Advance Convergence Group (ACG) is a high growth company comprising award winning strategic business units that develop and integrate technology solutions for public and private clients globally. Over the last several years with strategic and continued investment, ACG has developed and launched exciting products into diverse, new, and growing sectors. ACG specializes in innovative enterprise physical security solutions, novel IoT sensing technology and solutions targeting air quality, advanced audio-visual systems, weapons detection, virtual security guards, STEM instructional technology, and virtual classrooms.
David Antar is a true entrepreneur at heart, with over 30 years in the security industry. Over that time, he has started several successful high-tech companies based on a keen ability to understand the needs of his customers and the trends in the marketplace that drive business growth.
A+ Technology & Security Solutions is one of the largest physical security integrators in the tri-state area with a strong presence in the K-12, Higher Ed, Commercial and Public Sector. IPVideo Corporation is a global security and IOT solutions manufacturer and software developer that sells award-winning products like the HALO IoT Smart Sensor exclusively through a 1000+ worldwide dealer network. A+ STEM Labs is an innovator in STEM teaching solutions and has over 1500 mobile science labs in the New York City school system. Global Fusion Center is a high-tech virtual guarding firm that is disrupting the security industry with cameras that are equipped with artificial intelligence to trigger events back to a 24 x 7 command center. Headquartered in Bay Shore, New York, all companies operate out of an 18,000 square foot showcase facility in addition to having a 7,000 square foot New England operation in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 2012 all business units were combined under the umbrella of a single holding company, Advance Convergence Group (ACG).
David explains, “Having a customer-centric philosophy is crucial to any successful business and it’s extremely important to stay on top of the latest technology in today’s changing marketplace. It’s all about exceeding your customer’s expectations each and every time.” David Antar’s success is a testament to the wisdom of this philosophy.
David was inducted into the Long Island Technology Hall of Fame and has been honored at numerous Local and National events. He is integrally involved with many strategic boards and organizations to help make the world a smarter safer place.
Steve Grillo is currently serving as Chief Financial Officer for Advanced Convergence Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. His responsibilities include finance, administration, business, and operational strategies, acquisition reviews, business negotiations, risk, and treasury management.
A seasoned financial executive with a passion for inspiring exceptional performance based upon integrity and effective leadership. Core competencies include: planning and implementing corporate objectives, developing and mentoring financial teams, SEC reporting, taxes, mergers and acquisitions, capital financing, risk assessment, union, and other negotiations, and managing best-in-class computer integration solutions. Able to provide a unique combination of skills ranging from Fortune 500 business practices to strategic private entrepreneur business strategies.
Strong team building and interpersonal skills derived from over twenty years of experience in senior executive positions with leading organizations, including CFO at Blackman Plumbing Supply, Inc., Corporate Controller and Director of Treasury at OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Controller at Harman International (Fortune 500 Company) and by providing financial consulting solutions to other Long Island clients.
Dedicated to the Long Island community: serves on the advisory board of “Long Island 2 Day” a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit cancer organization, and active with other charitable organizations including Cancer Care Inc., American Cancer Society, and Plan USA. Previously gave back to the Long Island community by teaching Principles of Accounting and Finance to night students at SUNY Farmingdale.
Has a passion for investing, completed the CFP Professional Education Program from the College for Financial Planning in Denver, and is a lifetime member of the American Association of Individual Investors.
Frank Jacovino was named Vice President of Operations and Product Development in May 2018. He oversees operational and productive development for Advanced Convergence Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Prior to this role, Mr. Jacovino served as Vice President of Product Development, IPVideo Corporation since 2015. He guided the strategic direction and product development for their Physical Security Integration Management, Video Management System, and Audio-Visual product lines.
From 2010 to 2014 he held the position of Vice President of World-wide Engineering for Vicon, a manufacturer of cameras and Video Management Software for the security industry. In prior years, 2001 to 2008, Mr. Jacovino held the position of General Manager for RVSI, a manufacturer of cameras and machine vision software for the semiconductor industry. Mr. Jacovino joined RVSI in 1986 as a software engineer and held leadership positions of increasing responsibility in both the engineering and operations organizations.
Mr. Jacovino holds BSEE and MSCS degrees from Polytechnic University.
Rick Cadiz is the sales and marketing director for Advanced Convergence Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. He has a consistent 25-year background in information technology and services industries along with strong sales management skills in IT consulting, IT outsourcing, managed services, security, networking, storage, cloud solutions, telecommunications, and SAAS. In addition, he has experience in building strategic partnerships, channels, and vertical markets with extensive knowledge of the public-sector markets including K12, Higher Education, Government, and Healthcare.
From 2003 to 2017 Mr. Cadiz led the sales and marketing efforts at Custom Computer Specialists inc. a 70m market leading regional systems integrator and IT consulting firm. In prior years, 1999-2002 he was the leading sales manager for Internet solutions provider Globix corporation and Regional Sales Director for MCI’s CSN affinity program from 1993-1998 a startup to 100m value-added services and consulting program.
Mr. Cadiz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
Jack Plunkett is a company founder and Chief Technology Officer of IPVideo Corporation. With over twenty years in the IP Surveillance market, Mr. Plunkett has been developing video management solutions since the evolution of the first IP Addressable Camera.
Jack is the architect of our product portfolio, evaluating and testing components to compile a best-in-breed collection. Jack has designed and implemented hundreds of IP Surveillance installations, consolidating disparate security subsystems into fully integrated systems. Jack has been instrumental in the design of Graphical User Interfaces to provide operators with intuitive and easy-to-use client tools for the security and audio/video markets.
Mr. Plunkett has a strong reputation in the security industry and has grown many solid business relationships with manufacturers and distributors. Jack is the author of many trade articles and white papers and often speaks at trade shows and seminars about the benefits of IP Surveillance. Prior to entering the security industry, Mr. Plunkett’s primary focus was Website Design, Search Engine Optimization, and Desktop Publishing for Fortune 500 companies.
