SIA names Holly Borgmann as 2025 SIA Chair’s Award Honoree

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The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Holly Borgmann of ADT as the 2025 recipient of the SIA Chair’s Award, an award presented annually and selected by SIA’s Board of Directors chair recognizing SIA members’ diligent efforts in furthering the association’s mission and commitment to its future.

SIA will present Borgmann with the award at Security Hill Day, an executive event that raises the collective voice of the security industry with members of Congress and their staff.

Holly Borgmann is the Vice President of Government Affairs at ADT, a provider of electronic security, home automation, and alarm monitoring services. She has advocated for and successfully enacted meaningful legislative and regulatory changes at the state and federal levels to help clear the way for increased adoption of new technology in homes and businesses.

Borgmann spends much of her time focused on public safety policy, data privacy, data security, and other tech issues. A leader in the security industry, she serves on a number of boards dedicated to advancing public safety initiatives and other industry priorities.

Borgmann has been recognized for her contributions to the industry, winning the Security Systems News’ 20 Under 40 award in 2015 and the SIA Industry Advocate Award (then the SIA Statesman Award) in 2017, was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Tech in 2019, and earned a place on the SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 list in 2023. She was also named to Florida Trend Magazine’s Florida 500 list in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and in 2024 she was awarded the Electronic Security Association’s Sara E. Jackson Award in recognition of her work leading the organization’s Government Affairs committee. In addition to serving as secretary of SIA’s Board of Directors, Borgmann is a member of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition Board of Directors.

“SIA’s ability to bring together so many best-in-class industry experts to advance policies, priorities, and best practices helps to make us all safer and more secure,” said Borgmann. “I’m honored to have been selected for this year’s Chair’s Award.”

Borgmann has served on the SIA Board of Directors since 2022 and serves as secretary on the SIA Executive Committee. She has been a key leader and volunteer with SIA, with active engagement in SIA’s Women in Security Forum community and a founding member of the Power 100 subcommittee, dedicating substantial time and expertise to evaluating hundreds of nominations each year for the distinguished award program.

Borgmann is heavily involved in SIA’s government relations and industry relations efforts. She serves as vice chair of the SIA Government Relations Committee, which helps identify and advise SIA members regarding legislation, regulations, and other policy trends or pending government actions affecting the security industry and makes high-level recommendations for related actions, and she has also served as a member of SIA’s SecurityPAC Board of Trustees and the Identity and Biometric Technology Advisory Board. Additionally, she serves on the SIA Data Privacy Advisory Board.

“Holly Borgmann is an inspiring security industry leader who has made invaluable contributions to SIA and the industry through her leadership on SIA programs, committees, and initiatives,” said Scott Dunn, chair of the SIA Board of Directors and senior director, business development at Axis Communications. “Holly’s expert leadership on the SIA Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Government Relations Committee, as well as her dedication of time and knowledge on initiatives like the SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 program and in our member-led advisory boards, have been extremely impactful, and her strong support and advocacy have helped us to further SIA’s mission and push the industry forward. We are thrilled to recognize her with the 2025 SIA Chair’s Award and look forward to celebrating her and her accomplishments with this well-deserved honor.”

 

SS&SI Opens New Distribution Center in Tulsa

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SS&Si Dealer Network has announced the opening of its newest distribution center in Tulsa, Okla.

This marks the company’s third location nationwide, alongside its headquarters in Deltona, Fla., and its “Rocket City” distribution center in Huntsville, Ala. With access to this new location, SS&Si said it can now provide 1-2 day ground shipping to nearly 80 percent of the U.S. population. Additionally, SS&Si Dealer Network has invested in printing technology for the Tulsa distribution center to support its one-of-a-kind branding program. This program allows dealers to showcase their own brand identity with free, full-color logo printing on a wide variety of products.

“This new distribution center is part of our ongoing initiative to bring value-added distribution to dealers across the country,” said Jake Voll, president, SS&Si Dealer Network. “With the addition of the Tulsa distribution center, we’re positioned to offer even faster support to our customers and help them succeed in an increasingly competitive industry.”

The Tulsa distribution center will be overseen by Kyle LaPach, branch manager, who joined SS&Si in September 2024 as a video surveillance subject matter expert. LaPach brings extensive management experience in the security industry and has a deep understanding of the market. As branch manager, LaPach is expected to further strengthen the company’s presence in the area and ensure exceptional service for regional dealers.

