On July 1st, John Loud, President of LOUD Security Systems in Kennesaw, active GELSSA Member, and national Chairman of the Electronic Security Association, turned the reigns over to the incoming Chairman, Kevin Stone. “It has been an absolute honor to serve as Chairman of the Board for this incredible organization,” said Loud. “A huge THANK YOU and appreciation to our Board of Directors and the incredible ESA staff for all the support, guidance and encouragement.”
Elected Chairman in 2022, Mr. Loud began his two-year term as Chairman of the Board as the organization celebrated its 75th anniversary. During his term, Loud sought to bring collaboration and unity, while spotlighting many industry accomplishments and key individuals on the front lines. For example, in 2022, in cooperation with FAST (the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent), ESA established January 23rd as National Security Technician Day to recognize the efforts of the individuals who strive to keep homes and businesses connected and safe.
ESA Chief Executive Officer, Merlin Gilbeau shared these thoughts, “Beyond his achievements, it has been John’s infectious joy, warmth, empathy, and ability to bring people together that have made him such a great chairman. He has not only led by example but has also fostered a sense of camaraderie and purpose that will endure long after his departure.”
John Loud’s strong commitment to serve the alarm industry was evident years earlier, particularly as he served for three years as President of the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association, from 2009-2011. John continues to serve GELSSA to this day as the District 3 Director and spearheads our legislative initiatives.
“I have a special fondness for GELSSA and the many ways the association has brought together like-minded individuals and companies throughout Georgia to share ideas, best practices and challenges in our state,” noted Mr. Loud. “GELSSA gave me the passion and the platform to be more than just a business owner, but a partner and a voice in a common cause.”
It seems that ‘Loud’ could not be a better suited name for one who seems to live his life speaking up for noble causes, and rallying the troops to fight, especially for those causes in the security industry.
During the latter part of his GELSSA term in 2013, Mr. Loud was instrumental in getting Enhanced Call Verification signed into Georgia legislation. ESV mandates that alarm monitoring facilities place two calls to a customer to determine if an alarm is valid before calling the police. This ESV provision has proven to reduce unwarranted police dispatches by up to 70% throughout the nation.
In 2014, immediately following his term, John Loud, along with numerous other GELSSA members, testified before a Georgia House Committee and persuaded the state’s governor to table a controversial Low-Voltage Licensure Bill that would have allowed non-industry High Voltage technicians to perform installations for fire and security systems without the normal state required Low-Voltage licensing.
Over the years, Mr. Loud’s company, LOUD Security Systems, continued to grow throughout metro Atlanta, becoming one of SDM’s Top 100 security companies in the nation. The company’s growth helped give its President an opportunity to take up other worthwhile causes in his community.
Mr. Loud serves on boards for area businesses and often volunteers for local charities including chairing an auction for Red, White & You, a not-for-profit benefitting military families, and hosting an Adult Spelling Bee, a fun filled event benefitting disadvantaged youth in Georgia.
In 2020, LOUD was elected as Chairman of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce where he served the next two years helping navigate a pathway forward for small business during the Covid pandemic. As this season came to an end, it was the perfect time to bring his heart for the security industry to a national platform where he was elected Chairman of ESA.
As a national organization, ESA gave Loud an opportunity to visit many states and many tremendous organizations such as The Monitoring Association - Member Group Security Industry Association, SIAC, IAFC, IACP, CAA, AFAA, NEACC, California Alarm Association, Electronic Security Expo - ESX, NEACC - New England Alarm & Controls Council Texas Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA), Missouri Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Systems Association and many others.
In addition, his role as chairman allowed John Loud to advocate at the nation’s capitol, where his passion and personality helped open doors and establish special relationships.
US Congressman, Barry Loudermilk (R. GA) offered a humorous video tribute to honor Mr. Loud as he “retired” from his leadership role at ESA.
As he reflected on the organization’s impact to the security industry, “I cannot overstate the importance ESA and all of these groups around the country play in helping so many great security companies grow and adapt to the many changes and opportunities for our industry. We truly are stronger together,” Loud concluded. “I have loved my time serving and look forward to continuing future growth of ESA under the great leadership of our new Board and Chairman Stone.”
