SIA New Member Profile: Agora Partnerships

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Agora Partnerships partners with manufacturers, integrators and end users to develop sustainable strategies to achieve their objectives through channel collaboration, go-to-market strategy and road map development. The company is headquartered in Juliette, Georgia, and works with manufacturers and end users globally.

SIA spoke with Jordan Burnsed, owner and CEO of Agora Partnerships, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Jordan Burnsed: Agora Partnerships was founded in 2024 with the goal of helping manufacturers and end customers design innovative solutions for their business and operational goals.

I have over two decades in the construction and security industry, and during that time, I recognized the power of developing strong relationships to build successful strategies and innovative solutions. Within the industry I have served on the end user, integrator and manufacturing side, gaining a unique perspective on the industry. I decided to bring together these connections and experience to found Agora.

Agora supports manufacturers looking to expand their business and end customers seeking unique solutions. We aren’t a hands-off agency. We partner with our clients for long-term, sustainable success. Agora helps them think about their challenges differently and consider unique solutions to reach their goals. Through services such as product roadmap development, channel expansion or end customer consultation, Agora helps unlock innovative business and security opportunities.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

JB: With the goal of partnering with customers for long-term, sustainable success, Agora has two primary customer bases.

Manufacturers can leverage Agora for product validation, go-to-market strategy, offering development, partnership program development and sales training. Agora helps capture the voice of the customer and provides an outside perspective for revenue growth opportunities.

Agora also works with end users to navigate the ever-changing physical security landscape. Agora’s staff has helped craft scalable security plans for Fortune 500 companies, top universities, critical infrastructure and government organizations.

With our diversity of knowledge, Agora can look at a challenge from multiple angles. We help manufacturers and end customers identify opportunities and solutions that will work best for them.

What’s something we might not know about your company – or something new you’re doing in security?

JB: Agora not only provides insight, but also helps execute the plan. We are active and engaged to make sure each customer is successful. We have started to build a network of consultants to enhance our experience, capabilities and support through collaboration rather than competition.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

JB: Agora’s goal is to develop partnerships and collaborative relationships to support innovation and drive long-term, sustainable success for manufacturers, partners and customers. There are still many systems on the market using dated technologies and many manufacturers with outdated business practices. We want to change that. Our goal is to use our forward-thinking, innovative perspective to help transform the industry and introduce manufacturers and customers to new opportunities.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

JB: Operations and activity. Security is traditionally a cost center for many organizations; however, there is a lot of new technology on the market that is changing that idea. Innovative technology can help create more efficient operations and safer, more inviting environments; however, the key is connecting the manufacturers of the innovative solutions with the partners and customers who could benefit from them. Likewise, manufacturers need to position their solutions to highlight these capabilities. We’re on the brink of a new wave of security technology that goes beyond traditional applications – and customers are eager to learn more.

What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long term?

JB: In the short term, cloud and software as a service will be a major player in regions where bandwidth and data are accessible. Many people may not know what the cloud is, but they have started to trust it, allowing more organizations to make the transition. Long-term, as this industry becomes more connected to the IT industry, we’ll continue to see new players emerge and with innovative ways to challenge the status quo.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

JB: One of the biggest challenges for manufacturers is differentiation. While everyone can offer the same buz words, how an organization delivers on their promises will be the primary driver. End customers are becoming savvier and are looking for solutions that deliver long-term, sustainable quality – not just empty, short-term promises. Likewise, for end customers, navigating these different options is challenging. Knowing which manufacturers to trust to meet both short-term and long-term goals is important. The integrator plays a key role and must be supported so they can help customers select the best solution.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

JB: Agora is fortunate to have some amazing partners. It has been a pleasure to work with them and see them grow. There are many great solutions, strong innovators and technologically savvy individuals who are changing our industry landscape. I’m excited to continue partnering with them and be a part of the next generation of industry solutions.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

JB: SIA offers Agora the ability to continuously improve through education, connections and awareness. I hope to grow Agora utilizing the SIA network and build new partnerships to help support the industry.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.