Dive into the fascinating world of the security services industry with Authors Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson in this enlightening episode of Security North and South. In a candid discussion, Mark and Eddie talk to Keith and Michael about their insights from their latest book, Legends of the Security Services Industry: Profiles in Leadership. From profiling legendary figures who have shaped the industry to revealing the leadership qualities that drive success in security services, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. Hear firsthand stories and lessons learned from industry trailblazers who’ve tackled challenges and seized opportunities to make a lasting impact. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone interested in leadership and the evolving landscape of the security services industry. Tune in for a blend of engaging anecdotes, strategic insights, and practical advice that will leave you inspired and informed. Be sure to grab a copy of the book to explore the unique stories of fifteen industry legends, who transformed the industry from early private detective and small night watch companies, into large-scale contract security companies. Get the book here: https://www.amazon.com/-/zh_TW/Keith-I-Oringer/dp/1032259043

https://www.routledge.com/Legends-of-the-Security-Services-Industry-Profiles-in-Leadership/Oringer-Hymanson/p/book/9781032259048

https://legendsofthesecurityservicesindustry.com/

In this episode we explore all things “access control” with the go-to voice for the access control and the smart lock industry Lee Odess, who joins us on location from London. Mark and Eddie chat with Lee about where all good stories start- a lounge in Las Vegas, as well as his #mysecuritystory. Lee also gives his thoughts on the current state of access control technology and where it is headed in the future. And how does Access Control impact ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)? Lee also breaks some news on the next big industry event in the world of access control. About Lee: Lee Odess is a globally renowned access control influencer, thought leader, consultant, speaker, and author who has spent his career reimagining the role of access technology in modern connected living experiences. Lee is a big believer that security goes beyond your front door and that true access means the enablement of spaces. Throughout his career, he has leveraged a number of platforms to help owners and operators adopt the latest technology to provide safe access, deliver innovative resident experiences and future proof buildings. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by modern technologies. Businesses often don’t know where or how to begin. This is why Lee provides a monthly Access Control Executive Brief giving the low-down on all things smart locks, physical security and access. Informed by his deep sector knowledge, these briefs are for those looking to spark their curiosity, informing them on the best way to improve efficiency and revenue. To hear his objective take on updates in the world of security, CEOs, executive teams and anyone with an interest in access control can sign up for Lee’s executive brief at https://www.leeodess.com/.

In this episode, Security North and South tackles the important subject of work/life balance in the security industry as Jason shares some incredible life challenges he has overcome.  From early struggles to find his footing in the security profession, to receiving life-changing news when his daughter was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, Jason shares a message of hope and his advice on maintaining personal and professional priorities. Don’t miss this important discussion…..and do we have our first future President on the podcast….??  About Jason: Jason Sikora is a Security Professional with over 15 years of industry experience, currently serving as Midwest Sales Director for Allied Universal Security Services in Chicago. In his role, Jason has been responsible for functions related to business development, marketing, sales, contract negotiation, strategic partnerships, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Prior to his current role, Jason served as Director of Security & Life Safety for properties ranging in size from 500,000 to 2 Million square feet in both Downtown Chicago and throughout the suburbs. He also currently serves on the ASIS International North American Board.  To find out more about how you can help Jason in his mission to cure Cystic Fibrosis, please visit: 

 https://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/Great...

 https://www.cff.org/

Security North and South dives into a new series of “Security Personality Profiles” with Jeff DiDomenico, Vice President of Business Development at Trackforce Valiant + TrackTIk. Mark and Eddie chat with Jeff about his #mysecuritystory, keeping his finger on the pulse of security Company Owners/CEO’s, and his passion for raising the profile of the Security Industry.  Jeff DiDomenico is VP of Business Development for Trackforce Valiant. Jeff joined Trackforce Valiant in 2000 as a partner & VP of sales & marketing after successfully selling a nationally recognized computer supplies company that he co-founded to OfficeMax. In the following 20+ years Jeff has helped Trackforce Valiant become the leading provider of security management software in North America. Other accomplishments include the Trackforce Valiant Partner Marketplace, the Security Executive Roadshow, and various client events. Jeff is a frequent participant and speaker at security associations, thought leader and content curator. In 2022 Trackforce Valiant acquired TrackTik.  For more information visit:  https://www.trackforcevaliant.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-didomenico/

