and out slightly.
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 professional growth, we dig into what matters most to younger professionals and how companies can attract and retain Gen Z talent.
Whether you’re a business owner looking to strengthen your workforce, or a young professional curious about the industry, this conversation offers fresh insight into the evolving expectations shaping the future of security.
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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 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 industry events like ESX are crucial for business growth and innovation. We also dive into an important discussion on attracting and engaging Gen Z in security careers—how can the industry appeal to the next generation of talent? Whether you're a seasoned professional or a first-time attendee, this episode offers valuable insights to maximize your ESX experience and shape the future of the industry.
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 and stories of resilience from those on the front lines of the security industry.
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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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-campaign.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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This episode is sponsored by STid:
What if smart security gave you more freedom to focus on what matters most? Stop putting off that dreaded infrastructure migration and let STid show you how simple it can be with a multi-stage upgrade that’s tailored to your particular implementation. Find out more at stid-security.com.
https://twitter.com/StidOfficiel
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stid/?viewAsMember=true
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-aIxWrbZN4GPMbLEJq5qA/videos
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 your security business, visit our website at esaweb.org. Take some to schedule a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
Facebook | Linkedin | Twitter | YouTube
This episode is sponsored by STid:
What if smart security gave you more freedom to focus on what matters most? Stop putting off that dreaded infrastructure migration and let STid show you how simple it can be with a multi-stage upgrade that’s tailored to your particular implementation. Find out more at stid-security.com.
https://twitter.com/StidOfficiel
https://www.linkedin.com/company/stid/?viewAsMember=true
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-aIxWrbZN4GPMbLEJq5qA/videos
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’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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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://alfmad.org/honorandmemorial/support2/#BW2022
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 curious about how ESA Membership can power your security business, visit our website at esaweb.org. Take some to schedule a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 security business, visit our website at esaweb.org. Take some to schedule a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 of Directors of ESA and was the 13th person inducted into the Security Sales & Integration magazine Hall of Fame.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 before entering the MDU market”, which explored the MDU market’s latest trends, go-to-market strategies, and what makes it a unique vertical in our industry. Here go into those topics in more depth.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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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 security business, visit our website at esaweb.org. Take some to schedule a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Pierre Trapanese, CEO of Northland Controls to discuss what it's like being a security integrator company with strong core values, in a world obsessed with safety. They pursue security holistically with their eyes ever-forward, seeking what’s beyond the horizon so that companies can proactively meet their duty of care and take the risks that make sense for them.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Jake Voll, President of SS&si Dealer Network to discuss his experience working for his father's alarm business, choosing a different path for himself in the electronic security industry, and advice he has for family-owned businesses in succession planning.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Stone, COO & Executive Vice President at Doyle Security Systems and Treasurer on ESA's Board of Directors. We discussed some of the insights he shared during the ESX 2022 education session "Labor Utilization Methods – Best Practices to Manage Rising Costs" and some goals he has as the leader of ESA's Finance Committee.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Yungblut, Chief Knowledge Officer of the Electronic Security Association - ESA. Since her arrival at ESA, Michelle has led the overhaul of the ESA National Training School to allow students and companies the ability to manage their training based on their needs and schedules and provide them services that are suited to their unique business procedures. She has worked with subject matter experts to develop career paths and certification tracks for individuals looking to solidify their growth potential.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Scott Hightower and discuss ESA's Executive Management Professionals Group (EMP) and the importance of collaboration and networking. Scott is the President of Verified Security, which is based in Atlanta and specializes in providing managed physical security services for its customer base. He works closely with his team to deliver physical security and life safety solutions to a variety of commercial customers in the healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and office verticals. These solutions include hosted video management systems, cloud-based card access control systems, and remote-managed intrusion detection and fire alarm systems. Scott is also the Chairman of ESA’s Executive Management Professionals Group or EMP Group.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Kirk MacDowell and discuss one of ESA's new Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC). Kirk is the Founder and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors. He brings insight from his time at Alarm.com, top Fortune 100 manufacturers General Electric and United Technologies, a top 50 SDM integrator, and his own electronic security firm. – Kirk now offers guidance on how to innovate, transform, and compete in today’s ever-changing electronic security landscape. He holds an active Security Clearance and provides work to the DoD. Chair of ESA’s Leadership, Identification and Nominating Committee as well as current Chairman of the Board of the Security Industry Alarm Collation, (SIAC).
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with John Loud, President of Loud Security Systems, and discuss his vision as ESA's new Chairman, the challenges our industry faces, and how we should address them
John has served in many leadership roles within the industry and community including President of the Kennesaw Business Association, President of the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Security Association, Vice President and now Chairman of the Board of the Electronic Security Association, and Chairman of the Board for the Cobb Chamber of Commerce in 2020-2022. John has recently received the William N. Moody Award from SIAC which recognizes individuals who give their time and talents to the security industry to address alarm management issues.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Vos and take look at his two years as Chairman of ESA from 2020-2022 and some thoughts on the industry's outlook moving forward. Jamie has been in the industry 25 years and owns and operates Security Solutions NW in Washington State. He started in the physical security world of locksmithing then moving in the fire and life safety space and then settling into the security world. This varied experience gives him a unique perspective on Security helping his team and customers remain secure and on the cutting edge of security.
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 a discovery call with our membership team — you’ll be happy you did.
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