ESA Honors Greenville Businessman and Industry Entrepreneur Robert Few with Prestigious Industry Leadership Award
Robert Few Instrumental in Developing ESA's Mentorship Program and Rising Leaders Group
Nearly 75 percent of the American workforce will be Millennials or GenX by 2027, according to Forbes. Greenville businessman and entrepreneur Robert Few sees this as an opportunity to prepare the next generation of electronic security industry leaders by fostering multi-generational mentorships and networks.
“Advances in technology have redefined the electronic security and life safety industry and led to innovations that have created smart homes, smart buildings – and now smart cities,” says Few, who is co-founder and managing partner of The Connection Xchange. “What was once viewed as a very traditional industry has evolved into an entrepreneurial, collaborative, technology-driven environment. We need to ensure the next generation is able to capitalize on these expanding opportunities.”
It is because of this dedicated work in leadership development that the Electronic Security Association (ESA) awarded Few its prestigious Sara E. Jackson Memorial Award. The award recognizes an ESA volunteer who has exhibited exceptional leadership on an ESA committee, professional group, task force or board.
As an ESA volunteer, Few was instrumental in developing the association’s mentorship program and Rising Leaders Group, a national network that connects and cultivates rising leaders within the security industry through professional development, mentorship, events and resources.
“Robert’s work highlights and celebrates the shifting paradigm of our industry,” says Angela White, president of ESA. “By investing his time and expertise in developing a unique mentorship program, Robert is using his experience and leadership skills to prepare a new generation to lead.”
Few grew up in a family business and recognizes the value of mentorship, as well as the multi-generational exchange of ideas and values.
“My dad showed that through hard work, dedication and perseverance you can build anything, says Few. “But through loyalty and caring for the people you work with, you can take what you’ve built and achieve greatness.”
