The dictionary defines greatness as, “The property possessed by someone of outstanding importance or eminence.” A more accurate definition might be the innate and/or learned characteristics necessary to achieve exceptional results over an extended period of time. True greatness is realized when certain unique individuals maximize the payoff when their preparedness meets opportunity. And in the electronic security industry, it’s recognized and awarded by being inducted into the SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION Hall of Fame.
Established in 2004 to represent the ultimate recognition for outstanding performance, the SSI Hall of Fame annually enshrines those uncommon people who have etched out an impression within the profession and maintained it throughout an entire career. Inductees are honored each year in an official induction ceremony held during the SAMMY Awards the eve of ISC West (March 31) at the Venetian Hotel.
Without further adieu, the Hall’s class of 2009 (in alphabetical order) is: Allen Fritts, president of Honeywell Fire Systems; George Gunning, CEO of USA Alarm Systems; Ken Kirschenbaum, managing partner of Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum; George Lippert (deceased), co-founder of the Security Industry Equipment Association (later SIA) and Alarm Installer & Dealer magazine (later SSI); and Mel Mahler, chairman/CEO/owner of ADS Security. From fire protection to industry labor and training to alarm contracts and legalities to standards and industry advancement to building a model installing/monitoring operation, these very special people have not only carved out brilliant careers for themselves but in doing so have immeasurably contributed to the betterment of all things security.
“George Gunning has surpassed any definition of the word ‘give’ when it comes to the service he has given to the security industry,” said a member of the Hall of Fame nominating committee, which consists of previous inductees and other industry leaders. Such comments were common regarding all the 2009 honorees. “I can think of few figures in our industry as highly respected and admired as Mel Mahler,” said another panelist.
Like the 41 greats who preceded them into the Hall, this year’s inductees boast unassailable credentials and their industry contributions are undeniable. As the following profiles illustrate, this quintet’s stories are as varied as they are amazing.
For more information on past Hall of Fame inductees, click here.
Allen Fritts
Current Status
President, Honeywell Fire Systems
Why He’s on the List
- More than 30 years of professional service and dedication to the fire and security industries
- More than 25 years in three operating divisions of Pittway Corp., eventually becoming president of Notifier
- Grew Notifier into the largest fire alarm system manufacturer in North America; established its international business throughout the world, eventually becoming president of Honeywell Fire Systems
- Advanced industry unity as president of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and involvement with the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) and Automatic Fire Alarm Association (AFAA)
- Is a Fire Department of New York (FDNY) honorary deputy fire chief, and an FDNY foundation board member
Keys to Success
“Some attributes that have helped me become successful are a very hard work ethic and surrounding myself with the best people. Also, it’s important to become a strategic partner with your customers by demonstrating on a daily basis you’re an essential component of their business. It’s very important the customer views you as an asset and a tool to help them grow their business. If you are successful you will become part of their business and the DNA of their company.”
Working for Iconic Manufacturers
“Both Pittway and Honeywell had/have excellent values and were/are great companies to work for. While each company has different cultures, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they blended and the positive transition. There was an entrepreneurial spirit at Pittway that Honeywell enabled us to continue after the acquisition. Significant R&D and a ‘growth culture’ at Honeywell have made it possible for us to take our business to the next level.”
How Things Have Changed
“Sadly, recent tragedies like 9/11, The Station nightclub fire in Rhode Island and the Virginia Tech shootings have been the most profound. It created a heightened awareness about facility and life safety in everyone’s minds, not just those in the industry. On the positive side, it allowed us to rapidly develop and sell technologies that improved safety that are not just driven by changes in code, but because they are recognized as valuable and more effective security and fire protection tools.”
Something People Might Not Know
He is a volunteer fireman, MRT and officer 
of the Durham (Conn.) Volunteer Fire Company, where he also serves as the Chaplin. Says if his life would have taken a different path he would have been a high school teacher and football coach.
Biggest Wish for Industry Change
“Become so forward-thinking that we create the technology and solutions to avert tragedies, and save property and countless lives. We continue to maintain a proactive approach in our business and strive to achieve this.” Reaction to Being Inducted
“I am honored and humbled. It is always great to receive recognition, particularly from your peers. This recognition is only possible because of all the great people I have been fortunate to work with throughout my professional career.”
George Gunning
Current Status
CEO of USA Alarm Systems
Why He’s on the List
- Extensive dedication to industry trade associations, including president and secretary of the California Alarm Association (CAA), vice president and president of NBFAA, and on the board of directors of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC)
- Developed industry’s first state-approved apprenticeship program in California, now serving as a model nationwide to help build a labor pool of professional, trained installers and establish a workforce development program
- Was part of the effort to unite California regional alarm associations under CAA, allowing them to be associated with NBFAA
- Co-founded the Greater Los Angeles Security Alarm Association (GLASAA)
- Helped NBFAA partner with Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) to establish the Electronic Security Expo (ESX)
- Currently serves on the board of the Security America Risk Retention Group (SARRG), an industry insurance program
Keys to Success
“I have been fortunate to work with some great individuals who volunteer their time and expertise to the advancement of our association mission. One of the greatest challenges is uniting the industry for the common good. In my business, I am grateful to be able to work with my family and the special relationship that developed when Frank Burke and I merged our family-owned businesses in 1998.”
