Page 34 - Security Today, November 2017

Committee subcommittee.
For more than 25 years, Rob led global enterprise teams that man-
aged complex systems at IBM. He has advanced technical expertise in server architecture, data center management, infrastructure and physi- cal security.
“Rob has the ability to bridge communication between customers and technical professionals,” Nancy said. “This success has contrib- uted to success in serving large customers, such as Morgan Stanley, American Express and Williams Energy.”
The Fords seem to have a match made in heaven, when in fact, it is a match made between IBM and AMEX, where once upon a time, Nancy (AMEX) was Rob’s (IBM) customer. When the couple decided they had had enough of the corporate world, they turned at- tention to owning their own business, Security101 Utah.
“I was very excited to have my own business but make no mis- take, it helps to be surrounded by the right people who understand technology, and have the backing of Security101 corporate,” Nancy said. “We hired the right people, who have been in the security busi- ness a long time. Once Rob and I fulfilled our “tour of duty” in the corporate world, we designed our exit strategy, then began looking for a business that was technology based. At first, it wasn’t security.”
“Once we saw this model, and the support that we would receive, we knew this was the right fit,” she said.
To build a profitable and successful business, Nancy went after some key staff. Carl Berg is the commercial sales director, focusing on commercial client acquisition activities. Berg has successfully implemented programs to key accounts, such as Marriott, Chase, Disney, MGM and General Motors. His designs for integration include Hill AFB, city of South Jordan, Chevron and Kern River Pipeline, among others.
Greg Keele is the director of business development. His designs are found in verticals that include government, healthcare, airport and critical infrastructure.
Ron Cluff is the security sales director, and his expertise for corporate clients is risk assessment and ROI analysis. A few of his keystone clients are The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Shoshone Casino, BP, Haliburton, Baker Hughes and Humana.
Larry Keele is the company’s operations manager, specializing in technical engineering and the latest technical designs. Kurt Hundley is the lead installation engineer and programmer.
Customers are equally impressed with the Security101 Utah mod- el. Chandler Hair, security director at Ultradent met the team six years ago, as the dental appliance manufacturer was switching from an analog system to an all IP network security solution. A worldwide company, Ultradent takes up 500,000 square feet of space in the Salt Lake Valley. Security101 has installed more than 210 card readers to protect the campus environment. The facility has millions of dol- lars’ worth of manufacturing equipment, but also the access control is meant to protect intellectual property as well.
Ultradent has a team of five security officers that are housed in an ultra-modern security operations center.
“Security101 has installed a security system that allows our staff to do their work while monitoring outside and inside our facilities,” Hair said. “We expect our security to do its job, to be discrete. Our security system is anything but orthodox as we modify and change as needed. We have requested help from the Security101 staff and gotten help from them almost immediately. We had the need for a camera installation with only a 72-hour notice, and Security101 came through without question.”
Security101’s staff doesn’t rush into a potential job. Rather, a comprehensive risk mitigation and critical infrastructure report was prepared for the Kern River Gas Transmission Company, which has pump stations located in California, Nevada and Utah. Security101
Utah pulled out all the stops, using a drone to photograph site loca- tions, so the staff could provide a threat assessment. This gave the staff the opportunity to determine what was likely to happen under certain threats, and what the liabilities would be. The report really gave the client a roadmap to build their security strategy. Security 101 landed the account, which includes protection at 11 sites.
Nancy said the company had to go against the grain when bidding on this particular project. It was not awarded to the lowest bidder, but when Nancy and her team gave a sensible alternative where security solutions were able to speak to one another, it made sense, and they were awarded the contract.
Because Nancy doesn’t mind bucking a trend, she is keenly aware of the threat drones will likely play sooner, rather than later. Experts aren’t so much worried about the one drone, one person scenario, but do have valid concerns about the one person and 10 drones flying toward a stadium, for instance. Security101 Utah is currently work- ing with D-drone and Spotter RF to access software solutions, where
Rising to the Top
By Monique Merhige
Women are starting to build a stronger presence in the security industry, however advancing in a male-dominated environment is another story and can be challenging. Elisabeth Afriat is a per- fect example of a woman in man’s world, and she is no stranger to the security industry.
With a Master’s degree in both marketing and management, Afriat entered the security industry 11 years ago as the marketing manager for Evolis Inc., a card printer manufacturer – before becoming the marketing director for Idesco Corp., a security solutions provider based in New York City. She has been instrumen- tal in building the company’s brand awareness and creating new
sales and marketing programs.
“I have always loved this industry.” Afriat said. “Being a woman
in a male-dominated field is a challenge, but it also allowed me to provide a fresh perspective and challenge traditional thinking.”
Recently promoted to general manager at Idesco, Afriat has helped propel the company forward with her unique leadership style. By having a true understanding of how the security technol- ogy works, she was able to work her way up the ranks and help provide unique solutions to customers.
“I am lucky to work with people who have so much experience and knowledge of the industry. Our president Andrew Schonzeit is a true visionary and it is a lot easier to get things done when you work with people who want to move forward and offer the best solutions for their clients,” Afriat said.
She believes that the security industry must hire more women in the years to come. “Our industry helps people in real tangible ways, so we can’t afford to leave women out of the equation. We need everyone’s perspective.”
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry does not have to be a negative.
“Actually, I find it empowering,” Afriat said. “It is an opportunity to stand out and grow based on merit. It is also extremely rewarding as you get to truly help people. I am very confident that more women will be part of this industry in the near future.”
Monique Merhige is the president of Infusion Direct Marketing & Advertising, Inc.
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