Karyn Hodgson

Karyn Hodgson is a veteran security industry journalist.. As the Editor-in-Chief of SDM, Karyn is responsible for the overall editorial direction of the magazine, its supplements, newsletters and website. She works with the SDM editorial staff to develop content that helps security dealers and systems integrators operate successful businesses. Karyn represents SDM at trade shows and conferences, and directs exclusive research such as the SDM Industry Forecast, the SDM 100 and The Top Systems Integrators Report. She also manages SDM’s Dealer of the Year and Systems Integrator of the Year Award programs. Karyn has an MSJ in Journalism (magazine publishing) degree from Northwestern University, and more than 30 years’ experience writing for and about the security industry. Contact Karyn with article ideas.

Choose Wisely When It Comes to Central Stations

Karyn Hodgson

January 17, 2017

At some point in time virtually all dealers are faced with the question: “Who will monitor my accounts?”

Biometrics is one access control technology that spans all five verticals in terms of rising interest levels

How to Succeed in the Top 5 Access Control Verticals

Security integrators and manufacturers talk about the similarities — and differences — in designing, implementing and servicing access control solutions in five key vertical market sectors.

Karyn Hodgson

January 1, 2017

According to the SDM Top Systems Integrators Report, published in July 2016, the top three vertical market sectors are corporate, education/campus and healthcare, all of which rely heavily on access control technology as part of their overall security solution.

All in the Family

SDM’s 2016 Dealer of the Year continues the family legacy and spirit even after changes of ownership.

Karyn Hodgson

December 8, 2016

Electric Guard Dog (EGD) was started in 1973 by founder Bill Mullis as a completely different type of business — an RMR-based guard dog service.

J Bury, Nathan Leaphart, Crystal Gurtisen, Jack DeMao, Jennifer Dorward and Josh Ott (from left to right) are part of the EGD management team

Electric Guard Dog Wins SDM's 2016 Dealer of the Year

Electric Guard Dog’s unique RMR-generating electrified fence model has propelled the company to annual double-digit growth, resulting in both an acquisition by Snow Phipps last June and of its sole local direct competitor in July — just two of many reasons it earned SDM’s 2016 Dealer of the Year Award.

Karyn Hodgson

December 8, 2016

They say necessity is the mother of invention.

Apps are an increasingly popular addition to two-way emergency communication

Mass Notification Has More Choices Than Ever Before

Technology advancements, customer demand and regulations combine to give integrators and end users more emergency communication choices than ever before.

Karyn Hodgson

December 3, 2016

Mass notification, or emergency communications, are two terms that are often used interchangeably; but are they truly the same thing?

What It Takes To Be Successful In the K-12 Security Market

Security integrators, manufacturers and school security experts share what it takes to be successful in the K-12 security market.

Karyn Hodgson

November 1, 2016

As the list grows longer, it gets harder to remember the names.

The Latest Trends in Security Locks & Door Hardware

From wireless locksets, to PoE, mobile and beyond, products in the security lock and door hardware space address the latest access control trends.

Karyn Hodgson

November 1, 2016

Security locks and door hardware aren’t as cut-and-dried as they used to be.

Securadyne Systems Earns SDM'S 2016 Systems Integrator of the Year

As a new entrant to the market in 2011 Securadyne Systems saw an opportunity to build something different, fill an existing “gap” in the market, and create a company that would be both unfailingly consistent in its focus and forward-thinking in its approach. Just five years on these efforts have earned it SDM’s 2016 Systems Integrator of the Year award.

Karyn Hodgson

October 4, 2016

Imagine what you would do if you had the opportunity to create your ideal security integration company from scratch.

Dwight Smith, Ryan Rieger, Ryan Loughin, Frank Brewer and Steve Greis (pictured left to right) founded NextGen Security in 2012

NextGen Security Named SDM's Systems Integrator the Year Honoree

SDM’s Systems Integrator of the Year honoree is just four years old, but in that time has grown its annual revenue remarkably, received SAFETY Act designation, and is about to move into a brand new headquarters building.

Karyn Hodgson

October 4, 2016

The SDM Systems Integrator of the Year award is based on a host of criteria including unmistakable success, a high level of innovation, best practices, growth and the unique ways they’ve approached their business, the industry, and the community around them.