Badge Banter

Season Two Wrap-Up: The One Where Robbie Takes Over

In the Season Two finale of Badge Banter, we flip the script: Robbie jumps into the host chair and puts Lindsay Martin-Nez in the spotlight. Together, they unpack the biggest takeaways from this season—from industry misconceptions and the evolution of badging technology to the culture, confidence, and innovation driving BadgePass forward. They revisit standout guest moments, talk about what’s next for the industry, and close things out with a rapid-fire round that reveals a bit more of the human side behind the badge.

The Mud Monsters Journey: Identity, Experience & Community with David Kerr

Baseball is the activity. Experience is the product. And the Mississippi Mud Monsters are nailing it. This week on Badge Banter, Lindsay sits down with David Kerr to dive into how a brand-new minor league team built a unique identity, created a community-first culture, and turned kids into superfans with the Little Monsters Club.

From Plastic to Mobile: What’s Really Next for the Badge? With Chris Randall

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Chris Randall from Elatec for a conversation that goes beyond credentials. They dive into how interoperability is shaping the next era of access control — from higher ed’s one-card systems to the industry’s slow but steady shift toward mobile. Chris shares how Elatec helps organizations read just about every type of credential out there, why legacy systems still dominate the market, and how relationship-building is still the real key to success in security.

Making Security Simple: Marketing the Complex with Clarity with Lisa Sobek

This week on Badge Banter, Lindsay sits down with Lisa Sobek, MBA from Allegion US, to unpack what that transformation really looks like. From cloud-based access control to creative marketing in a highly technical space, Lisa brings a refreshing perspective on how to simplify complex ideas and keep the focus on people. They dive into why end users expect cloud capabilities as a given, how storytelling makes all the difference in security marketing, and why physical credentials still hold strong in education and beyond. Lisa also shares her own journey into the industry, along with insights on mentorship, community, and what keeps her inspired in a field that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding!

The Badge Effect: UX, Identity & the Next Chapter of Credentials with Lee Odess

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez and industry thought leader Lee Odess dive into the evolving world of identity management and access control. Together, they explore how badging serves as both a security tool and an expression of identity, the critical role of notifications in enhancing workflows, and why the industry needs stronger storytelling to connect with end-users. From the challenges of mobile credential adoption to the possibility of badges as future fashion statements, this conversation is equal parts practical insight and bold imagination. Whether you’re rethinking user experience in your security strategy or just curious about where credentials are headed, this episode offers a look at how access control is shaping culture, identity, and connection.

Building a Culture of Success at PDK with Dallan Labrum

Culture, credentials, and the challenges of leading through growth; Lindsay and ProdataKey's Dallan Labrum™ cover it all in this week’s episode! From building strong company culture to scaling sales during hyper-growth, Dallan shares what it’s really like leading the charge at PDK. They dig into why partnerships matter in security (𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘳: 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘈𝘓𝘓 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦), how badges + access control are shaping the future, and more!

Open Minds and Open Architecture with Jeremy Fromm

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Jeremy Fromm, Brand Evangelist at Mercury Security. Together, they dig into what it really means to be a brand evangelist, why open architecture matters in access control, and the ever-spicy debate: physical badges vs. mobile credentials. Jeremy brings his unique perspective on how the industry has evolved, the role cybersecurity plays in shaping the future, and why innovation isn’t optional anymore.

Building Community in Access Control with Hillary Gallagher

In this episode, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Hilary Gallagher for a conversation that’s equal parts real talk and industry insight. Together, they explore the power of community in the access control world, the challenges of balancing demanding careers with family life, and how women are reshaping a space that’s long been male-dominated. They also look ahead at where the security industry is going, hint: it’s getting bigger, louder, and a lot more mainstream, and why great storytelling might be the key to its future.

Access, Not Control: Rethinking Security with Colin Depree

Story First, Sale Second: Building Loyalty in Security with Jake Voll

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay sits down with Jake Ball, CEO of SS&SI Dealer Network — and a standout voice in the security industry on LinkedIn. They discuss why story first, sale second is more than just a mantra; it’s a business advantage. From building trust through personal branding to creating stickier customer experiences, Jake shares insights on what’s driving today’s integrators (and what end users really expect). They also dive into how the industry is evolving, why relationships still win deals, and why sometimes… you just need to hit post. .

