Integrators '20 under 40' 2015—Holly Borgmann

Holly Borgmann, 39

Director, government affairs, ADT

Boca Raton, Fla.

Relatively new to the security industry, Holly Borgmann sees the Internet of Things as a great opportunity—for both customers and employers.

Borgmann joined the industry in 2013, shortly after ADT split from Tyco. She worked in government affairs, but in different industries.

“The security industry [is] changing a lot. With the Internet of Things, and so many technological advances, you really need to keep pace with all of that,” Borgmann said. “So, it's been interesting to see regulation and legislation try to keep up with technology—that's a big priority for us here.”

The IoT has potential to bring in more customers, she said, “Because now people who maybe weren't interested in a traditional security offering are interested in home automation features and, as an add-on, they're looking at security for the first time.”

The Internet of Things also opens the industry up to a more diverse group of people, including younger applicants, with different skillsets than traditional installers, she said. “Previously, you might have had to have been licensed as an electrician to do work on a security system. Whereas, now, you could come to the security industry with a great technological background, but not necessarily a traditional trade, and find a spot for you in this industry.”

From Borgmann's perspective, licensing and regulation can play a role in bringing younger generations into the installing side of the industry. She gave a specific example from Washington, “[there,] you need to be licensed as an electrician, with over 4,000 hours of experience, before you can install a security system.”

“If you come out of a tech trade program, you have 2,000 hours of experience, and are probably more than qualified to do the Internet of Things work and the high-tech work of today,” she said. This can keep young applicants out if they want to start work in the industry sooner.