“I’m beyond excited to lead the new SS&Si Tulsa distribution center,” said LaPach. “The market here is thriving with incredible dealers, and this expansion will also improve shipping times for our existing partners out West. I’m eager to continue driving excellence and value for our dealers at SS&Si Dealer Network.”

Courtesy of SDM Magazine, 2/20/25.

Guardian Alarm Acquires Frase Protection, Expands Into Tennessee & Mississippi

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Guardian Alarm announced the acquisition of Frase Protection, a security provider serving customers in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Since 1930, Guardian Alarm has been providing security and fire alarm services across Michigan and Ohio. This acquisition marks the company’s expansion into the Southeast, bringing its security solutions to more customers and communities in Memphis and beyond.

“Frase Protection has built a strong legacy of protecting the Memphis community and beyond,” said Brent Uhl, president and CEO, Guardian Alarm. “We are excited to welcome Frase’s customers to the Guardian Alarm family while retaining the trusted Frase Protection name. Together, we will exceed homeowners’ expectations while delivering smarter security to more businesses.”

Jonathan Frase, owner, Frase Protection, said, “For decades, the Frase team has been dedicated to safeguarding homes and businesses across Tennessee and Mississippi. By joining forces with Guardian Alarm, we are enhancing our ability to provide the latest security technology while elevating the customer experience. Our customers can expect the same trusted service from the team they know — now backed by the strength of Guardian Alarm.”

Alarm Lock Introduces New Trilogy Touch Standalone & Trilogy Wireless Networx Access Locks

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Alarm Lock, a division of NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., is pleased to introduce its new TL-Series Trilogy Touch™ as part of its class-leading standalone & wireless networked models. This aesthetic access control solution features a sleek and modern EZ Touch Sense Panel, which has illuminated numbers that light up when touched and dim after use, in place of the standard all-metal keypad, for which Trilogy’s are well known. Like its original products, the TL-Series still offers all the same functionality and operation, weather proofness, and minimal maintenance requirements for the lowest total cost of ownership.

“Alarm Lock is committed to setting the standard for keyless access control locking and reliability. This dedication is underscored by the innovative Trilogy Touch and several more exciting new advances coming very soon”, says Peter Lowenstein, VP of Sales at Napco Access.

Multi-award-winning Trilogy’s have been widely recognized as the leading electronic access control locks in their class, earning the trust of security professionals and that of numerous prominent retailers, major corporations, hospitals, educational institutions, and airports across the country year after year. They are available in numerous architectural finishes, including trendy matte black (US 19), and in cylindrical, mortise, and exit trim models, providing advanced PIN/Prox/iClass access control for every application inside and out.

Ask for Trilogy Touch, available at your local locking distributor. For more, contact your local Alarm Lock Pro, check it out here online: https://alarmlock.com/products/cylindrical-pin#trilogytouch, or at ISC West Booth 12031 in Las Vegas this April.

Alarm.com Acquires CHeKT

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Alarm.com announced a majority-stake acquisition of CHeKT, a cloud platform for remote video monitoring (RVM) services.

CHeKT’s enterprise-ready platform includes subscription-based RVM services that enable central stations and service providers to deliver high-value, proactive, crime-stopping solutions to commercial and residential subscribers.

According to the announcement, CHeKT has cultivated a robust partner base, and the acquisition strengthens Alarm.com’s market opportunity in the emerging professional video monitoring space. CHeKT’s intuitive control room operator interface enables proactive video verification and response capabilities, allowing central station operators to evaluate video alarm events quickly and accurately.

CHeKT’s RVM solution is already embedded into many central stations and offers compatibility with many different video camera brands and other security products. CHeKT will continue to operate independently, and the Alarm.com video solution and the OpenEye enterprise video solution will be fully integrated into CHeKT’s control room software. With the addition of CHeKT, Alarm.com’s service provider partners can deliver an RVM solution to protect any property type.

“CHeKT is a pioneer and a leader in the RVM space,” said Jeff Bedell, president, ventures business and corporate strategy, Alarm.com. “CHeKT’s deep industry experience has allowed them to design a comprehensive product that fits in seamlessly with monitoring station workflows. Their technology has attracted an impressive roster of partners, and we look forward to building on that momentum with the CHeKT team.”

