Kirk MacDowell Inducted into SS&I’s Industry Hall of Fame at ISC West

Kirk MacDowell, President and CEO, MacGuard Security Advisors, Inc. was announced into Security Sales & Integration’s 2024 Industry Hall of Fame at ISC West in Las Vegas. SSI’s Industry Hall of Fame is one of the security industry’s most prestigious groupings of security professionals, industry legends, and difference makers. Kirk, along with four other inductees—Kelly Bond, Aria Kozak, Andrew Lanning, and Jeffrey Zwirn—were celebrated on the ISC West show floor, a leading security trade event attended by thousands of security and public safety professionals.

“This is a tremendous honor,” said Kirk MacDowell. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it were not for the fantastic community of security industry professionals that I’ve worked with over the past forty-three years who make a difference every day supporting safe and secure environments, as well as volunteering in our important trade organizations.”

The induction came as no surprise to one of Kirk’s role models, Bob Haskins, who was the former General Manager of US Security at GE and United Technologies. “Kirk has dedicated his entire career to the betterment of the security industry. Those of us who have had the pleasure of working with, for and alongside him, have benefited from his vision, dedication, and absolute drive for perfection.”

Haskins elaborated, “On a personal level, having entered the industry from an adjacent space, I was the beneficiary of these skills. Kirk coached me on the importance of understanding and interacting with the various industry groups, how to be connected to customers at all levels and what products and services would best serve the consumer.”

Merlin Gilbeau, Executive Director & CEO at the Electronic Security Association (ESA), agreed that Kirk’s “…achievement is no surprise to anyone. He is an inspiring leader with strong values and a unique ability to foster positive change in individuals and organizations. His career has produced a body of work that is deserving of this distinguished honor.”

Kirk’s early career was spent in law enforcement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s’ Department, where he retired with the rank of Reserve Lieutenant. He then moved on to lead top 50 SDM integrator Post Alarm as well as his own electronic security firm before joining security products manufacturers General Electric, United Technologies, and cloud innovator Alarm.com.

Kirk’s service to the industry has spanned decades and has included the positions of past Board of Director of the Security Industry Association (SIA) and The Monitoring Association (TMA), past Chairman of AIREF (Alarm Industry Research & Education Foundation), and past president of the Los Angeles County Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (LABFAA). He was the former Chairman of the Security Industry Alarm Collation (SIAC), and current Chair of ESA’s Leadership Identification and Nominating Committee (LINC). Kirk was also the recent recipient of two prestigious awards in 2023 including the William N. Moody Award and the Sara E. Jackson Award for his work serving the trade.

“Kirk has been a role model for me in my career,” said Ken Nelson, channel partner manager at M2M Services. “His servant attitude as a leader has always resonated with me as the best way to lead teams. He possesses the ability to be direct and truthful with everyone he deals with whether it’s customers, team members, or peers. He’s also a tireless advocate and has volunteered countless hours to the betterment of the security industry.”

George DeMarco, managing partner at DECO Ventures, credits Kirk as an unwavering source of inspiration and support for security and life safety professionals. “His commitment to integrity and doing what’s right across all facets of the industry is truly remarkable. A genuine thought leader, he propels positive change throughout the industry. And, without fail, he extends a guiding hand to both the next generation and seasoned veterans alike.”

Today, Kirk offers his expertise to the security industry through his consulting services at MacGuard Security Advisors. His personal passion for mentoring others continues with LINC, and he hopes more follow in his footsteps.

“I would love to see more volunteers step up to help mentor others. It’s all about leaving a legacy that somebody else can grab onto for the betterment of the industry,” said Kirk.