How Things Have Changed
“Digital dialer, wireless systems, video, communicating with central stations, IP — we now offer information services not just monitoring alarm signals. Our clients look for us to help improve their bottom line by offering management tools for their business and video for the home while homeowners are at work.”
Most Memorable Moment
“When the L.A. Police Department wanted to eliminate alarm response, there were those who demonized our industry and blamed us for profiteering, increasing crime and perpetuating a fraud on the public. This had no basis in fact or truth and I told our dealers they are not the bad guys. We play a critical role in public safety and are a
proven partner to those interested in protecting and serving the community.”
Something People Might Not Know
He stops at Nepenthe Restaurant — where his brother sat in on drums for Country Joe and the Fish — in Big Sur, Calif., for lunch each year on the way to the CAA Winter Convention.
Biggest Wish for the Industry
“It is time for our industry to be more proactive in the legislative and public affairs arena. There is an increased interest in regulating our industry; this includes targeting our companies and our customers with unwarranted fees and taxes. We have seen efforts on the local, state and national level, but now is the time to commit to a cohesive and strategic plan.”
Reaction to Being Inducted
“It is very gratifying my peers think I deserve being part of this exclusive club. As a small business owner committed to the advancement of our industry through volunteering and supporting our associations, I hope it will encourage others to step forward and join our cause.”
Ken Kirschenbaum
Current Status
Managing Partner, Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC
Why He’s on the List
- More than 30 years providing legal counsel and guidance to the alarm and security industry
- In 1979, designed his first standardized alarm contract, a commercial lease (then used for all installations and services) for a client who agreed if the fee was less than $100 he would tell everyone to buy it
- His standardized contracts have been used by thousands of alarm companies in every U.S. state, contributing to the establishment of laws and legal decisions coast to coast
- Recurring revenue features in his contracts encouraged alarm company growth and increased value, while the defense provisions enabled alarm companies to retain that growth and value
- Has used his Web site to bring the legal side of the industry and alarm contracts to even companies that might ordinarily be unable to afford an attorney
Keys to Success
“Commitment and hard work; luck too.”
Becoming Industry’s Legal Counsel
“I wanted to be a clinical psychologist specializing in psychoanalysis, but my image of success came from my father who was a litigation partner for a major Manhattan law firm. I’d visit him, see several associates lined up outside his office to see him and watch his phone ring every 30 seconds. It seemed exciting. When I started my practice and began representing perhaps 20 different alarm companies, my phone rang all the time, too. Thanks to this industry, it still does.”
Most Memorable Moment
“Practicing less than two years, I received a phone call in my office as I was busy packing my files to move into my own office to begin my private practice. It was from a claims rep at California Union Insurance Co. asking me if I’d be willing to represent one of my own clients in a defense case. After verifying that he knew who he was actually talking to, I readily agreed. Of course, I won that case and hundreds after it. I still get excited when hearing from a new client, alarm company or insurance company, asking me to represent them; sort of positive re-enforcement for my self-worth as an attorney.”
How Things Have Changed
“The legal issues have evolved in the same way as the first alarm panel, consisting of some circuits on a wooden board, has changed; it’s a lot more complex. The contracts protect the industry and they are constantly under scrutiny. The industry should be careful to use attorneys committed to the industry. Also, alarm companies have expanded their services, become systems integrators and are no doubt well positioned to prosper in a technological age.”
Something People Might Not Know
Besides his expertise in the alarm law practice, he has been a United States Bankruptcy Trustee since 1977. That experience helped round out his perspective on issues important to the alarm industry. Says if his life had taken a different path he probably “would have invested in a few of the new startup alarm companies that retained his services!”
Reaction to Being Inducted
“I am honored. It’s always great to find out you’re well thought of by those who you respect.”
