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Founded in 2010, Dallas, Texas based manufacturer, Evolon, has emerged as a leader in proactive monitoring solutions. At the helm of its revenue growth strategy is Angie Barnes, the company’s Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). With over 30 years of industry experience, Angie brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for building high-performing teams. In this exclusive Q&A with SVIP, she shares her journey, insights, and vision for Evolon’s future.
A Career Built on Innovation and Leadership
Angie Barnes’ career spans three decades, beginning with her early years at Brink’s Inc., where she helped launch and sell the Smart Safe Program. Her transition to the integration side of the business with NAVCO marked a turning point in her career. “Being on the integration side, I started to recognize the shift and need for more proactive solutions versus reactive,” she recalls.
This realization ultimately led Angie to Evolon, a company she describes as the “perfect place and technology” to promote and build. When asked what attracted her to Evolon, Angie highlights the company’s leadership, culture, and technology. “The leadership, culture, and team are fantastic, and the offering in the proactive monitoring space I felt was best in class,” she says. “When they asked me to join, I was elated to have that foundation to build another world-class sales organization.”
Shaping Evolon’s Growth and Strategy
As CRO, Angie sees her role as a builder and connector. “My goal will be to hire the right people for the bus, with the right talents and strengths, to help us deliver that exceptional customer and partner experience,” she explains. This focus on people and partnerships is central to her strategy for driving revenue growth.
Evolon’s unique position in the security and surveillance technology space is another key factor in its success. “We are the easy button for sure when it comes to Live Proactive Monitoring,” Angie says. “There are quite a few people that do one part or two parts but not all parts, and we are that company.” Evolon’s direct edge integration with AXIS and Hanwha cameras and VMS allows for seamless deployment, often without the need for a truck roll—a significant advantage in the industry.
AI-Driven Solutions for a Safer Future
Evolon’s AI-driven solutions are at the forefront of addressing current challenges in the security industry. “My boss used to say, ‘It’s not my job to stop crime, just to push it down the street!’” Angie shares. “Now, I actually believe we have a product that can try to prevent the crime before it happens.” Evolon’s AI detection capabilities classify and detect people, vehicles, and other objects, leveraging analytics to trigger alerts and bring human monitoring into the loop when necessary.
The company’s technology is versatile, serving a wide range of industries. “Every day we see a new one pop up,” Angie notes. “Virtual Doorman in multifamily, panic buttons with our app in retail, perimeter protection for large logistics and distribution facilities—the key is, does it solve their problem? If the answer is yes, then they are a targeted vertical.”
Immediate Priorities and Long-Term Vision
Angie’s immediate priorities as CRO revolve around creating momentum and brand awareness. “It’s important we tell the Evolon story to the broader audience and be strategic on who we align ourselves with, both tech partnerships and channel partnerships,” she emphasizes. “We don’t want to be everything to everybody.”
Strengthening relationships with existing clients while attracting new ones is also a top focus. Evolon is investing in partner and onboarding programs to create loyalty and reward growth. “Focused spiffs and sales loyalty programs will provide a base of Evolon Superfans to tell our story often and to many,” Angie says.
Looking ahead, Angie is excited about new partnerships and product announcements, including a significant reveal at ISC West. “All the new channel partnerships we are building are exciting to me,” she shares. “Even my former company, NAVCO, where it will really enhance their RMR strategy for new and existing customers.”
Leadership Principles and Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Angie’s leadership style is rooted in servant leadership and a relentless focus on value. “I try to coach my team on urgency and value-based follow-ups,” she explains. “Urgency is not a bad thing when you have value backing it up for both parties. It says this is important enough to move forward.”
For professionals, particularly women, aspiring to leadership roles in tech, Angie offers sage advice: “I don’t go to meetings, I build relationships. That is the key for all young professionals. Create as many relationships as you can by sharing what makes you unique and memorable.”
A Vision for the Future
Angie’s vision for Evolon over the next 3-5 years is clear: “We are going to build revenue! Then build some more revenue!” she says with a smile. “Then hire crazy amazing Evolon talent to create a first-class, ‘I want to join’ culture everyone will remember and talk about.” She believes that while technology will continue to evolve, it is Evolon’s people and culture that will ultimately set the company apart.
Innovation remains a cornerstone of Evolon’s strategy. “Our CEO, who leads our product and technology teams, will always be looking for ways to better serve our customers through innovation,” Angie says. “It will be OUR job to package it and make it relevant to the end users.” “At some point, the tech will be an adopted technology. What will differentiate will be our people and our culture. That is what we are really building.”
Under Angie Barnes’ leadership and from our time speaking with her, Evolon is poised for significant growth and innovation. Her focus on building relationships, fostering a high-performing team, and delivering value-driven solutions ensures that Evolon will continue to lead in the proactive monitoring space. As the company expands its reach and refines its technology, one thing is certain: Angie’s passion and vision will be at the heart of its success.
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