FRISCO, Texas — It’s been a big year for Bridgepoint Advisors partner Kelly Bond, who was part of the 2024 SSI Industry Hall of Fame class announced at ISC West last April and recently started her own company. At this point, anyone in the security industry who didn’t know her a year ago at this time definitely knows her now.
Here’s the story behind one of the industry’s rising stars, in her own words, as part of our ongoing series to celebrate International Women’s History Month.
Security Sales & Integration: How did you get into the security industry?
Kelly Bond: Really, it was just by luck. I was introduced by a friend to Rich Perry, who was then a partner at SLP Capital. SLP was looking for someone to work with their loan customers, located throughout the country, to provide support and ensure they continued generating new RMR accounts.
I didn’t know ANYTHING AT ALL about the security industry but Rich made the role sound challenging and interesting and it seemed like an amazing opportunity. That was 28-plus years ago and I’m still in our great industry.
SSI: Have you encountered any difficulties or obstacles in your security industry career?
Bond: When I look back over the years, I know there were challenges which, at the time, seemed insurmountable. But time does heal wounds and the scrapes made me smarter and stronger. Overall, I feel extremely fortunate to be where I am today.
SSI: Whom would you point to as the most influential and helpful mentors in your career? What did they do to help you?
Bond: Amy Kothari, who was my boss and remains my friend, was an incredible role model in the many years I spent with Alarm Capital Alliance.
Amy was one of very few female CEOs in our industry for many years. She did her very tough job with grace and dignity. She raised her children while building a security company engine which today ranks in the top 10 companies in the industry.
She taught me a lot about resolving conflict, knowing when to hold firm or let go, and talked me off of a couple of ledges over the years. I am forever grateful for my time working with her.
My partner, Steve Rubin, is an incredible mentor and friend. Steve helps me to look at things from different perspectives and reminds me that there are rewards for hard work. He is highly intelligent and always ready to assist. I am extremely thankful I get to work with him.
My friend and new partner, Jason Grelle, has been influential to me in many ways. We have worked together off and on for 15-plus years and I am excited that we’re on our new journey as partners in this venture. Jason’s strength is in his creativity and he always brings humor. We all need that!
I am very fortunate to have great friendships in our industry, many with people who I have worked with and for, and a large number that have evolved through volunteering.
SSI: What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Bond: Making the move to become an independent mergers and acquisitions advisor was a huge career move for me. I’ll be very candid: giving up a regular paycheck and employer-provided benefits was scary!
I was fortunate to be able to align with Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group, a known M&A firm in the industry, to get my start. Starting a new firm, Bridgepoint Advisors, LLC, with my partners Steve Rubin and Jason Grelle, has made me feel very proud. I know the strength that we, as a team, bring to the industry and I am excited for our futures!
SSI: What do you love most about working in the security industry?
Bond: The numerous opportunities to give back. Volunteering on various committees and programs has introduced me to an amazing mix of people who share similar interests and values. I am honored to be the chairperson of the ESA Youth Scholarship program for many years. I believe it is one of the best programs our industry offers and it benefits the children of first responders.
Getting involved in volunteer work pushed me out of my comfort zone in my early years in the industry. It has broadened my perspective on how we can all work together for the good of many. It’s also a great chance for self-reflection and personal growth—something I truly believe leads to greater success and happiness.
SSI: How can the security industry become even better?
Bond: By attracting a more diverse workforce. For as long as I have been in the industry, attracting employees to our space has been a challenge. Attracting new and diverse employees is an even greater one.
As an industry, we are missing out on the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of different genders and ethnicities, various backgrounds and generations looking to join our space. Their unique experiences, growing up in a different era and having different cultural influences, can lead to new approaches to business challenges as well as opportunities.
There are some wonderful programs like FAST, the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent, which is dedicated to promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry by connecting professionals with opportunities that are helping make a change. We need more of this!
If every business in our industry makes diversity a focus with every call for new hires, the entire industry will benefit.
Click here to read our entire Women in Security Q&A series!
