In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Chris Randall from Elatec for a conversation that goes beyond credentials. They dive into how interoperability is shaping the next era of access control — from higher ed’s one-card systems to the industry’s slow but steady shift toward mobile.

Chris shares how Elatec helps organizations read just about every type of credential out there, why legacy systems still dominate the market, and how relationship-building is still the real key to success in security. 

This week on Badge Banter, Lindsay sits down with Lisa Sobek, MBA from Allegion US, to unpack what that transformation really looks like.

From cloud-based access control to creative marketing in a highly technical space, Lisa brings a refreshing perspective on how to simplify complex ideas and keep the focus on people. They dive into why end users expect cloud capabilities as a given, how storytelling makes all the difference in security marketing, and why physical credentials still hold strong in education and beyond.

Lisa also shares her own journey into the industry, along with insights on mentorship, community, and what keeps her inspired in a field that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding!

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez and industry thought leader Lee Odess dive into the evolving world of identity management and access control. Together, they explore how badging serves as both a security tool and an expression of identity, the critical role of notifications in enhancing workflows, and why the industry needs stronger storytelling to connect with end-users.

From the challenges of mobile credential adoption to the possibility of badges as future fashion statements, this conversation is equal parts practical insight and bold imagination. Whether you’re rethinking user experience in your security strategy or just curious about where credentials are headed, this episode offers a look at how access control is shaping culture, identity, and connection.

Culture, credentials, and the challenges of leading through growth; Lindsay and ProdataKey's Dallan Labrum™ cover it all in this week’s episode!

From building strong company culture to scaling sales during hyper-growth, Dallan shares what it’s really like leading the charge at PDK. They dig into why partnerships matter in security (𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳: 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘈𝘓𝘓 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦), how badges + access control are shaping the future, and more!

 In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Jeremy Fromm, Brand Evangelist at Mercury Security. Together, they dig into what it really means to be a brand evangelist, why open architecture matters in access control, and the ever-spicy debate: physical badges vs. mobile credentials.

Jeremy brings his unique perspective on how the industry has evolved, the role cybersecurity plays in shaping the future, and why innovation isn’t optional anymore. 

In this episode, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Hilary Gallagher for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and industry insight. Together, they explore the power of community in the access control world, the challenges of balancing demanding careers with family life, and how women are reshaping a space that’s long been male-dominated.

They also look ahead at where the security industry is going, hint: it’s getting bigger, louder, and a lot more mainstream, and why great storytelling might be the key to its future. 

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay sits down with Jake Ball, CEO of SS&SI Dealer Network — and a standout voice in the security industry on LinkedIn.

They discuss why story first, sale second is more than just a mantra; it’s a business advantage. From building trust through personal branding to creating stickier customer experiences, Jake shares insights on what’s driving today’s integrators (and what end users really expect).

They also dive into how the industry is evolving, why relationships still win deals, and why sometimes… you just need to hit post.

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What do leadership, culture, and a life-saving badge story have in common? This episode.

Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Jon Harris — Director of Technical Integrations at Mobile Pro Systems, founder of Apex Performance, and longtime security industry pro.

They dive into:
 → Why building resilient, connected teams matters more than ever
 → How badges have evolved beyond “just door access”
 → The power of human connection in a tech-driven world
 → And yes… the unforgettable story of how going back for his badge might have literally saved Jon’s life.

You won’t want to miss this one. 🎙️

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez interviews Paul Timm, Director of Education Safety at Allegion, discussing the critical aspects of school safety and security. They explore common misconceptions, the importance of a layered approach to security, and the balance between creating a welcoming environment and ensuring safety. 

Paul emphasizes the need for a strong safety culture, the role of education in empowering staff, and shares insights from his experiences in the field. The conversation also touches on the importance of purposeful security and the need for effective response protocols when using security systems.