How I Use My System: Barbara Holliday

Barbara Holliday, senior director of dealer support for Monitronics, started at the company in 1998 as a key account manager, overseeing 100 accounts. She now handles acquisitions and dealer support. At ISC West 2015, Holliday was recognized as one of the Women's Security Council's Women of the Year. Security Systems News talked with her about the security system she uses at home.

What kind of system do you have at home?

I have a 2GIG Go!Control with Alarm.com. I had an older system, a Moose Z1100, for a long time. When I decided to upgrade I went with the 2GIG and Alarm.com because they're brands that I trust, and I know they're easy to use. We travel a lot, my husband and I, and we have a neighbor who comes and takes care of our dogs. So, I wanted something that � she would remember and wouldn't have any trouble with. I also like that we can use our smartphones [to] make sure the system is armed and everything is operating OK remotely.

Why this particular setup?

I knew the brands, a lot of our dealers use those brands. The ease of use is the biggest thing.

What is one aspect of your security system that you wouldn't want to live without?

I would have to say monitoring, of course. A lot of people might go into the technology of it, but the truth of the matter is that I know when I arm the system, there's somebody on the other end of that technology who's there and ready to respond if something happens. I [also like that I] can tell from the keypad that there isn't anything wrong, that everything is locked up like its supposed to be.

Where do you see security going next? What are some big trends?

More monitored home support, more than home security, is the way I try to sum it up. People want to feel safe, they want their loved ones to be safe. A lot of people in my age group, or a little bit older, have elderly parents that are getting up in age. All the technology that's out there today can provide personal safety and security, but things like two-way voice, pendants, environmental controls, [and] motion activity monitoring—I think that those all add more peace of mind.