Access the Future: Episode 2 – 𝖢𝖴𝖲𝖳𝖮𝖬𝖤𝖱 𝖣𝖤𝖬𝖠𝖭𝖣𝖲 𝖠𝖭𝖣 𝖤𝖷𝖯𝖤𝖢𝖳𝖠𝖳𝖨𝖮𝖭 𝖲𝖧𝖨𝖥𝖳𝖲

In this episode of Access the Future, presented by Acre Security and The Access Control Executive Brief, Lee Odess talks with Justin Wilmas, EVP of Sales at Acre, about how customer expectations in the security industry have evolved—and what that means for how we build, sell, and support access control solutions.

Topics covered include:

The shift from selling features to delivering outcomes

Why interoperability and ecosystem thinking are now essential

How AI, mobile, and cloud are shaping demand

Vertical-specific challenges across enterprise, healthcare, and education

The growing need for agile deployment, flexible architecture, and deeper integrations

What today’s go-to-market and product strategies must look like

“Gone are the days of selling features and products. If it doesn't fit into the ecosystem and add benefit... it's not gonna work.” — Justin Wilmas

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the future of access and security.

West to East Podcast

Your go-to podcast bridging ISC West and ISC East — and everything in between. Hosted by Lee Odess, we dive into the trends, tech, and people shaping the future of access control and security.

🎙️ First episode drops May, featuring SIA CEO Don Erickson.

Subscribe to stay in the loop year-round.

Recorded live at ISC West 2025, this episode dives into the real forces shaping the future of access control. Lee Odess sits down with Manish Dalal (President, ZKTeco USA), Sal (OSDP specialist), and Esteban (Product specialist, ZKTeco USA) to explore how the industry is adapting to new standards, new expectations, and new realities.

What we cover:

Why OSDP is no longer optional—and what it takes to do it right

The mobile credential evolution: from Bluetooth to wallet-based access

Multi-tech readers, biometrics, and designing for flexibility at the edge

This isn’t just about products—it’s about the mindsets and strategies behind modern access control. If you’re in this space, you need to hear this.

Part 2 of a 3-part series from the show floor at ISC West.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Access the Future—a new monthly podcast series brought to you by the Access Control Executive Brief and Acre Security. Hosted by Lee Odess, this series is your front-row seat to the trends, debates, and innovations reshaping the security technology landscape.

In this premiere episode, Lee is joined by Kumar Sokka, President of Intrusion and ComNet at Acre Security, to explore what security looks like in 2025 and beyond. Together, they unpack how traditional access control is evolving into a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem—one that's increasingly cloud-connected, AI-augmented, and customer-centric.

From redefining the role of mobile and user experience to bridging legacy systems with platform-driven innovation, this conversation dives deep into the transformative shifts affecting every corner of the industry. Lee and Kumar also make the case for a new shared vision—one that embraces convergence, talent reinvention, and proactive engagement with emerging technologies.

Whether you're a security professional, integrator, technology partner, or business leader, Access the Future is your guide to navigating change—and leading it.

🔊 Listen now and be part of the movement to shape what’s next in security.

In this free preview of Access Control Executive Brief 95, Lee Odess analyzes the unprecedented "security show lunar eclipse" as ISC West in Las Vegas and The Security Event in Birmingham converge within a two-week window. He breaks down key trends shaping the global security landscape in 2025:

He'll share predictions for both shows and follow up with analysis of what actually happened. Join Lee for insights beyond the obvious as we explore how these parallel events reveal the evolving security industry worldwide.

Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

Join Lee Odess in this groundbreaking three-part series exploring how modern security systems can transform from mere protection to strategic enablers for your organization. Discover how leading companies are leveraging their security infrastructure to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage.

In this introduction, Lee outlines how security has evolved beyond traditional barriers to become a platform for possibility - to do more. Learn how organizations across industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—are using their security systems to optimize operations, enhance experiences, and create new value - and do more.

This series, a collaboration between Gallagher Security and the Access Control Executive Brief, will explore:

Subscribe to catch all episodes and join us in discovering how security can DO MORE for your organization!

Join Lee Odess, CEO of The Access Control Executive Brief, for the premiere episode of "The Future of Flexibility" podcast series in partnership and underwritten by ZKTeco USA. In this groundbreaking conversation, Lee and Manish Dalal (President and Founder of ZKTeco USA) explore the critical crossroads facing the access control industry today.

Topics covered:

Subscribe for new episodes as we continue to explore "The Future of Flexibility" in access control!

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 94, Lee Odess explores how the physical security industry stands at a critical inflection point. Explore how digital transformation has completely changed the lens through which we must view security challenges.

Just like a kaleidoscope creates entirely new patterns with the slightest rotation, our industry is experiencing a fundamental shift. We're moving from traditional access control focused solely on keeping bad people out, to a "Utility+" model that also drives operational efficiency and revenue generation.

Key topics covered:

Join the conversation at ISC West, The Security Event, ACS25 and beyond! This isn't my story — it's OUR story. Will you help create it?

Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 92, Lee Odess explores Mercury Security's announcement at MercTech, where they revealed plans to launch an App Store for their access control boards. Following in the footsteps of mainstream players, Mercury is opening up their platform to third-party developers, allowing for custom applications to be deployed directly on their hardware.

We'll discuss how this strategic shift could revolutionize the access control industry by enabling developers to get creative. The move promises benefits for everyone in the ecosystem - from OEMs and technology partners to end users - while maintaining the critical balance between innovation and security.

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 91, Join Lee Odess for an illuminating discussion about the transformative state of Dubai's security market, as experienced firsthand at Intersec Dubai. Lee shares insights from this pivotal industry event, where traditional practices meet ambitious innovation⁠.

⁠​This episode offers valuable insights for security industry professionals, technology innovators, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of one of the world's most fascinating security markets. Whether you're a seasoned player in the Middle East market or observing from afar, this discussion provides crucial perspectives on where the industry is heading⁠.