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In The News

Worried Business Owner

Security related business owners juggle high-stakes priorities every day. It's no wonder many find themselves wide awake at 2 a.m. questioning their decisions. See what keeps Kirk up...

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MacGuard Security Advisors proudly announces its advisory role in the recently announced acquisition of Gallaher & Associates by Zeus Fire and Security

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Kirk MacDowell weighs in on the SimpliSafe deal by GTCR LLC, the investment firm that transformed ADT's commercial division into Everon two years ago

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Resideo's spin-off of ADI is drawing attention for its potential ripple effects across the security distribution landscape. Check out what Kirk and others are saying

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Is this an industry turning point for door-to-door sales ethics? Find out what Kirk and others think on the current situation

Kirk MacDowell, two time LSA Global Thought Leader in Security & Life Safety

For the second year, Kirk was named a Top 40 Global Thought Leader in Security & Life Safety by the Life Safety Alliance

eufy video door bell

Whether you want to be notified of incoming packages or guests who have arrived, doorbells are a great way to add additional security to your home

Woman unpacking a suitcase

We use these 11 home security tips and checks for a worry-free vacation

Suburban house

...point their CCTV at my house? Your right to privacy in an increasingly surveilled world

Camera Motion Light mounted on garage

Some homeowners still opt for professional installation, but many choose to install their own systems

Dog walking through a doggie door

Here’s how to keep your home secure if you have a doggy door

Guardian Angel Pepper Spray mounted on inside of door

See how this company's solving a limitation in home security with a physical deterrent that activates before intruders can fully enter a property

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MacGuard Applauds Hakimo's $10.5M Series A Funding Success

House lit up at night

This night time habit might actually be making your home less safe

Man texting on vacation

Address these vulnerabilities and safeguard your home against unauthorized entry and possible theft

Woman opening door at night

These common home safety mistakes about doors, keys, packages and more lead to big risks: Here's how to avoid them

Sunflower Labs Drone & Talkaphone Tower

MacGuard Orchestrates Talkaphone & Sunflower Labs Partnership for Breakthrough Security Integration

Person breaking into home with a crowbar

Even with decreasing rates of burglary in the U.S., according to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, burglary continues to be at the forefront of many Americans’ minds

Hidden camera

Southern California residents have been warned about potential robbers allegedly using security cameras to watch people

Hidden cameras

Criminals in southern California are using the latest technology in a bid to steal from people's homes

White paper planes following one red paper plane

It’s all in your leadership - styles can and should evolve to meet changing circumstances

Marcus Luttrell at AiN event

The annual three-day AiN Live and Learn Conference, in Phoenix, combined education, entertainment and networking

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Those that serve as an ESA Director have the industry’s respect. ESA invites Integrator & Associate members to participate

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Protect valuables, documents and more

The Mirror magazine cover featuring Kirk MacDowell

Relive Kirk MacDowell's Award-Winning Achievement at CAA's Winter Meeting

Hand holding a sphere with the number 2025

Experts share their thoughts on what's ahead

Bosch building

Kirk shares his take on why Bosch may have been exploring alternatives to their current offerings

Kirk MacDowell speaking

SSI Industry Hall of Fame winner shares his thoughts on what to expect in the security industry in 2025

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Shop expert-approved smart locks, video doorbells, and more

Security Nation magazine cover feauring Kirk MacDowell

Bonus issue features ESA's Weinstock Person of the Year, Kirk MacDowell

Outdoor lights

Kirk's advice on the 7 best outdoor flood lights to light up your property

ABCNews shopABC door bell cameras

Kirk shares top tips for choosing a video doorbell and security system

Home lit up at night

Systems without a subscription
to secure your home and save

Doorbell camera

Tested on our front porches.
Keep an eye on your home from anywhere

Woman pushing button on security system

Systems to keep you and your family safe

home security camera

Find out how much a home security system will cost and what factors to consider

home at night

The best places for security lights - crucial advice from a former FBI agent and other experts

