40 under 40: Elisha McArter, sales and marketing manager, AE Security

YARMOUTH, Maine—Elisha McArter, 38, is the sales and marketing manager at AE Security, a security company that designs, installs, and monitors custom security solutions for commercial and residential spaces, based out of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Find out what inspired her to pursue a career in the security industry, what being a "40 under 40" winner means to her, what appeals to her about the security industry, and more. 

SSN: Describe your roles, duties, and tenure at your current job. 

MCARTER: I work with our sales team to increase their sales, develop skills and product awareness. The other main portion of my role is marketing, in which we mainly focus on branding. As a business partner I also work with my partners to improve efficiency and new product alignment. AE Security started in 1983 by my father, Randy Larkam, so my tenure goes all the way back to childhood folding newsletters to summer jobs at AE Security in customer service and into a sales role once I had graduated college 16 years ago.

SSN: What inspired you to pursue a career in the security industry?

MCARTER: My father. He started AE Security in 1983 and built it up from nothing. His dedication, honesty, and genuine belief in the industry inspired me to always be the best and most trusted person and company. I always wanted to help people and what better way than protecting families and their business.

SSN: What does being named a winner of SSN's 40 under 40 mean to you?

MCARTER: It gives me a sense of pride having been in this industry for most of my adult life, and to see the changes in the industry and myself. It feels very special considering the other names on this list and being a female in what was a largely male dominant industry to seeing the many more amazing women in technology.

SSN: As a young leader, what appeals to you about the security industry?

MCARTER: I believe in the heart and integrity of the security world, which is especially important in this industry. It’s all about protection of people, families, homes, and businesses. No application is the same, and finding solutions for unique situations is our company’s focus. Staying on the cutting edge of technology in an ever-changing industry is what appeals to me about the security industry.

SSN: With the hiring, recruitment and retention challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, how can the security industry engage young talent?

MCARTER: I think it’s important to showcase the incredible technology available now. Youth with an interest in new technology who want to face new challenges daily would be at home in this industry. The younger demographic has been exposed to technology their entire lives so it’s helpful to see how they utilize it in their day to day. The constant innovation and growth in the security industry provides ample opportunity for youth with an innovative spirit.