Electronic Security Association - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has bestowed its National Training School Instructor of the Year honor to Jim Mundy, President of Asset Protection Associates, who stands as a shining example of dedication, expertise, and inspiration in the field of electronic security and life safety. “My first absolute love is teaching,” says Jim Mundy. “I began teaching when I was twelve years old, starting with archery, then later as a technical instructor in the military, eventually making my way to teaching in the electronic and life safety industry.”  Mundy’s Background in Teaching  Not only did Mundy begin teaching when he was twelve years old, but he was also first introduced to the security industry. It was the mid-1950s and there was a man in Jim’s neighborhood selling door-to-door heat detection systems, who pitched the product to Jim’s dad. A seed was planted, and young Jim became curious about fire detection technology. A seed was planted, and young Jim became curious about fire detection technology His school projects through elementary and high school often involved elements of fire alarm, security, and circuitry. Once Jim graduated from high school, he did a three-and-a-half-year apprenticeship in the burner boiler field. There he used circuits very similar to those used in fire alarm systems. Then Jim joined the military, where he became a circuitry instructor in the Air Force. NFPA Technical Committee work After his time in the military, Jim taught classes at The City University of New York in the areas of HVAC controls, fire alarms, and security. After spending thirty-five years in corporate America in 1999 he started his own company where he integrated building systems with a focus in fire alarms. Jim always found interest in the codes and standards for these processes in the industry. He decided to get involved in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee work and taught it to many organizations. Since 1992, Jim has been a dedicated ESA National Training School (NTS) Instructor. "I love engaging with people and watching all the light bulbs come on. ESA does an excellent job teaching code through its programs. They work really hard to make it simple, so people understand it. It is important to not make it complicated and instead make it meaningful,” says Jim. “If you understand the concept and ideas, you can always read the code and the technical stuff.” Sales is Teaching  Paul and I worked together on licensing and training issues in New York State while I was Chair One thing that Jim noticed during his time as a sales manager was the best salespeople he hired were individuals who had teaching degrees or equivalent experience. "Sales is about teaching. It is not simply about selling a deal. It is a matter of communicating in a way that helps people understand what we are trying to provide them. If they don't understand the idea, then you are going to have a bad sale,” explains Jim.  When asked about how he felt about being awarded ESA’s NTS Instructor of the Year award Jim answered, “The answer in short is “Wow!” I was very profoundly humbled and did not expect to receive this honor. The person for whom this award is named is Paul Barran. Paul and I worked together on licensing and training issues in New York State while I was Chair of the NYS Licensing Board.” Real-world applications and implications Jim Mundy's journey as an instructor is characterized by his unwavering passion for teaching and his commitment to fostering an enriching learning experience. He consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that his students not only grasp the technical aspects but also develop a deep understanding of its real-world applications and implications. His ability to communicate complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm has earned him the admiration of countless students.  True mark of a special educator is one’s ability to inspire lifelong wisdom and unique growth A true mark of an outstanding educator is one’s ability to inspire lifelong learning and personal growth. By encouraging students to engage with the subject matter beyond the classroom, Jim Mundy fostered a sense of ownership and passion for each one’s own learning journey. In fact, Jim’s mantra has always been, “A day without learning is a waste of twenty-four hours.” This is applicable not only to training but to life in general. Jim Mundy's impact extends far beyond the duration of his courses, as he instilled in his students a curiosity and eagerness to continue exploring and expanding their horizons. His tells everyone that each should not lose a sense of wonder. overall vitality of the security industry  Additionally, Jim’s emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability has equipped his students with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing field. Jim has contributed to the overall vitality of the security industry by producing well-rounded and forward-thinking professionals.  ESA would like to thank Jim Mundy for his 60 years of service and excellence in instructing within the industry and congratulate him on his upcoming retirement.