Home safe with door open

Alarm systems are great to detect an intruder, but a safe protects your most important items

Kirk MacDowell performing a risk assessment at a school

Technology aims to keep schools safe with smart solutions

Burglar breaking into house

Experts share the nine things they would never do when they leave their house

Residential home model in hands

Kirk weighs in on the 5 security tips all homeowners should know

Graphic showing lock images connected by digital threads

Explore the convenience and potential vulnerabilities of using smart devices and Wi-Fi networks for home security

Top 40 Life Safety Alliance Thought Leader Logo

Kirk was named a Top 40 Global Thought Leader in Security & Life Safety by the Life Safety Alliance

ESA Morris Weinstock Person of the Year sign

Kirk MacDowell honored as ESA's 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the year for his commitment to the security industry

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Members of ESA recently approved Kirk MacDowell as Competency Director

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Among the activities, Kirk MacDowell received the Weinstock Award

Kirk and others in Washington DC for Security Hill Day

Kirk gives us an inside look at the SIA/ESA Security Hill Day, where advocates for the industry descended on Capitol Hill

Graphic showing Kirk MacDowell, recipient of the Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year

ESA announces Kirk MacDowell as the esteemed recipient of the 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year award.

Kirk MacDowell on cover of THE MIRROR

For over four decades, Kirk MacDowell has been an influential and guiding force in the security industry

Kirk MacDowell with Hall of Fame award

Kirk was inducted into SSI's 2024 Industry Hall of Fame, along with four other inductees, at ISC West in Las Vegas.

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The SSI Industry Hall of Fame Class of 2024 dedicated their lives and careers to helping the security industry in many ways

2024 SSI Hall of Fame Recipients

Kirk MacDowell was recently inducted into Security Sales & Integration's 2024 Industry Hall of Fame

Kirk MacDowell speaking

MacDowell to deliver Leadership Keynote at 2024 TMA Virtual Mid-Year Meeting

Residential front door

...front door security. Take steps to make sure it doesn’t welcome uninvited intruders

Boardroom table

The Electronic Security Association announces 2024 Board of Directors Nominations

New Years scene with people holding up candles that spell 2024

We got some insight from Batten Safe's cyber and home security experts on the top trends and threats that will affect American families and individuals in 2024

House with christmas lights

Don't give burglars any gifts this holiday season – make sure your home is secure.

Burglar entering home

A safety expert offers tips on how to avoid becoming a burglary statistic

M2M Services and Alula logos

Kirk's take on the companies plans to join forces to redefine the future of smart security

Residential neighborhood

Follow these pro tips when going away on holiday - secure your home for the holidays and enjoy peace of mind while away

Person holding phone with video surveillance on it in front of alarm keypad

...To your security camera footage? And could they use it against you?

Burglar in home

There are measures you can take to make your home less attractive to burglars. Here are six recommendations from security experts

Happy, indifferent, and angry customers

Find out how to keep your company healthy

ADT Commercial van

Commercial Security, Fire & Life Safety unit being sold to private equity firm for $1.6B

Merlin Gilbeau, Kirk MacDowell, and John Loud

A look at Industry Veteren and award winner Kirk MacDowell's years of service

Kirk speaking at ESX

Kirk awarded the Sara E. Jackson award

ESX Innovation Awards

MacGuard receives ESX Innovation Award for Dealer Services, Customer Experience

Harv’s Cookies recipe

The story of Harvey Eisenstadt, CAA and Sheri's famous cookie recipe

Kirk Receives Moody Award

Kirk receives SIAC award for his passion advancing alarm management and best practice

Carrier HQ building

The company plans to exit Fire & Security, Commercial Refrigeration Business

NRG and Vivint logos

Security insiders share their views

ADT and State Farm logos with man setting home alarm

The recent announcement
that ADT has secured an
equity investment  from State Farm, has the industry buzzing
about bigger things ahead

Crime tape in front of school bus

Leveraging technology to improve safety and security in schools

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Kirk discusses ESA's Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC)

Silhouette of a burglar

Consumer Reports' experts explain the tech and assess the risk of burglars jamming your system

Clock ticking to the year 2022

Security Professional tactics to forge ahead in 2022.

