Some of our security staff recently had the opportunity to attend CONSULT 2025, a technical security symposium, which was held in Denver, Colorado, and returned feeling energized and inspired by the conversations shaping the future of our industry. The symposium brought together consultants, manufacturers, and technology partners for open dialogue on mentorship, innovation, and the evolving landscape of security design.
Mentorship and Professional Growth
A recurring theme throughout this year was the importance of developing the next generation of security consultants. The session “Mentoring Designers Into Consultants” was a highlight for Faith Group attendees, as it focused on effective ways to attract, train, and retain emerging talent. Clinton McGraw, PSP, Security Design Manager, found this session particularly valuable, noting that it provided great insight into how we can improve our internal processes and mentorship, as this is a focus that closely aligns with Faith Group’s guiding principles of being people-centric and our ongoing commitment to developing our team from within.
Beyond the sessions, what made CONSULT unique was the openness of the conversations. The format encouraged real back-and-forth discussions, rather than scripted presentations between consultants and manufacturers. “Instead of canned presentations, we got honest roadmaps and real conversations about the ‘why’ behind design decisions,” said Brendan Kamps, PSP, ASC, DHC, CHDAI, Security Consulting Manager.
This openness carried into peer sessions as well, where consultants shared mentorship approaches, exchanging mentoring structures that stick and the soft skills that separate good from great consultants. Those exchanges reminded us how much our industry thrives on collaboration, honesty, and continuous learning.
Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Innovation was another key focus at CONSULT 2025, with many sessions and thoughtful discussions around the expanding role of AI and its real-world impact on security consulting. “CONSULT 2025 delivered insightful panel discussions overall, most notably those focused on AI and the evolving legal considerations surrounding its deployment across different states,” says Joseph Keith, PSP, ASC, Sr. Security Consultant.
George Brooks, RCDD, Sr. Project Manager, also highlighted the one-on-one sessions that showcased a range of new technologies, and the discussions around AI – particularly the lack of legislative parity between states and the ongoing challenge of protecting citizens’ personally identifiable information as technology advances.
As with many other industries, the implementation of AI and its impact in security remains a work in progress, balancing its benefits with the responsibility to uphold privacy and ethical standards. The conference featured informative workshops, such as “The Public Key Open Credential” standard. It remains to be seen how the industry partners will embrace this new technology to alleviate complexity and cost.
Fresh Perspectives
For Brandon Kuchinski, Security Analyst, attending CONSULT 2025 as a scholarship award recipient and first-time attendee, the conference was both exciting and rewarding. Being selected as a scholarship winner is a prestigious recognition. The scholarship, awarded to only eight recipients, honors individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to professional growth and excellence in the security industry.
Through this opportunity, Brandon was able to meet and learn from many accomplished industry experts and gain a new perspective on what it means to be part of the security consulting community. The conference’s structure – centered on collaboration and conversations between supplier manufacturers and security consultants through open roundtables – created an ideal environment to learn, connect, and exchange ideas. Brandon highlighted how the event’s attention to detail and sense of community left a lasting impression, reinforcing just how close-knit and supportive the security consulting field can be.
Looking Ahead
Each year, CONSULT allows us to pause, connect, and refocus on what matters most – collaboration, innovation, and growth. Our security professionals left CONSULT feeling refreshed and inspired, better equipped to serve and protect our clients, and proud to be part of a community that’s continually raising the standard for security consulting.
Clinton McGraw,PSP
Security Design Manager
clinton.mcgraw@faithgroupllc.com
Brendan Kamps, PSP, ASC, DHC, CHDAI
Security Consulting Manager
brendan.kamps@faithgroupllc.com
Joseph Keith, PSP, ASC
Sr. Security Consultant
joseph.keith@faithgroupllc.com
George Brooks, RCDD
Sr. Project Manager
george.brooks@faithgroupllc.com
Brandon Kuchinski,
Security Analyst
brandon.kuchinski@faithgroupllc.com