40 under 40: Candice Aragon, VP, marketing, education & events, The PSA Network

YARMOUTH, Maine—Candice Aragon, 36, is the vice president, marketing, education & events at The PSA Network, the world's largest systems integrator consortium. Find out what inspired her to pursue a career in the security industry, what being a "40 under 40" winner means to her, what appeals to her about the security industry, and more. 

SSN: Describe your roles, duties, and tenure at your current job. 

ARAGON: At PSA I sit on the executive team and oversee marketing, education, and events for both our security and AV brands. We develop and oversee over 10 live events a year such as PSA TEC and our annual owners’ convention. In addition to PSA's marketing responsibilities, we have an agency to assist our members with their marketing needs. On the education side, we recently launched PSA University, our new learning management system, host regular webinars and trainings, lead 13 integrator committees and speak at other industry events.

SSN: What inspired you to pursue a career in the security industry?

ARAGON: PSA is my first job in the security industry and I'm so thankful I landed here! I was drawn to PSA's model and when I interviewed with Ric McCullough, Bill Bozeman and the PSA team, I knew I had stumbled upon something great. While it took time to learn the ins and outs of the technology, how integration works, etc., I never found it boring! The outcomes our industry delivers make it all worthwhile.

SSN: What does being named a winner of SSN's 40 under 40 mean to you?

ARAGON: I'm extremely honored to be recognized by peers who I have so much respect for. Not to mention, the other winners on the list are so impressive that I'm humbled to be named among them.

SSN: As a young leader, what appeals to you about the security industry?

ARAGON: The opportunities and outcomes! Our industry saves lives. Full stop. It is a mission that anyone can get behind. As a branding professional in the industry, I see the challenges we have had recruiting next generation talent as an excellent opportunity to change the narrative! Likewise, the PEOPLE! In my 14-year career so far, I have never had such an amazing professional network that supports me far beyond my company.

SSN: With the hiring, recruitment and retention challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, how can the security industry engage young talent?

ARAGON: We have to rewrite the script! Focus on the amazing opportunities, the variety of positions, the viability of the industry and the growth potential. Likewise, we have to look in new places. There is so much talent that can fill the industry that isn't being targeted: veterans, women, trade school students, etc. We can pull together as an industry to create new paths to these opportunities.