Mark and Eddie sit down with a good friend, and ASIS International Colleague, Peter O'Neil. Peter shares some updates on ASIS strategy, DE&I initiatives, and upcoming ASIS events.  For more information please visit:
https://www.asisonline.org/
https://securityleadher.org/
https://asiseurope.org/
https://www.gsx.org/

Peter O’Neil assumed the position of CEO of ASIS International in January 2016. Prior to joining ASIS, O’Neil served as CEO of the AIHA, an international professional society representing 10,000 occupational and environmental health and safety professionals globally. In his professional career O’Neil has
become known for transforming organizations by creating high performing, diverse, and inclusive teams and cultures. He has served in several executive volunteer leadership positions over the past twenty years in ASAE, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, for-profit customer advisory boards, and various other association management organizations. He is an author and frequent presenter, facilitator, and speaker at conference events. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and holds a Bachelor of Science in International Relations. Additional post-graduate work was conducted in public administration, knowledge management, and association management.

In this first episode of 2023, Mark and Eddie chat with Graham Hussey about Software as a service (SaaS), its application in the security services environment,  and the challenges of technology adoption and data management in our industry.  Graham also shares his #mysecuritystory and talks about the difference in servicing the protection industry in contrast with other markets he has been involved with during his career.   About Graham: Graham Hussey has worked with physical security firms for over 5 years while working for a SaaS vendor providing workforce management software designed for the security industry. He witnessed these tools evolve during what could be the peak of the industry’s shift towards the latest technology. What began as being the point of contact between the SaaS vendor and security firms shifted into working with the engineers building the solutions.   Having worked directly with but not for security firms, he has a different perspective on the challenges faced by security firms when choosing to deploy new technology and how the relationship with their SaaS vendor plays a vital role in the deployment's success.

For this episode Security North and South hit the road and check in from Sunny California. Mark and Eddie welcome Jon Black, Senior Vice President of HUB International.   Jon is a US Army veteran and former Company Commander who transitioned to the Insurance Industry. Jon specializes in working with private security companies and has a unique insight into how to manage risk, underwriting, and the overall insurance program.  In our first “outdoor” episode, Jon chats with Mark and Eddie about how to approach insurance as a security practitioner, how he got into the industry, and a few tips on how to navigate some of the most common problems.

In this Episode Mark and Eddie tackle Marketing/Branding in the Security Industry. They chat with Suzanna about Personal Branding vs Corporate Branding, using social media effectively, and other great tips on how to get your message out to current and future customers.  About Suzanna Alsayed: She is an Emergency Management and Security Specialist in Toronto with over eight years of diverse experience in roles within both public and private sectors with expertise in facilitating multi-disciplinary projects involving internal and external stakeholders. In 2020, Suzanna founded Hilt International Security Inc., a holistic security firm that focuses on bridging the gap between Emergency Management and Security. She also founded Evolutz Inc., an independent global brand, design, copy, and website development agency. Evolutz’s mission is to help businesses and professionals within various industries, with a particular specialization and focus vis-à-vis tech and security sectors.  Alsayed was named #2 in 2020 for the IFSEC Global Top Influencers in Security & Fire in the "Commercial Security Association Figures/Academics/Thought Leaders" category. Suzanna is also one of the Top 25 Influencers within the security industry as determined by International Security Journal (2021 and 2022), was selected by Security Systems News Top 40 under 40 (2021), Top 30 under 30 Alumni for York University (2022) and was also awarded the ‘’2021 Emerging Leader award’’ by the Canadian Security magazine.  To find out more visit: Evolutz.com