"Resilience, to me, is getting back up, looking at what went wrong, then going back at it with continued perseverance."
Eddie Reynolds Tweet
Edwina “Eddie” Reynolds has spent over 30 years as a leading figure in the video security industry and is the President and CEO of iluminar Inc. Reynolds founded iluminar Inc. in 2009, which has since become a leading manufacturer and global supplier of award-winning infrared and white light illuminators as well as license plate recognition products.
Reynolds currently serves as a member of the Security Industry Association (SIA) Women in Security Forum and also serves on the SIA RISE Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee. She is a member of the International Organization of Black Security Executives (IOBSE), acting as a liaison with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where Reynolds recruits students to work for the security industry. Reynolds is also on the Board of Directors for the International Amitofo Charity Center (IACC), a nonprofit that creates living communities for orphans throughout Africa and Asia to serve as family units and educational institutions.
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Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Eddie Reynolds: In the early 1990s, I met a friend from high school who first introduced me to the electronic security industry. I became very interested in the technology aspect of video cameras, and how other security equipment functioned to protect people, property, and assets. I later interviewed with Chubb Security Systems, the system integration company my friend worked for and was quickly hired on as an account executive. I went on to work for several security companies before founding my own security lighting company called iluminar Inc in 2009.
Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey? Did you ever consider giving up?
Eddie Reynolds: The security industry is a male-dominated arena. Coming in as an African American woman was a little daunting for me. Years later, deciding to start my own business brought its own set of challenges. I believe it is important to always know your worth and never settle for less because if you don’t know your worth, no one else will. If you want something, don’t be afraid to go after it, and never shy away from asking for what you want.
Thirty years later, I’ve proven my value time and time again. Today, iluminar produces award-winning solutions and works with the top video camera manufacturers in the marketplace. I’ve had the honor to hold esteemed leadership positions in the industry including being elected to the Security Industry Association (SIA) Executive Council, where I work with other leaders to support the growth and advancement of the security industry at large.
What are the most common mistakes you see entrepreneurs make and what would you suggest they do?
Eddie Reynolds: Get iron-clad contracts! I think when first starting out, you try to be as flexible as possible which can lead you into some difficult situations. Be confident in your knowledge and stand behind your work.
Resilience is critical in critical times like the ones we are going through now. How would you define resilience?
Eddie Reynolds: Resilience, to me, is getting back up, looking at what went wrong, then going back at it with continued perseverance. No matter how far you got knocked down, you’re still here. I’ve found throughout my career that there will always be setbacks and disappointments. However, so long as you are still showing up, you can keep moving forward. There will be new, positive opportunities.
In your opinion, what makes your company stand out from the competition?
Eddie Reynolds: iluminar meets a key need for security customers. Without light, there is no clear video that can be used for situational awareness, video analytics, or crime investigations. This is why I started iluminar. Today, iluminar has become a leading manufacturer and global supplier of infrared and white light illuminators for video security systems and license plate capture. Our line of lighting solutions offers extended range, longevity, durability, and cost-efficiency. Outside of our technology, we are committed to putting the customer first by providing superior customer service.
What do you consider are your strengths when dealing with staff workers, colleagues, senior management, and customers?
Eddie Reynolds: One of my biggest strengths is that I am an approachable person who is always willing to have a discussion on the best course of action and the big picture. I am a hard worker, a problem solver, and a trusted advisor when it comes to security lighting. This is why people love working with me on security projects. I offer design consultations that can help our client’s overall video security system perform better.
Being a CEO of the company, do you think that your personal brand reflects your company’s values?
Eddie Reynolds: Respect, inclusion, diversity, and paying it forward are some of iluminar’s core values. Championing women and minorities has always been a personal mission of mine since beginning my career in the security industry in the 1990s. I love mentoring businesswomen as well as meeting with students, who represent the next generation of our workforce and educating them on the many career opportunities in the security industry. A defining moment in my career was being the 2018 inaugural recipient of the Security Industry Association (SIA) Progress Award, which honors individuals who have shown excellence in their advancement of opportunities and success for women in the security industry.
Since that time, the security industry has really embraced my thoughts, ideas, and perspective about how to achieve greater diversity and representation in the workplace. I’ve been able to contribute articles, speak on conference panels and serve as a judge on industry awards to raise this issue in the security industry. I continue to work toward these ideals as I serve on the SIA Women in Security Forum and the SIA RISE Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee.
How would you define “leadership”?
Eddie Reynolds: Leadership to me is leading by example. It’s being resilient and adaptable. It’s not giving up when you run into obstacles. It’s doing hard things and challenging the status quo for the possibility of something better.
What advice would you give to our younger readers that want to become entrepreneurs?
Eddie Reynolds: Be brave, stand your ground, and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. It’s not always going to be easy, but if you stay true to your values and have confidence in your abilities, you’ll be just fine.
What’s your favorite “life lesson” quote and how has it affected your life?
Eddie Reynolds: As a child, many of my friend’s parents would say “If no one wants to give you an opportunity, create your own.” I took that quote to heart and have now been the President and CEO of my very own business for over 10 years.
Larry Yatch, VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Eddie Reynolds for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Eddie Reynolds or her company, you can do it through her – Linkedin Page
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