| Dear OSFAA Members & Colleagues, As April wraps up, OSFAA isn't slowing down-our momentum is building fast.
Tomorrow, we will come together in Medina for our OSFAA Spring Expo at The Foundry Social, and I couldn’t be more excited about what we have built for our members and the industry. Events like this are where everything we work toward as an association comes together including education, connection, the ability to engage with new products, services, technology and have fun while we do it! |
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We have over 25 exhibitors and sponsors joining us, representing some of the leading manufacturers, distributors, and service providers in our space. This is your chance to see what’s new, ask questions, and have real conversations about the products and technologies shaping our industry right now. Beyond the expo floor, we have also put together phenomenal education that speaks directly to what matters most to your business: Driving RMR!
Our featured session will focus on driving recurring monthly revenue (RMR), a topic that as we all know continues to be critical for long-term growth and stability. However, here is a question worth thinking about: Do you know the difference between Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR) and Re-Occurring Monthly Revenue (the other RMR), and how each impacts your business? Understanding that distinction, and more importantly, how to build predictable, sustainable revenue streams, is a game-changer and we will be covering it all tomorrow.
We will also be sharing important Ohio Fire Code updates that every contractor needs to understand to stay compliant and competitive. As regulations evolve, staying informed isn’t optional. It’s essential!
What excites me most, though, is what this event represents for OSFAA as a whole. Our association is growing. We are seeing increased engagement, stronger participation, and renewed energy from members across the state. That growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when professionals like you choose to get involved, show up, and contribute to something bigger than your individual business.
So, I’ll ask the question: Is now the time for you to engage?
If you have been on the sidelines, considering membership or wondering how to get more involved, there is no better time than right now. Events like the Spring Expo are the perfect place to start! Join us tomorrow to meet the people, see the value, and experience first-hand what OSFAA is all about. As President, I’m incredibly proud of the direction we are heading, and I truly believe the strength of this association lies in the participation of our members. I look forward to seeing you in Medina! Sincerely,
Keri-Ann Kalavity
President, OSFAA
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Our Spring Expo is Tomorrow!! |
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Interested in learning how to drive higher RMR with every install and opportunity across your clients?
This Thursday at the OSFAA Spring Expo, we are bringing you a powerful educational session focused on driving RMR and increasing profitability that will give you practical strategies you can start using immediately.
In addition, you will also get: - Important updates on the new Ohio Fire Code—what’s changed and what it means for your business
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Valuable time with 20+ leading manufacturers, distributors, and service providers showcasing the latest technology and solutions
- A chance to connect with peers across the industry
- Lunch included—because we know your time matters
Then to wrap up the day, we are taking things up a notch with High Voltage Karting! This is a fun, high-energy way to connect and compete with fellow attendees.
This isn’t just another expo, it is a day designed to help you grow your business, stay compliant, and stay competitive!
Early Bird Pricing Expired on 4/17 but you can still access discounted pricing by using one of the discount codes provided by any of the exhibitors highlighted below! Register Now to Join us this Thursday in Medina!
Please Note: Dress Code is casual (jeans allowed) as we will be participating in the High Voltage Karting at the end of the day! |
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The recent Ohio Fire Code update, effective November 2025, represents more than just a routine change. It signals a meaningful shift in how our industry will operate in Ohio moving forward.
At a high level, Ohio has moved toward alignment with national standards, specifically the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) and NFPA requirements, with an increased emphasis on NFPA 72 for fire alarm systems. At the same time, the code itself has been significantly streamlined, removing redundancy and simplifying language. While that makes it easier to navigate, it also means there is now less state-specific guidance and more reliance on national standards and AHJ interpretation.
For contractors, this raises the bar. We are seeing a stronger focus on proper documentation, inspection and testing compliance, and accurate system design and submittals. With less duplication in the code, there’s also less flexibility, meaning what’s expected is clearer, and enforcement will likely be more consistent.
For OSFAA members, the implications are real. Fire alarm contractors, in particular, must now operate with a stronger NFPA 72 driven approach, and we can expect more rigorous plans reviews. This also creates a need to evaluate internal processes, training, and how teams are approaching compliance. At the same time, there are opportunities. The updated code reflects emerging technologies, including energy storage systems, solar integration, and mobile or temporary operations, all of which open the door for new services and potential recurring revenue opportunities. So what should you be doing now?
Ensuring your team is trained on IFC and NFPA standards, reviewing your documentation practices, and taking advantage of available resources, like the State Fire Marshal’s training and the “Significant Changes” summary, are all important steps. The bottom line is this: this is not just a code update. It is a shift in how compliance is enforced and the companies who understand that and adapt quickly will be the ones who stay competitive.
We’ll be diving deeper into what this means, and what you need to do about it, during tomorrow’s discussion at the OSFAA Spring Expo! |
From Install to Income: Driving RMR Across Video, Access Control & Beyond |
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Recurring Monthly Revenue (RMR) is no longer optional, it’s the foundation of a sustainable, scalable security business. In this interactive panel session Gretchen Gordon with Braveheart Sales Performance, Eric McKimm with ProTech Security, and Taylor Sears with Silent Guard will break down how to move beyond one-time installations and start building predictable, long-term revenue streams across video surveillance, access control, intrusion, and emerging technologies.
