system in place while the new panel was programmed. That way, the staff and resi- dents could gain access as needed. We set up the new system in the leas- ing office along with a reader. We pro- grammed an IP address as issued by their new IT department and connected it to their network. That way, their leas- ing agents had access to the new system from their desk PCs. We then had them notify residents that the system was go- ing to be upgraded, and they needed to stop by the office on their way in/out and re-register their access credential by the deadline. By scanning their card/ fob on the new reader, the agents could capture the info and enroll it into the new system. This also allowed the agents to rest as- sured that anyone who had a working cre- dential actually was, in fact, authorized “With no way to log in to the existing system, the new admin had no idea who had access to the buildings.” to gain access. With no way to log in to the existing system, the new admin had no idea who had access to the buildings. That’s scary! If you’re going to revamp an entire sys- tem, take some extra time to double check the local AHJ requirements regarding fail- safe vs. fail-secure devices, egress from exit doors and the interconnection of locking devices/power supplies with the fire alarm system. Your local AHJ doesn’t have to be your enemy! They can be a wealth of information and a great resource when advising your client on code compliance and hardware recommendation. James K. Ashley, CMST, CPL, CEL, CAI, CFL, started in the security industry in 1986 while stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, volun- teering as an apprentice for B&P Lock Shop. James is an educational sponge, and being a musician is the only thing that can eclipse his love for electronics and technology... and boat- ing. He started Ashley Safe & Security in 2001 in Indianapolis, IN, and is three-term president of the Associated Locksmiths of Indiana. HIRING: GENERAL MANAGER FOR SPRING 2022 JOB-TYPE: FULL-TIME Large Mid-Atlantic based Locksmith/Physical Security Company is seeking a qualified candidate for a General Manager position to over- see all staff, budgets, and operations of the local business unit. General Manager responsibilities include, but are not limited to, formulating overall strategy, managing employees (approximately 30 service vehicles and 20 office/shop staff), and establishing policies. To be suc- cessful in this role, you should be a thoughtful leader and a confident decision-maker, help our team to develop and perform productively, while ensuring our profits continue to be grow. Ultimately, you’ll be responsible for helping our company expand and thrive. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Oversee day-to-day operations • Design strategy and set goals for growth • Maintain budgets and optimize expenses • Set policies and processes • Ensure employees work productively and develop professionally • Oversee recruitment and training of new employees • Evaluate and improve operations and financial performance • Direct the employee’s assessment process • Prepare regular reports for upper management • Ensure staff follows health and safety regulations • Provide solutions to issues (i.e. profit decline, employee conflicts, loss of business to competitors) Please send resume with work history, education background, along with references and their contact information, and salary requirements to [email protected] SKILLS: • Proven experience as a General Manager or similar executive role • Experience in planning and budgeting • Knowledge of business processes and functions (finance, HR, procurement, operations, inventory, etc.) • Strong analytical ability • Excellent communication skills • Outstanding organizational and leadership skills • Problem-solving aptitude • BSc/BA in Business or relevant field MSc/MA is a plus. WWW.ALOA.ORG FEBRUARY 2022 KEYNOTES 15