George Lippert
Current Status
Deceased, 1989, Age 66
Why He’s on the List
- Was a founding member of the Security Equipment Industry Association (SEIA), now known as the Security Industry Association (SIA)
- In 1973, as Morse Products’ VP of sales he chaired SEIA’s Standards Committee, helping those standards gain industry acceptance and UL recognition
- Some 30 years after he championed industry standards development, SIA, NBFAA and CSAA are all ANSI-accredited bodies, and UL accepts SIA’s equipment standards as the basis for its testing and listing of security products and procedures
- Got manufacturers and installing/monitoring companies talking to spur joint efforts in false-alarm reduction, education/training and legislative activities
- Was a pioneer in recognizing convergence of technologies and formed early alliances with movements (e.g. “Smart House”) to integrate electronics for interoperability
- Helped finance, launch and contribute content to Alarm Installer & Dealer (precursor to SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION) and its associated THE Security Show expo
Keys to Success
“One word: Integrity. He was a good, kind and honest person who seemed to always refer to anyone he knew as ‘my friend.’ People who had business relationships with him could be confident of him being true to his word; if he made a commitment to do something one could rest assured he would do it. He worked hard, cared about the people with whom he worked, his customers and the industry of which he was a part. He was one of the few people with whom one could do business on a handshake without risk. He was genuine.” —
Dick Lippert, son
Legacy in Industry Publishing
Was the primary investor to help Bob Bargert found
Alarm Installer & Dealer (
AID) magazine — the forerunner of
SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION. Was also instrumental in securing other industry notables, like George Weinstock, Bob Contestable and Tony Schiacci, as investors, and helped Bargert launch THE Security Show expo in Los Angeles. For several years, he contributed a monthly column (“By George!”) to the magazine.
Something People Might Not Know
Considered a “Renaissance Man,” he was a musician, engineer, pilot, radio operator, dirt-bike enthusiast, salesman, manager and golfer. Had he not gone into security, he might have spent his career in electronics manufacturing. The company he founded was initially an electronics entity and developed a small wireless radio in the 1960s.
Fond, Funny Memories
“I have many memories of George. He was my boss, my mentor and, always, my friend. One day at his Country Club in Vista, Calif., we noticed a one-armed man on the golf course. On another visit a few weeks later, I pointed out
that the one-armed man was on an adjacent fairway. George said, ‘Do you think it’s the same man?’ His wife, Doris, told the story of one New Year’s Eve when they decided to stay home. At about 11 p.m., she suggested they go to bed and turn on the TV. At midnight, when the big ball dropped in Times Square, George complained, ‘See, if we weren’t in bed we could be having fun now.’” —
Ron Spiller, colleague and friend, SSI Hall of Fame member
Being Inducted Into the Hall
“He would be honored and humbled to be inducted into
SSI’s Hall of Fame. I am sure that wherever he is today, he is looking down on this event and is extraordinarily happy to find himself once again among his friends.” —
Dick Lippert
Mel Mahler
Current Status
Chairman/CEO/Owner, ADS Security
Why He’s on the List
- One of most successful and highly respected business leaders in the industry, and has devoted enormous energy and time to industry associations and causes
- Brought business skills, including increasing revenue from $30M to $350M+ at Ryder Distribution and profits 30 percent at Comdata, into security industry
- In 1989, with partners Walt Bent and Hugh Van der Veer, founded ADS Security with 2,000 accounts; has grown the business to serve about 70,000 customers
- ADS Security is a model operation that places a premium on employee and customer satisfaction, and its monitoring center is CSAA Five Diamond Certificated
- Dedicated industry efforts include president of CSAA from 2001-2003, and currently serving as CSAA’s representative to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) and on board for the Electronic Security Expo (ESX)
Keys to Success
“A keen eye for new opportunities, including strategic acquisitions, entry into new markets and strategic networking with industry leaders. I am committed to recruiting the best people, training them well, providing opportunities for growth and compensating them well. If you treat your employees with respect and provide the means to earn a good living, not only will they work hard for you but they will be very loyal, dedicated and ensure they build a strong company.”
Participating in Trade Associations
“Today, I am active and equally committed to CSAA and NBFAA. Initially, I resisted joining CSAA until 1996 when my friend Charles Caldwell from Birmingham [Ala.] told me I was making a 
big mistake. He said the networking, business ideas and friendships I would develop would be very significant. He was absolutely right. I am a past-president of CSAA and still serve on the executive committee. I also represent CSAA as a board member of SIAC [Security Industry Alarm Coalition], as well as the representative to the National Sheriffs Association [NSA].”
Most Memorable Moment
“At ADS Security we have learned a lot about our great industry, but perhaps even more about the human spirit. There have been instances where ADS employees have saved lives and property by handling urgent calls routed to our central station. This hit home for Jackie Wornell, director of operations accounting, when her own mother’s life was saved by using a medic alert pendant monitored by ADS.”
Something People Might Not Know
“My goal was to go to law school. I married my high school sweetheart at the end of my junior year in college and my first son, Mike, was on the way one year later. Thus, it was time to go to work and forget about law school.”
Biggest Wish for Industry Change
“Many prospective customers place more importance on their home entertainment system than a life-safety system. We are trying to change this perception through marketing and employee training efforts.”
Reaction to Being Inducted
“Three of the SSI Hall of Fame inductees last year — Bart Didden, Roger Fradin and Richard Ginsburg — are good friends of mine, and I know about their many accomplishments. I find it overwhelming to be included in the same league.”
See these Hall of Famers get inducted at SSI's 14th annual SAMMY Awards ceremony. All are invited to attend this free event on the eve of ISC West in Las Vegas. For more information, please visit www.thesammyawards.com.
Print | posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009 2:32 PM