In this episode, Scott Elkins, CEO of Zeus, sits down with Paul Ridder, CFO of Zeus, to discuss one of the most challenging — and emotional — moments in the M&A journey: telling your team about a sale.

With decades of experience and 24+ transactions under their belt, Scott and Paul share lessons learned, best practices, and real-world stories that reveal:

• Why this moment is often harder than the decision to sell itself
• The fears every seller faces — from betraying trust to losing respect
• How to prepare for “Day One” and “Day Two” conversations with employees
• The importance of honesty, empathy, and speaking from the heart
• Practical tips for avoiding blindsiding your team and building trust through the transition

Whether you’re a business owner considering a sale, a leader preparing your team, or simply curious about the human side of M&A, this episode offers actionable insights and reassurance from leaders who’ve been there.

At Zeus, we believe the deal isn’t the end — it’s the beginning. And it starts with how you bring your people along for the journey.

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Links:

Website: https://zeusfireandsecurity.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeus-fire-and-security/

Learn more about ZeusAI: www.zeusfireandsecurity.com/zeusai

About Zeus Fire and Security

Zeus Fire and Security was established in 2022 to build a national network of fire protection and security providers recognized for execution excellence across a variety of service lines and end markets. Zeus addresses customers’ fire protection and security needs through a broad array of services from mission critical fire system installation, testing, and inspection to physical security system installation and video monitoring. Zeus was established with the purpose of partnering with industry-leading fire and security operators who are seeking a collaborative growth partner dedicated to inspiring and accelerating the long-term growth of business and team members. Zeus operates Alert Alarm and Security Resources Pacific of Hawaii, SMG Security of Illinois, national-account provider UAS, Independent Alarm of New Jersey, PASS Fire and Security of Missouri, Martin Systems of Wisconsin, Bayside Fire and Security and Absolute Security Group of Maryland, and Gallaher of Tennessee. For more information, please visit https://www.zeusfireandsecurity.com.

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First published: October 1, 2025

This podcast episode is not sponsored. All views and opinions expressed are our own.

In this special episode of the 3P’s Podcast, Zeus CEO Scott Elkins takes the guest seat in a conversation with Kevin McAllister, Founder and Managing Partner at Access Holdings.

Together, they reflect on:

• Scott’s journey from building UAS into a national provider to leading Zeus today
• What it means to win the EY Entrepreneur of the Year® Philadelphia Award and Access’ Modern Business Builder Award
• How innovation, culture, and leadership have shaped Zeus’ growth
• The mission behind the 3P’s: Protecting People, Property, and Profits
• What’s next for Zeus as it builds the industry’s first fully integrated service provider

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at leadership, partnership, and building an enduring business—told through the lens of both gratitude and ambition.

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Links:

Website: https://zeusfireandsecurity.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeus-fire-and-security/

Learn more about ZeusAI: www.zeusfireandsecurity.com/zeusai

About Zeus Fire and Security

Zeus Fire and Security was established in 2022 to build a national network of fire protection and security providers recognized for execution excellence across a variety of service lines and end markets. Zeus addresses customers’ fire protection and security needs through a broad array of services from mission critical fire system installation, testing, and inspection to physical security system installation and video monitoring. Zeus was established with the purpose of partnering with industry-leading fire and security operators who are seeking a collaborative growth partner dedicated to inspiring and accelerating the long-term growth of business and team members. Zeus operates Alert Alarm and Security Resources Pacific of Hawaii, SMG Security of Illinois, national-account provider UAS, Independent Alarm of New Jersey, PASS Fire and Security of Missouri, Martin Systems of Wisconsin, Bayside Fire and Security and Absolute Security Group of Maryland, and Gallaher of Tennessee. For more information, please visit https://www.zeusfireandsecurity.com.

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First published: September 25, 2025

This podcast episode is not sponsored. All views and opinions expressed are our own.

Welcome to the 3P’s Podcast from Zeus Fire and Security, where we spotlight the people and stories behind our mission to protect People, Property, and Profits.

In this episode, Scott Elkins, CEO of Zeus, sits down with Phil Benvenuto, President of Bayside Fire and Security. With over 40 years of experience on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Phil shares how Bayside grew from a small family startup into a trusted name in fire protection—now proudly joining the Zeus family.

Together they discuss:

• The origin story of Bayside and how a family business turned into a regional leader
• The challenges, lessons, and triumphs of running a multigenerational company
• How Bayside’s commitment to people and culture built lasting success
• Why joining Zeus Fire and Security was the next step in their journey

Phil’s story is about more than fire sprinklers and suppression systems—it’s about family, leadership, resilience, and building something that lasts.

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Links:

Website: https://zeusfireandsecurity.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeus-fire-and-security/

Learn more about ZeusAI: www.zeusfireandsecurity.com/zeusai

About Zeus Fire and Security

Zeus Fire and Security was established in 2022 to build a national network of fire protection and security providers recognized for execution excellence across a variety of service lines and end markets. Zeus addresses customers’ fire protection and security needs through a broad array of services from mission critical fire system installation, testing, and inspection to physical security system installation and video monitoring. Zeus was established with the purpose of partnering with industry-leading fire and security operators who are seeking a collaborative growth partner dedicated to inspiring and accelerating the long-term growth of business and team members. Zeus operates Alert Alarm and Security Resources Pacific of Hawaii, SMG Security of Illinois, national-account provider UAS, Independent Alarm of New Jersey, PASS Fire and Security of Missouri, Martin Systems of Wisconsin, Bayside Fire and Security and Absolute Security Group of Maryland, and Gallaher of Tennessee. For more information, please visit https://www.zeusfireandsecurity.com.

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First published: September 16, 2025

This podcast episode is not sponsored. All views and opinions expressed are our own.