Nortek Control building

The British firm Melrose Industries has reached an agreement to divest Nortek Control 

AT&T Digital Life sign

AT&T informed Digital Life subscribers their 3G controllers will not be upgraded, will have option to sign with Brinks Home

Risk Management graphic

The second in a series of managing risks to your company

Bill Graham

MacGuard Security Advisors Welcomes Bill Graham as Senior Advisor

AIREF and FAST logos

The Alarm Industry Research and Education Foundation reexamined its existing mission and decided on an entirely new direction.

2021 graphic

The security industry proved its mettle by standing strong and supporting safety during a historic pandemic. What are the xpectations, challenges & opportunities for 2021?

Kirk MacDowell on stage speaking

SIAC Board Chairman Kirk MacDowell's message to industry stakeholders

Face of woman on phone screen

Convergence and COVID-19 carve new pathways for security

Risk Management graphic

The first in a series of managing risks to your company

Alula Pro logo

Addressing the ADT/Google partnership, COVID-19, and looking ahead

Crystal ball

Three industry insiders provide their takes on the implications of the Google/ADT transaction on the security marketplace

People in line at a grocery check-out

Providing an exceptional customer experience and upselling are intrinsically connected 

In home sales

Do you know the one question that integrators should never ask their residential security customers?

COVID-19 micro organism

12 industry leaders tell how COVID-19 has forever changed security

Woman wearing mask

Despite major headwinds, experts say the virus may not be a death sentence for alarm companies

Kirk MacDowell

DIY has long been perceived as an enemy to the industry…but it may end up being a savior in the short term

Person working on a circuit board

With China’s manufacturing sector recovering from the impact of the coronavirus crisis, the availability of security products has remained mostly normal

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Veteran industry leader Kirk MacDowell new SIAC Board Chairman

Bubble with title, Part 2: COVID-19 for electronic security companies

How your company can navigate through the process, make consumers feel more comfortable with in-home installation, and expand on residential selling

COVID-19 micro organism and padlocks

You have a unique opportunity to transform your company, and sell to the consumer in a way that they want to be sold to

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Shows a decrease in burglary, increase in motor vehicle theft

An open alarm panel

Integrators can leverage the hype around an alarm panel vulnerability to discuss much-needed legacy upgrades

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The recently announced demise of Interlogix, one of the security industry’s largest manufacturers, isn’t so shocking when you review the warning signs

Man installing security sensor

Wireless edge devices can be an easy backdoor for hackers to exploit. Find out what dealers / integrators ought to be doing about it

Road with the words "Ready for Launch"

10 keys to making the right moves and avoiding potential pitfalls when adding a new
service or technology to your offering

Roadsign with words Outsource and Inhouse

A closer look at outsourced labor – aka, the gig economy – and how it has worked for security integrators

Contractor holding camera up to eye

How contractors can successfully adapt

Kirk MacDowell speaking

Founder Kirk MacDowell has contributed articles on a variety of subjects for online blogs and trade publications, in addition to serving on the Editorial Board for Security Sales and Integration (SS&I) and Commercial Integrator magazines.

 

Kirk is the current home security expert for Batten Safe, as well as an expert reviewer for Money.com. He’s been featured in Time, U.S. World & News Report, USA Today, Consumer Reports, and many others.

“Kirk’s deep knowledge of our industry, paired with his operational and manufacturing background, is invaluable as we face new challenges and opportunities with technology.”

Stan Martin

SIAC Executive Director (Ret.)

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KIRK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN LEADING NEWS OUTLETS, SECURITY PUBLICATIONS, AND WEBSITES
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