Leo Guthart

A Conversation with Leo Guthart

Despite the fact that Leo Guthart "left" the security industry eight years ago, he still leads the group that is dedicated to reducing false alarms because he believes that this is critical to the future health of the industry.

Leo Guthart is senior managing partner of Topspin Partners, L.P. and Topspin Partners, LBO, L.P, Venture Capital and LBO funds, based in Roslyn Heights, N.Y. The Tri-Association recently named him the recipient of the George R. Lippert Memorial Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the security industry.

The Tri-Association is comprised of the Security Industry Association, Central Station Alarm Association (CSSA), and Electronic Security Association.

Guthart began his career in 1964 at Ademco and left the security industry to form Topspin after Ademco (Pittway Corporation) was sold to Honeywell. He stayed on with Honeywell long enough to help with the transition. He said he still maintains the chairmanship of the Security Alarm Industry Association (SIAC) because of his deep conviction of its importance.

"The false alarm problem is very, very important to this industry," Guthart said. "The whole economic basis of our industry revolves around monitoring. If the police won't respond because there are too many false alarms, it weakens the industry. SAIC is sponsored by all the major industry associations, including the Canadian Security Association, CSAA, National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association and SIA. It is a nonpartisan, nonpolitical group that is focused solely on solving this problem." Guthart has been SIAC chairman for the past 13 years.

He took a few minutes to talk with Security Products.

Q: What is your greatest contribution to the security industry?

A: "My greatest contributions revolve around those of my company, Ademco ─ now Honeywell ─ which pioneered many things. Among them are:

  • the use of wireless devices to replace wiring in alarm systems,
  • the establishment and growth of ADI, the largest distributor of security products in the industry, and
  • the creation of AlarmNet, the largest long-range wireless communication network in the industry.

Q: In terms of technology, where do you think the security industry is heading?

A: "I think the security industry will continue to parallel and make use of technical developments that occur in the economy at large. As the Internet expands, as personal communication devices proliferate, as video becomes more and more widespread, and as new forms of advanced computation and communication become possible, the industry will leverage these developments and use them to increase its capabilities and offerings to customers."

Q: What advice would you give an up-and-coming security professional?

A: "When all is said and done ─ not just in the security business but in every business ─ it all starts with a complete understanding of who your customer is. When you know what he is and what he wants, then you have some rational basis for figuring out what you should be doing. A big mistake a lot of people make is not paying attention to the customer."

Guthart's Topspin companies comprise a $345 million venture capital and buyout group of funds that was founded in August 2000. The fund has several security investments, including Security First Corporation, which has developed "a whole new paradigm for securing data on computing networks" to protect computers from cyberterorrism and Passport Systems, Inc., which concentrates on scanning cargo containers or vehicles at border crossings for fissile materials.

Featured

  • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

    In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

  • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

    If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

  • Deploying in a Hybrid, Cloud Environment

    The way organizations manage access control is evolving. Traditional on-premises systems come with high IT and server requirements. At the same time, fully cloud-based solutions may not meet the needs of every facility. Read Now

  • Facing Facts for Facilities

    Despite the proliferation of constantly evolving security solutions, there remains a troubling trend among many facility operators who often neglect the most important security assets within their organization. Keys and shared devices like radios, laptops and tablets are crucial to successful operations, yet many operators are managing them haphazardly through outdated storage systems like pegboards and notebooks. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Security Training Reduces Global Phishing Click Rates by 86%

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its “Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report 2025” which measures an organization’s Phish-prone Percentage (PPP) — the percentage of employees likely to fall for social engineering or phishing attacks, indicating the organization’s overall susceptibility to phishing threats. This year’s report found a global average baseline PPP of 33.1%, meaning a third of employees interact with phishing simulations before taking part in best-practice security awareness training (SAT).COVER 2025-PIB-NA-Report_EN-US Read Now

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.