In addition to my security ecosystem activities, I am also a member of the board of directors at the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center (SVM), https://www.history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org.  

I’m not only a board member but also a hike leader and a member of the museum’s financial development committee.

I have always been fond of the outdoor especially hiking, trekking in the woods including vacationing and working in outdoor environs. As a child we lived in upstate New York. I was allowed to wander in the woods where we lived if I came home within 3 long and 2 short blasts of the Studebaker’s car horn within 5 minutes of its honking, the wrath of mom would be avoided.  Hard to believe that from that back yard to the next town was over 20 miles of wilderness.  

Those memories still bring a smile to my face to this day.  Later when in college I returned to the area to work in several resorts in the Catskill Mountains, to pay for school.  During time off (although scarce) I would find remote areas to hike, swim and generally decompress.  I’ve also traveled three times across the US, once camping and twice in a camper.  Each 6 plus weeks on the road.  I’ve been to all 50 states and many state and National Parks. Being with nature and  outdoors has been therapeutic for what ails me for decades. 

My wife and I hiked the Appalachian trail in parts in the spring of 2006 from Front Royal, VA to Asheville, NC and were smitten by the beauty.  We later bought a piece of land on a ridge outside of the town of Black Mountain and built the home we have lived in for the past 14 + years.

Although our community has over 5 miles of hiking trails, 2 waterfalls and 12 +miles of roadways I yearned to learn more about the region and its hiking opportunities.  I was introduced to the SVM and its hike series. I joined the series and fell in love with the people, places, history. Being the shy guy I am I was asked if I’d like to join the hiking committee. The rest is history, as they say,  I’ve been helping with the series for the past 8 years.

Although my  consultancy focuses on things in the security ecosystem. Hiking is a passion which helps keep me centered in a world where risks and uncertainties abound.  The trail has its share of risks as well. We bring an AED and first aid kit with us and are all CPR and first aid certified, just in case. “Successful is the person who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much, who has gained the respect of children, who leaves the world a better than they found it, who has never lacked appreciation for the earth’s beauty, who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves “  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Well, it’s June again. Much is the same and much is not. I managed to stay Covid free until last week (May 25th). Boosted and all – yup… knocked down but not out. A tough week but in the rear-view mirror now. I sprained my ham string muscle early in May hiking. My physical and yoga gurus told me to stretch slowly and daily and, if possible, get some time not doing anything exertive. Well, I managed to get the latter done, couldn’t get off my back for three plus days. So, the silver lining is my hamstring is nearly mended.

Last September I joined the Swannanoa Valley Museum in Black Mountain, NC’s Board of Directors. My interest in the museum was borne from hiking the historic mountain rims here in WNC. Between those organized hikes and other community hiking I’ve been clocking in 45 plus miles a month. I suspect if I wasn’t in good health (for an old guy), my recent bout with the virus could have been worse. Building back slowly to my pre Covid distances.

Swannanoa Valley Museum has a wonderful website. If you’re interested check out their website https://www.history.swannanoavalleymuseum.org. I started the rim hike series years ago and have been a volunteer hike leader for several years now. The Appalachian Mountains are the oldest mountains in the US.

Unaccustomed to public speaking  and my penchant for serial volunteerism led to my being recruited to the board. My ecosystems have expanded to include the hiking community in WNC, and I am getting familiar with the geography and history of this beautiful area too.

On the B&A side of things activity has been brisk. By that I mean as busy as I would like to be with an array of clients new and old. My decision not to list those clients by name is consistent with my original plan to make their business theirs. I will say I have had success adding several new innovative security hardware and software solution providers. I also helped introduce an integration company to a national group and an acquisition ensued.

My passion for innovative products and services and their thoughtful leadership has never been greater. I am intrigued and pleased to work with companies whose solutions (both hardware and software) are aimed at security and safety. I am intrigued by the integration potentials which abound and the thoughtful development in our industry as the IoT and meta universe expands daily. I enjoy my continued interaction with developers, buyers, sellers, and those who have and will employ the solutions.

Additionally, my consultancy has grown to include helping companies who are looking for investors, or acquirers. I continue to engage with all on a confidential basis, respectful of the sensitive nature of those types of activities.

This is my forty sixth year in the industry and it is as new and challenging as ever. I love learning, strategizing, and developing relationships while helping to grow revenue and adoption of new innovative services.

Drop me a line or better yet, give me a call to discuss if we are right for your enterprise and your revenue needs. The call is on us (well it would be your phone).

Stay safe and well. HB

In April of this year Belfor & Associates, LLC entered its tenth year serving the industry. We continue to serve integrators, manufacturers, emerging technology companies, sales leaders and their company’s leadership. Our initiatives are aimed at growing their professionalism and knowledge while focusing on revenue. Our mission is to assist in developing strategies, best defined as doing the right things and tactics, doing things right. Thanks to our clients old and new. Don’t hesitate contacting us to discuss how we can assist you and your organization.

Security professionals from around the globe will be greeted by an amazing line up. Hundreds of knowledgeable speakers. Classes and an array of products and services. This will be my 43rd consecutive year in attendance. I know I’ll find new ideas, best practices and get to see my network of security professionals. See you there.

A great line up of ASIS Foundation events awaits you this year in Vegas.

Here are some highlights

• Sunday 23 September – the annual golf tournament will be held at The Bali Hai Golf Club 5160 S Las Vegas Boulevard – tee time is 0800 with lunch 1300-1430.
• Also on Sunday 23 September – The Foundation Reception will be at Brooklyn Bowl, 3545 Las Vegas Blvd South  at 1800 – 2200.  A Karaoke challenge cheer on your favorite with your donations to the Foundation  – ohh and btw this Brooklynite won’t be singing so no fear there.
•  On Monday the 24th of September– come to the awards luncheon at noon and don’t miss the Karen Marquez Honors at 1730-1900 in the Westgate Pavilion 10, where this year’s awardee is long time thought leader and educator Linda Florence.
• On Tuesday the 25th – photos with chapter donors in the Hub at the exhibit hall will be taken. Check for times chapter leaders.
• On Wednesday the 26^th – don’t miss the awards during keynote at the convention center 0830-1000
• Plus  a favorite for those updating resumes or professional social media pages you can get a professional mug shot at  photo lounge and while there snatch a collectable GSX Pin both at the Hub in the convention center

I look forward to seeing you and being seen. You can keep updated on events by visiting www.asisonline.org website for additional details and information.  Golfers sign up now as space is filling up. Safe travels to Vegas -see you there. HB