Security Nation Podcast

National Company Director Candidates | Driving Standards, Advocacy, and Scale

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.

Associate Director Candidates | Innovation, Partnership, and Industry Growth

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.

Integrator Director Candidates | Leadership from the Front Lines

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.

AI Is Changing Security Right Now: What Integrators Need to Know

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.

Younger Generations in Security: Steven Swavely on Finding Purpose and Opportunity in the Industry

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.