'20 under 40' 2012 - Anastasia Bottos

Anastasia Bottos, 30
Executive VP of business development and acquisitions
Alarm Capital Alliance
Media, Pa.

How did you get into the security industry?

I honestly wasn't on this path eight years ago when I started. When I graduated from college, I was working for a law firm and was having some second thoughts. A headhunter from Alarm Capital found me, reached out to me, and I ended up meeting with Amy Kothari and the previous investors of the company. I was just completely sold on it from day one. I really didn't have a huge understanding of the space when I entered into it, so it was a pretty amazing opportunity. I was the manager of acquisitions; I developed all of the due-diligence criteria.

What can be done to attract more young people to the industry?

I really think that a continued focus on technology is going to drive more young people into the industry. I think I would have been far more aware of the security space if (it) had all these interactive products and they were marketed the way they are today. Technology is not only going to increase sales penetration … but it's also going to drive and open up opportunities and drive the younger generation to the industry.

Who in the industry has helped you most in your security career?

Amy Kothari, who is president and CEO of Alarm Capital, offered me an opportunity eight years ago. … It has been incredible to work for her every single day. She just has a brilliant business mind and has a real commitment to the company that really drives everyone who works for her. I also have been incredibly fortunate to work with John Steffanato Sr., who is currently the senior VP of sales here, but was one of the original owners of ACA.