Wes Usie, president and founder of CHeKT, said, “We’re excited to take CHeKT to the next level with Alarm.com. We built the CHeKT platform to help professional security providers deliver a unique and crucial video security solution to their customers. No company delivers on that vision as comprehensively as Alarm.com, making it an ideal outcome for CHeKT to continue to evolve and expand our solutions with them.”

This announcement appeared on SDMmag.com on Feb. 11, 2025.

DMP Introduces DualSIM Communicators

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Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) announced the addition of DualSIM capabilities to several of its communication products. DualSIM functionality allows one communicator to transmit signals over Verizon and AT&T networks — a feature rapidly growing in demand. To meet this demand, new DualSIM versions of CellCom, DualCom and PowerCom Fire are now available.

DualSIM products improve the customer experience with increased reliability and fewer service calls. Dealers can choose to activate one provider or both, eliminating the customary service call needed to change carriers. When both carriers are activated, an improved communication process with additional benefits is enabled:

  • The control panel chooses a primary cell carrier based on signal strength.
  • Every hour, the panel will check the signal of the primary carrier.
  • If the signal strength indicates risk of losing connection, the system checks the secondary carrier’s signal, automatically switching over if its signal is better.
  • During alarm transmission, if a signal fails with one carrier, the system will switch to the other carrier to deliver the message to the monitoring center.

“This exciting feature offers triple redundancy for alarm signals when combined with network communication,” said Warren Hill, executive director of product management at DMP. “When a customer uses DualSIM alongside our exclusive Adaptive Technology, if there are network issues for any reason, the panel will dynamically switch from network, to the primary cell carrier, to the secondary carrier as needed. That’s three ways your alarm message can get through when you need it most.”

If the network communication path is disrupted, Adaptive Technology seamlessly switches to the panel’s cellular path, ensuring constant supervision at the same check-in rate. DualSIM adds a third layer by having another cellular option. Additionally, DMP provides free network communication, enabling dealer partners the ability to increase profitability.

While other DualSIM products on the market check the cellular signal strength once a day, the DMP solution checks every hour—24 times as often as competitors—ensuring reliable and uninterrupted communications to the monitoring center when it matters most.

Learn more at DMP.com/DualSIM-Communicators.

 

RAD Announces AVA Gen 4 AI-Powered Access Control for HOAs and Commercial Applications

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Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD) proudly announced the launch of AVA™ (Autonomous Verified Access) Gen 4, an advanced AI-powered access control solution for both residential and commercial applications. Completely redesigned inside and out, AVA Gen 4 integrates new hardware, an entirely rewritten software platform, and groundbreaking security enhancements to serve a broader range of clients, from homeowner associations (HOAs) to logistics and distribution centers.

Read the full release HERE

SS&Si Dealer Network to Distribute Entrance Control Solutions

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SS&Si Dealer Network has announced the addition of ZKTeco USA’s entrance control and access control products to its growing catalog.

With an initial batch of stock available in their warehouses, dealers can now access ZKTeco USA’s trusted security solutions directly through SS&Si Dealer Network. ZKTeco USA is a global provider of entrance control solutions, offering a wide range of products designed to enhance security and streamline operations. Its lineup includes turnstiles, metal detectors, X-ray machines, and other advanced screening solutions that help secure facilities of all sizes.

In addition to these cutting-edge entrance control products, ZKTeco USA provides a comprehensive suite of access control solutions, ensuring seamless integration and top-tier physical security.

“Entrance control is often an overlooked aspect of a comprehensive physical security strategy, yet it plays a critical role in safeguarding facilities,” said Jake Voll, president at SS&Si Dealer Network. “By expanding our offerings with ZKTeco USA’s entrance solutions, we are equipping our dealers with the tools they need to address this crucial security gap and enhance overall site protection for their clients.”

SS&Si Dealer Network remains committed to providing high-quality security products and ensuring their dealers have access to solutions for every situation. The addition of ZKTeco USA’s entrance control products aligns with their mission to offer top-tier security equipment that empowers dealers to grow their businesses. Dealers can place orders now at shop.ssandsi.com or by reaching out to their account representative.