ESA is pleased to announce its new VP of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Jake Braunger. With prior experience on the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Advocacy Team and many political campaigns throughout the country, Jake is eager to advocate and educate ESA members about legislation that will benefit the electronic security and life safety industry. “Many legislators aren’t aware of the details and challenges of our industry, which means you as security professionals will have a lot of influence if you get involved and build relationships with them,” said Jake Braunger, adding “I am looking forward to creating those opportunities for you to build influence in 2023 and beyond.” Life safety industry According to Jake Braunger, the biggest challenge for the security industry when it comes to legislation is getting security professional’s voices heard before laws have been passed. It’s important to build an industry profile that bears enough influence for industry experts to weigh in on bills before they make it as far as the governor’s desk for signing. Braunger will lead efforts to effect legislative influence and change for the electronic security and life safety industry in the upcoming years. He encourages ESA members to get involved and stay actively engaged, firmly believing that it will procure more victories for the industry. “We need to advocate on behalf of our members,” emphasizes Jake Braunger, adding “We must explain the industry’s point of view to law-makers who might only be hearing from one voice at a union or a different company.” Develop stronger influence ESA’s leadership team, along with its Board of Directors, is excited to welcome Jake to the team “We also need to help provide education for people outside our industry and within, particularly on the local level, to better understand the industry’s various elements and why they are so important,” according to Jake Braunger, “If you don’t show up to the table when you’re needed, then other people will put you on the menu. Because everyone wants to limit their competition.” ESA’s leadership team, along with its Board of Directors, is excited to welcome Jake to the team, confident that his expertise in politics and passion for the security industry’s position will help to develop stronger influence on the political front. Better regulatory environment “On behalf of the ESA Government Affairs Committee, I couldn’t be prouder to welcome Jake to ESA,” affirms Holly Borgmann, Vice President of Government Affairs for ADT and Chair of ESA’s Government Affairs Committee, adding “We look forward to building an even better regulatory environment for the security and public safety community under his leadership.” “I am confident Jake will be an excellent addition to our professional staff — and a strong asset to lead ESA’s advocacy efforts moving forward,” says ESA’s CEO, Merlin Guilbeau.

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA) are part of a community of security professionals unified by the mission of keeping people and property safe. Following inexplicable and senseless school security tragedies that occur far too often in this nation, most recently in Uvalde, Texas, they commit themselves to support reasonable initiatives to protect young children who simply deserve a safe place to learn. They recognize that there is not a single solution to preventing incidents of school violence, but the nation clearly needs to do more. Address security vulnerabilities The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is one such measure that deserves support in Congress. The members support a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to bolstering school safety and security. Modern, effective security infrastructure is just one of many essential components to a comprehensive approach to school safety – but it’s a critical one. When other prevention efforts fail, measures that address security vulnerabilities can help deter, limit and enhance the response to school violence. People, process, training and technology are complementary components of a school security They all agree that schools should be the safest places children can be – safer than any other environments outside of their homes. Yet many schools still struggle with the cost of meeting security needs, as well as effectively implementing the right policies and procedures that are critical to the effectiveness of any security measure. People, process, training and technology are complementary components of an effective school security and violence prevention strategy. Addressing critical needs Among its provisions, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act would increase assistance to schools investing in security improvements through the STOP School Violence Act by providing an additional $100 million for School Violence Prevention Program grants administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over the next five years. This vital program continues to receive far more qualified applications than can be awarded with existing funding. This legislation proposes a 40% increase over current funding levels, which will help address critical needs identified by school districts. As part of a coalition of parent groups and organizations from the education, public safety and solutions provider communities, they have long advocated for bolstering assistance through DOJ school safety grants. Safety best practices This clearinghouse provides critical resources for implementing balanced, holistic school safety programs They also strongly support the inclusion of the Luke and Alex School Safety Act within this bipartisan measure. Named in honor of Luke Hoyer and Alex Schachter, two students killed in the 2018 attack at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Luke and Alex School Safety Act codifies the multiagency clearinghouse of school safety best practices and resources provided at SchoolSafety.gov, bolstering this work and ensuring it continues to grow and improve. This clearinghouse provides critical resources for implementing balanced, holistic school safety programs across a range of topics from mental health to school climate and emergency planning. School safety programs Within physical security, SchoolSafety.gov includes the PASS Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 Schools developed by the nonprofit Partner Alliance for Safer Schools. They strongly recommend that all schools and districts download and use these free guidelines as they develop, evaluate and seek the necessary funding to implement school safety programs. In their view, the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act takes meaningful steps that address both threats and vulnerabilities in the nation’s schools and communities. They urge Congress to swiftly pass this legislation, which will make the schools safer and ultimately save lives.