Walking the floor at ISC West this year carried a different weight. Bringing my twin sons into that environment wasn’t just about showing them the latest technology, it was about giving them a front-row view into the industry that has shaped so much of my career. From conversations with manufacturers and integrators to seeing how innovation is actually applied in the field, they were able to experience firsthand what security looks like at scale.
What stood out most was how quickly they connected the dots. Data center security, AI-driven analytics, infrastructure protection, these weren’t abstract ideas anymore. They saw how design, engineering, and operations come together to protect critical systems, and more importantly, how relationships drive this industry forward. Watching them engage, ask questions, and hold their own in conversations reinforced something I’ve always believed: this field rewards those who show up, stay curious, and put in the work.
There’s also a deeper element to it. This isn’t just about exposure, it’s about continuity. Bringing the next generation into the space reflects the same values that built my path: service, discipline, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Whether they choose to follow this path or not, they now understand the responsibility that comes with protecting infrastructure that the world depends on. And that’s something you can’t teach from the sidelines.