Rising Stars 2025: Manufacturers/Distributors

Brad Cook represents the rare innovator who successfully bridges hardware expertise with cutting-edge technology to modernize access control systems. His leadership has been instrumental in challenging the status quo of the smart lock industry, which has historically been divided between traditional lock manufacturers adding basic technology to existing products and tech companies attempting to build locks without hardware expertise.

Since joining Alfred International at its 2018 launch, Cook has spearheaded the company's distinctive "butler meets bouncer" product philosophy, ensuring that convenience never comes at the expense of security. This vision has transformed how the industry approaches smart lock design and has established new standards for what consumers and security professionals can expect from access control systems.

Under Cook’s strategic leadership, Alfred has developed several groundbreaking products that have significantly advanced security technology. The DB2S Smart Lock features Cook’s proprietary multi-layered security approach that combines RFID technology capable of recognizing up to 250 unique cards, 250 unique pin codes, mobile app access, and traditional key access — providing versatility without compromising security integrity. The ML2 Smart Mortise Lock solves a long-standing industry challenge for upgrading security in older buildings while maintaining building code compliance. The “industryfirst” Interconnect Kit demonstrates Cook’s commitment to practical innovation, transforming any Alfred smart deadbolt into a code-compliant interconnect lock with single-motion egress functionality. This addresses critical safety concerns in multifamily and rental properties while meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

Cook has championed an open integration strategy that supports multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Wi-Fi. This philosophy enables seamless integration with popular smart home platforms without requiring subscription fees — a refreshing approach in an industry increasingly dependent on recurring revenue models. This has democratized smart lock technology, making advanced security accessible to a broader market.

In an industry often resistant to change, Cook has successfully proven that security, convenience, and elegant design can coexist harmoniously. His innovations have influenced how both consumers and security professionals think about access control, driving the entire industry toward more user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and technologically advanced solutions.

His leadership extends beyond product development to industry education, helping locksmiths and security professionals understand and embrace smart technology integration. His work has elevated industry standards while maintaining the fundamental security principles that define professional locksmithing.

Ana Sofia Esquivel

Industrial Design Manager, Allegion

Ana Sofia Esquivel, Industrial Designer and Usability Specialist at Allegion, has made significant contributions toward a safer and more accessible future. Her work on the cylindrical Indication Solution by Schlage demonstrates numerous improvements in accessible, inclusive design. Esquivel led design studies to identify the typeface, color, and icon selections, as well as layout and spacing for maximum legibility in the classroom environment.She carefully analyzed typical classroom dimensions, average visual acuity, and colorblindness percentiles to determine the right mix of elements and deliver on Schlage’s promise to “Know It’s Locked.”

Esquivel is a strong advocate for universally accessible design, often saying that she “wants products and solutions to be usable by everyone,” and is committed to deliver designs that go beyond ADA requirements. Her next focus area will include user interface design for digital solutions, with a long-term goal of creating standards for accessible design that anyone can use. Esquivel is delivering great impact, and poised to deliver even more, both for Allegion, the lock industry, and beyond.

Esquivel joined Allegion in 2021 as an Associate Industrial Designer and has excelled over the years, recently earning a promotion to Industrial Designer. Prior, she had several industrial design and product innovation internships, and was a Model Fabrication Specialist at 3D Color. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2020 with her Bachelor of Science - BS, Industrial and Product Design.

Taylor Harrison

Inside Account Manager, IML Security

In a field where precision, reliability and deep product knowledge are essential, Taylor Harrison consistently goes above and beyond to deliver excellence — not just as a vendor, but as a true partner to his locksmith clients.

In her nomination, Stephanie Ewen, owner of Texas Master Locksmiths and Security Systems, wrote, “Harrison has been an integral part of our success by helping us source the most effective and reliable security hardware for a wide range of customer needs. Whether we come to him with a clear request or we’re dealing with a mystery part that no one else can identify, Taylor digs in without hesitation. His expertise, persistence, and commitment to customer service are unmatched. He is not only professional and knowledgeable, but also incredibly friendly and courteous — making every interaction a pleasure. When we’re on a tight deadline or need to locate a hard-to-find item, Taylor always comes through with quick turnaround and dependable support. His ability to find solutions where others fall short has made him an indispensable asset to our team.

“Taylor exemplifies the qualities that make a true rising star in the locksmith and security industry: dedication, integrity, responsiveness, and a passion for helping others succeed. We are proud to work alongside him and are confident that he represents the very best of the next generation of security professionals.”

Gina Melendez

President & CEO, Hudson Lock, LLC

Gina Melendez is a breath of fresh air in an industry needing new faces, ideas, energy and more than status quo knowledge. She brings positive energy to any environment whether one on one conversation or group participation. Melendez has an uncommon interest in her customers at the wholesale distributor level as well as a deep interest in the dealer/user. She has been involved in local trade association meetings and even hosted a meeting of the Massachusetts Locksmiths Association at the Hudson factory to better understand the business and needs. Her interest in the how, why, where and when of opportunities is intense. The contribution brought to "the trade" goes beyond locks and tools.

Melendez is a genuine people person in a world of "Customer ID and Parts by Numbers Only.” She has a hands-on, eyes-on, ears-on approach to truly understand the business as a newcomer and plans on a long future in this old industry with a fresh outlook accompanied by a renewed spirit to make things happen.

She was nominated by Joey Dalessio, president of Keyincode.

In addition to her leadership position at Hudson Lock, Melendez holds the following distinctions:

• Mechanical Engineer
• Member, Massachusetts Locksmiths Association
• Member of Chief, a national network for women executives
• Worcester Business Journal 40 Under 40 Honoree
• Board Member, Assabet Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Customer Advisory Board Member, CinchIT
• She was also featured in the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers’ “Back to Work America! Latinas at the Forefront of Manufacturing” article.

These roles and recognitions highlight Melendez’s commitment to advancing the locksmithing trade, supporting the manufacturing community, and creating meaningful connections across industry and local organizations.