SS&Si Dealer Network is a trusted national distributor of security and low-voltage products, dedicated to supporting security professionals with top brands, expert resources, and customer support.

For additional information, please contact Tyler Martin, SS&Si Dealer Network marketing & communications manager, at tylerm@ssandsi.com or 1-866-364-0030 x 27

SS&Si Dealer Network has announced the addition of ZKTeco USA’s entrance control and access control products to its growing catalog.

With an initial batch of stock available in their warehouses, dealers can now access ZKTeco USA’s trusted security solutions directly through SS&Si Dealer Network. ZKTeco USA is a global provider of entrance control solutions, offering a wide range of products designed to enhance security and streamline operations. Its lineup includes turnstiles, metal detectors, X-ray machines, and other advanced screening solutions that help secure facilities of all sizes.

SS&Si Dealer NetworkIn addition to these cutting-edge entrance control products, ZKTeco USA provides a comprehensive suite of access control solutions, ensuring seamless integration and top-tier physical security.

“Entrance control is often an overlooked aspect of a comprehensive physical security strategy, yet it plays a critical role in safeguarding facilities,” said Jake Voll, president at SS&Si Dealer Network. “By expanding our offerings with ZKTeco USA’s entrance solutions, we are equipping our dealers with the tools they need to address this crucial security gap and enhance overall site protection for their clients.”

SS&Si Dealer Network remains committed to providing high-quality security products and ensuring their dealers have access to solutions for every situation. The addition of ZKTeco USA’s entrance control products aligns with their mission to offer top-tier security equipment that empowers dealers to grow their businesses. Dealers can place orders now at shop.ssandsi.com or by reaching out to their account representative.

SS&Si Dealer Network is a trusted national distributor of security and low-voltage products, dedicated to supporting security professionals with top brands, expert resources, and customer support.

For additional information, please contact Tyler Martin, SS&Si Dealer Network marketing & communications manager, at tylerm@ssandsi.com or 1-866-364-0030 x 27

Honeywell Announces Creation of Three Separate Companies

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Honeywell has announced the completion of a comprehensive business portfolio evaluation launched a year ago by Chairman and CEO Vimal Kapur and intends to pursue a full separation of Automation and Aerospace Technologies.

The planned separation, coupled with the previously announced plan to spin Advanced Materials, will result in three publicly listed companies with distinct strategies and growth drivers. The separation is intended to be completed in the second half of 2026 and in a manner that is tax-free to Honeywell shareholders.

Honeywell“The formation of three independent, industry-leading companies builds on the powerful foundation we have created, positioning each to pursue tailored growth strategies, and unlock significant value for shareholders and customers,” Kapur said. “Our simplification of Honeywell has rapidly advanced over the past year, and we will continue to shape our portfolio to create further shareholder value. We have a rich pipeline of strategic bolt-on acquisition targets, and we plan to continue deploying capital to further enhance each business as we prepare them to become leading, independent public companies.”

The planned separations of Automation, Aerospace and Advanced Materials will create value for all stakeholders as each will benefit from:

  • Simplified strategic focus;
  • Greater financial flexibility to pursue distinct organic growth opportunities throughout investment cycles;
  • Improved ability to tailor capital allocation priorities in alignment with strategic focus;
  • Focused boards of directors and management teams with deep domain expertise; and
  • Distinct investment profiles that position each company to unlock greater long-term value for shareholders.

Following the completion of the announced transactions, Honeywell intends to be a global leader of the industrial world’s transition from automation to autonomy, with a comprehensive portfolio of technologies, solutions, and software to drive customers’ productivity, according to the company.

Since December 2023, Honeywell has announced a number of strategic actions to drive organic growth and simplify its portfolio, including approximately $9 billion of accretive acquisitions, such as the Access Solutions business from Carrier Global, which was completed in June 2024.

Honeywell Automation will maintain global scale, with 2024 revenue of $18 billion. Honeywell Automation will connect assets, people and processes to power digital transformation, building on decades-long technology leadership positions, deep domain experience, and a vast installed base to serve a variety of high-growth verticals.