Building Resilient Teams, Humanizing Security, and the Evolving Role of the ID Badge with Jon Harris

What do leadership, culture, and a life-saving badge story have in common? This episode. Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Jon Harris — Director of Technical Integrations at Mobile Pro Systems, founder of Apex Performance, and longtime security industry pro. They dive into: → Why building resilient, connected teams matters more than ever → How badges have evolved beyond “just door access” → The power of human connection in a tech-driven world → And yes… the unforgettable story of how going back for his badge might have literally saved Jon’s life. You won’t want to miss this one. 🎙️

The Balance of Security and Community in Schools with Paul Timm

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez interviews Paul Timm, Director of Education Safety at Allegion, discussing the critical aspects of school safety and security. They explore common misconceptions, the importance of a layered approach to security, and the balance between creating a welcoming environment and ensuring safety. Paul emphasizes the need for a strong safety culture, the role of education in empowering staff, and shares insights from his experiences in the field. The conversation also touches on the importance of purposeful security and the need for effective response protocols when using security systems.

Sales, Security & Staying Out of Your Comfort Zone with Angie Barnes

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez sits down with Angie Barnes, Chief Revenue Officer at Evolon, to talk all things security and sales. They dive into the industry's shift from reactive to proactive strategies, the rise of security ecosystems, and why having a mentor is key to success. Angie shares candid advice for both new and seasoned sales pros, reflects on the importance of giving back, and yes, admits to holding the record for most lost ID badges at her former company. If you’re looking for a mix of industry insight, personal stories, and a good reminder to step outside your comfort zone, this one’s for you!

The Door Dork Diaries: Security, ID Badges & Social Media with Benji Bolick

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay sits down with Benji Bolick—also known as the “Door Dork”—from ProdataKey (PDK) to talk all things access control, identity, and industry personality. They explore how Benji carved out his niche in the security space, why ID badges are still a critical piece of your access puzzle, and how social media (yep, even LinkedIn) is changing the game for industry pros. From creative badge use cases to branding with personality, this episode is a front-row seat to the fun side of security!

Finding the Balance in the Next Era of Access Control with Rohin Parkar

In this episode of Badge Banter, Lindsay Martin-Nez chats with Rohin Parker, founder of Spintly, about how access control technology is changing — and where it’s headed next. From Bluetooth and QR codes to mobile credentials and physical badges, they’re covering it all: how different markets (like the US and India) approach innovation, why user experience matters more than ever, and how to strike the right balance between security and convenience. If you’re curious about what’s next in access control, you’ll want to hear this one!

The Badge Effect: Connection, Culture & Credibility with Karim Hala

In this episode of Badge Banter, host Lindsay Martin-Nez speaks with Karim Hala from Entrust about the significance of photo ID badges in various contexts, including pop culture, community building, and global implementations. They discuss the importance of badges beyond their physical form, the challenges faced in the ID industry, and innovative solutions that enhance the user experience.

Not Your Average Security Marketer with Vinny Peone

In this episode of Badge Banter, host Lindsay Martin-Nez speaks with Vinny Peone, Director of Marketing for Eastern Security Services and Intellitech Security Services. They discuss Vinny's journey in the security industry, the challenges of marketing within the sector, and effective strategies for engaging customers. The conversation also touches on the balance between fun and professionalism in security marketing, the debate between mobile credentials and physical badges, and advice for career growth. Vinny shares insights on the importance of trust in business relationships and the need for marketing to be tailored to end users.

The Importance of Recognition in Education with Shea Politte

In this episode of Badge Banter, host Lindsay Martin-Nez speaks with Shea Politte from The FOUND. Mission, an organization dedicated to meeting the basic needs of children in schools. They discuss the inspiration behind the mission, the importance of recognizing individuals by name, the challenges of building relationships with schools, and advice for organizations looking to work with educational institutions. The conversation highlights the importance of generosity, connection, and understanding in creating a positive impact in the community.

AI, Access and the Art of Security Marketing with Josh Bowman

In this episode of Badge Banter, host Lindsay Martin-Nez speaks with Josh Bowman from Bowman Vision Media about the marketing landscape in the security industry. They discuss the importance of authenticity in marketing, the buzzwords of AI and mobile credentials, and the future of security technology. Josh shares insights on the role of AI in transforming the industry and the necessity of a hybrid approach to access control.

The Power of a Name in Security & The Future of ID Badging with Charlia Pence

Lindsay Martin-Nez is back with Charlia Pence from Diamond Business Services! They’re diving into why identification matters more than ever, the power of names in business and beyond, and where the security industry is headed. Charlia drops some wisdom on the future of visual identity, the downfall of prox cards, and why staying ahead of outdated tech is non-negotiable. Plus, they get real about the importance of connection and community in security!