Listener warning: This podcast includes discussions of school shootings and trauma, which may be distressing for some listeners.A recent survey from the National Center for Education Statistics reports that two-thirds of American public schools now control visitor access to their school grounds. This includes getting equipment, hiring staff and implementing crisis plans. So, who designs these systems? We will find out today, with David Rogers from Raptor Technologies.Raptor Technologies is the U.S. leader in school security software. Once a family-owned business, Raptor now works with 37, 000 schools across the country. That’s thanks in part to David Rogers, their chief marketing officer. After 20 years in high-tech marketing, David has touched on everything from software development to fintech. In this episode, he shares how technology can make schools safer, and why this work needs to happen now. With a passion that is nothing short of inspiring, David draws lessons from Raptor’s success: from its humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, to its recent venture in global markets. He also tells us how safety management technology can help during an emergency; points out the importance of risk prevention; and reveals how school districts and families can get involved too. Because, at the end of the day, school safety is about creating a supportive network around our communities. So join Patrick and David today, and follow in Raptor’s steps to protect every school, every child, every day. Highlights:
Raptor Technologies’ mission (2:27)
The origins of Raptor Tech (4:25)
Becoming market leaders (6:03)
Why Raptor products stand out (8:13)
How technology can help in an emergency (10:42)
Prevent, prepare, respond, recover (12:30)
Staff training at Raptor (14:29)
Supporting employees’ mental health (15:54)
What are common school safety risks? (17:29)
Covid-19’s impact on young people’s mental health (19:14)
From a reactive to a preventive society (21:03)
Challenges within the public sector (23:11) 
How parents can support school safety management (25:29)
Technology can make a difference (28:35)
Links:
Cadence Bank Website
Cadence Bank Twitter
Cadence Bank LinkedIn
David Rogers LinkedIn
Raptor Technologies LinkedIn
Raptor Technologies Website

Raptor Technologies Twitter 
Raptor Technologies YouTube
New York Times - “Panic Buttons, Classroom Locks: How Schools Have Boosted Security”
If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producers, Natalie.Barron@cadencebank.com, Eydie.Pengelly@cadencebank.com, or danielle.kernell@cadencebank.com.