“Building on decades of innovation as its heritage, Honeywell Automation will create the buildings and industrial infrastructure of the future, leveraging process technology, software, and AI-enabled, autonomous solutions to drive the next generation of productivity, sustainability and safety for our customers,” Kapur stated. “As a standalone company with a simplified operating structure and enhanced focus, Honeywell Automation will be better able to capitalize on the global megatrends underpinning its business, from energy security and sustainability to digitalization and artificial intelligence.”

In November, investor group Elliott Investment Management, which has a $5 billion investment in Honeywell, sent a letter to its board of directors calling for the company to simplify its conglomerate structure, recommending that Automation and Aerospace be separate entities and be better positioned to thrive operationally.

Honeywell remains on pace to exceed its commitment to deploy at least $25 billion toward high-return capital expenditures, dividends, opportunistic share purchases and accretive acquisitions through 2025. The company intends to continue its portfolio transformation efforts during the separation planning process to enhance the value proposition of each business.

“With today’s action, Honeywell will be separating its Automation and Aerospace businesses into two market-leading enterprises poised for sustained growth and value creation,” noted Elliott Partner Marc Steinberg and Managing Partner Jesse Cohn. “The enhanced focus, alignment, and strategic agility enabled by this separation will allow Honeywell to realize the opportunity for operational improvement and valuation upside. We look forward to continuing to support Vimal and the management team as they execute on the separation and deliver significant long-term value to Honeywell’s shareholders.”

Johnson Controls Announces Joakim Weidemanis as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

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Johnson Controls, a global provider of smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Joakim Weidemanis as chief executive officer (CEO), effective March 12, 2025.

Weidemanis succeeds George R. Oliver following a thorough succession planning process. Oliver, who led the company’s successful transformation into a pure-play building solutions provider, will continue to serve as non-executive chairman of the board until July 31, 2025.

Johnson ControlsAt that time, he will be succeeded as chairman by Mark P. Vergnano, who has served on the Johnson Controls Board since 2016. Oliver will remain as an advisor to the company until Dec. 31, 2025, to provide ongoing support and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Weidemanis is a seasoned operator with a successful track record in leading global technology-driven businesses and delivering profitable growth. He held several executive leadership roles over his 13-year career at Danaher Corp., providing him with extensive experience scaling global companies from a foundation of customer orientation, innovation and efficiency. He most recently served as executive vice president, diagnostics and China at Danaher, where he was responsible for operational leadership of an approximately $15 billion group across eight global technology businesses. Through acquisitions and organic growth, the revenue of Danaher’s diagnostics business grew significantly over a four-year period during his leadership.

Earlier in his career, he held executive positions of increasing operational responsibility at Mettler Toledo and ABB. Weidemanis has lived and worked in the United States, Europe and Asia over the course of his approximately 30-year career.

“The board identified Joakim as uniquely suited to lead Johnson Controls during its next chapter of growth as a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings,” said Jürgen Tinggren, lead independent director of the Johnson Controls Board. “Joakim’s approach to leading service-oriented businesses aligns well with both the Johnson Controls approach and our end-to-end operating model. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated remarkable ability as an operator of large global businesses, scaling both organically and inorganically, and is adept in shaping product portfolios and leveraging technology to deliver best-in-class financial performance.”

Tinggren continued, “As we have made substantial progress in our transformation, George has set the stage for Johnson Controls to capitalize on the opportunities ahead. On behalf of the Johnson Controls Board, we thank him for his remarkable leadership over the last eight years.

“As I come to know Johnson Controls, I am energized by its mission-driven culture and strong 140-year legacy of developing market-leading technology and solutions that enable customers to manage their facilities in a smarter, more sustainable and more productive way,” Weidemanis stated. “I am deeply passionate about leading global technology-driven businesses that help customers advance their goals and make a meaningful, positive impact on society. I look forward to leveraging my experience and the foundation George and the team have built to deliver on the company’s full potential for customers, employees and shareholders.”

“Joakim is the ideal person to lead Johnson Controls as CEO,” Oliver added. “The efforts we have made over the past eight years have transformed Johnson Controls into a simpler, more profitable and faster growing company better able to deliver on our financial and operational objectives. As we build on the Johnson Controls momentum from fiscal 2024, I look forward to working with Joakim and the team to ensure a smooth leadership transition and a promising future for Johnson Controls.”