40 under 40: Lindsay Mahl, co-owner, ABC Fire & Burglar Alarm

YARMOUTH, Maine—Lindsay Mahl, 39, is the co-owner of ABC Fire & Burglar Alarm, a provider of alarm monitoring services, alarm systems, smart home systems and security cameras throughout the New Orleans metropolitan area, based out of Kenner, La. 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. 

MAHL: I am the co-owner of ABC Fire & Burglar Alarm and have been in the industry for 17 years. As the co-owner, I am involved in every key decision of the business – sales, marketing, operations, service, installation, accounting, etc. It is my goal to ensure all systems of the business are operating as efficiently as possible. Our mission at ABC is to provide the latest technology at affordable prices with affordable monitoring and unbeatable local service. As owners, my husband and I strive to provide an environment for our team that is family oriented and a place where they can grow and learn both professionally and personally.

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

MAHL: My husband grew up in the industry. I had a background of sales, marketing & advertising. At the beginning of our relationship, 19 years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit our beloved city, New Orleans. If you ever met a New Orleanian, you know we are resilient. From that point forward, we were determined to help rebuild our city and our communities by providing a service that was essential in helping to protect families and businesses that were rebuilding.

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

MAHL: Being named a winner of 40 under 40 is an honor to be recognized by my peers. I usually try to fly under the radar and simply focus on ABC, my team and my family. Being recognized as a winner highlights my personal achievements, as well as spotlights women in the industry and female owners in the industry.

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

MAHL: One aspect that appeals to me is the ever-changing technology and continued education on new technology. This industry is constantly moving forward and evolving. Another appeal is the fact that we get to protect our community and provide a service that impacts their daily life with video, security, automation, monitoring and life safety.

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

MAHL: Being able to recruit young talent is the key to the continued success of any industry. We are actually in the process of brainstorming how we can partner with local and national associations, as well as vocational schools, to offer an internship program to develop the next generation for the security industry.