Learn how to package and position your offerings to create value-driven service agreements, increase customer retention, and generate consistent cash flow. We’ll explore real-world strategies for bundling services, pricing for profitability, and training your sales team to confidently sell RMR-focused solutions. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your current model, you’ll walk away with actionable ideas to sell more, differentiate your business, and turn every project into an ongoing revenue opportunity. |
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Special Thanks to All of Our Sponsors!!!
Be Sure to Attend Tomorrow to Meet With These Leading Manufacturers, Distributors & Service Providers!! |
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OSFAA's Online Training powered by Alarm Academy is Your Onboarding Resource for New Team Members!
The Freshest Industry Content, Affordable Courses, and Career-Boosting Education for Security & Life Safety Professionals |
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Our Bundled Online Course Packages offer you the very best value for your team! Every business is different and requires different combinations of training. We have developed options for your new technicians as well as anyone joining your company that is new to our industry!
Choose from 8 options all discounted at 50%+ in savings versus buying the courses individually!
Need help navigating which packages are best for your various team members? Schedule a call here with Behrens today! |
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Executive Director's Corner |
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Shannon Few
OSFAA - Executive Director |
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| Magic Happens When Industry Professionals Come Together!
There is something truly special that happens when industry professionals come together.
When you get the right people in the room, something shifts. Conversations spark new ideas. Challenges are shared and solutions emerge. Perhaps most importantly, there’s an energy that builds, an energy that motivates you to go back to your business and do things better, smarter, and more strategically. |
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That’s what makes this industry, and OSFAA in particular so powerful! In our day-to-day work, it’s easy to get caught up in the demands of running a business, managing teams, and keeping up with the constant pace of change; however, when we take the time to step away and connect with peers who are facing those same challenges and opportunities, we gain something incredibly valuable - perspective!
Learning from each other is one of the most powerful tools we have. There is no textbook that can replace real-world experience. No webinar can fully replicate the impact of a conversation with someone who has been where you are and found a way forward. When our members share what’s working, what’s not, and how they are adapting, it elevates everyone in the room. That’s exactly what we have designed for tomorrow’s OSFAA Spring Expo at Foundry Social in Medina!
Every element of this event is intentional. From the education session and selection of our nationally recognized panelists focused on driving recurring monthly revenue and increasing profitability, to the important Ohio Fire Code updates, to the opportunity to engage with over 25 exhibitors and sponsors—this is about more than just information. It’s about giving you tools, ideas, and connections you can take back and apply immediately.
Our goal is simple. When you leave, you should feel better equipped to build a business that is stronger, more relevant, more competitive, and more profitable.
Beyond the content...
As an association, we are committed to creating more of these moments because we know the impact they have, not just on individual businesses, but on the industry as a whole. If you are joining us tomorrow, I look forward to seeing you there! Come ready to learn, to share, and to engage! Kind Regards, Shannon Few - It’s the experience that matters.
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It’s the conversations and the connections you didn’t expect to make.
- It’s the idea that sticks with you long after the event is over.
That’s where real value lives.
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Workforce Development Tool Kit Now Available! |
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Once you’re logged in to the OSFAA website, visit the Member Resource Center to explore the Workforce Development Toolkit. It’s your go-to resource for recruiting, qualifying, hiring, and retaining great talent. Contact us if you need any assistance logging in! |
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Sales Flat, Prices Down, and Supply is Healthier Research from Zonda |
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The day after the Super Bowl (February 9th this year) traditionally marks the unofficial kickoff to the spring selling season. As we entered the busiest time of year, home shoppers showed signs of renewed enthusiasm, supported by mortgage rates that hovered between 5.99% and 6.17% throughout the month. Improving weather across parts of the country following January’s harsh start, combined with widely available buyer incentives, also helped support the market.
Even so, what ultimately played out was more of the same. Home sales were largely flat, and the market remained classified as average according to the Zonda Market Ranking. Community counts trended higher, while standing inventory, a notable challenge for some builders, moved towards healthier levels. As one builder put it, “It still feels up and down, week to week. The market is not running, but we are able to chip away at inventory.”
“February trends already feel like old news, though,” said Ali Wolf, chief economist for Zonda and NewHomeSource. “Escalating geopolitical tensions, higher oil and gas prices, and mortgage rates moving back into the 6.29% to 6.55% range have quickly reshaped the narrative. While a core segment of home shoppers still wants or needs to buy today, others are slowing their search as they wait for greater stability.” Total new home sales slipped MOM
Zonda’s new home sales metric counts the number of new home contract sales each month and accounts for both cancellations and seasonality. This metric shows there were 694,552 new homes sold in February on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate. This was a decline of 3.6% from last month and an increase of 2.6% from a year ago. On a non-seasonally adjusted basis, 59,238 homes were sold, 2.2% higher than last year and 2.0% above the same month in 2019.
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Special Thanks to Our Premier Partner!!! |
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