SIA Member Profile: David Pakech, Vice President of Sales, Fire-Lite Alarms by Honeywell

How did you get into the Security Industry?

My 20 years experience prior to Honeywell with Siemens and Westinghouse was in sales and marketing of electrical distribution and controls to the commercial construction industry so expanding my knowledge and experience to include commercial fire alarm with the industry’s largest manufacturer was a natural fit. To be able to expand my career with a company as customer-centric and forward thinking as Honeywell was very attractive to me.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

It makes me proud to be part of an organization such as Fire-Lite Alarms and Honeywell Fire Systems. Both have built a legacy of innovation, quality, dependability and high service standards. My colleagues are very committed to our life safety mission and take their roles seriously.

What’s your prediction for the biggest trend that will take place in the security industry in 2013?

Two trends that we are addressing through product development and launch in 2013 are mass notification and wireless central stations communications. We expect the bigger capabilities; ease-of-use and cost efficiencies of these new technologies will expand our customers’ business opportunities in a big way.

What is your biggest challenge?

Serving the security industry, we find that the fire alarm discipline represents a smaller portion than other segments such as access, video or intrusion. We work every day to raise the importance of the fire industry and the many opportunities it offers in the minds of dealers and distribution. That is why we spend a large amount of time and effort on traditional, hands-on training through more than 60 Fire-Lite Academies per year throughout the nation. This is in addition to our new online training modules, webinars, instructional videos and social media initiatives.

What does your organization receive from membership in SIA that you’d like to share with others?

It’s important to have an organization that serves the interests of our customers through education, networking events such as ISC, and most importantly, as an advocate for policies and standards that have a significant impact on fire and security markets.

Will you be attending the ISC West show? If so, what are you most looking forward to about the event?

The absolute best part is showing off our innovation and new products to the large volume of dealers and integrators this show draws year after year. The energy around this show is always high and attendees are always eager to ask questions and learn.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).