XSponse News
A Conversation with Blake Albertsen,
CRO of XSponse
March 10, 2025
As a father of three, and after meeting Andy Pollack and Ryan Petty, who lost their daughters in the Parkland shooting, I’m deeply committed to ensuring children’s safety,” A Conversation with Blake Albertsen, CRO of XSponse ”
Miami based manufacturer, XSponse is creating some noise in the development of innovative, AI-powered security solutions. At the helm of the company’s growth and strategic vision is Blake Albertsen, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), whose passion for creating safer environments is deeply personal. In this article, we delve into the story behind XSponse, their mission, and the cutting-edge technologies the company offers, as shared by Blake Albertsen himself.
The Founding of XSponse: A Story of Tragedy and Innovation
XSponse was born out of a pressing need to enhance safety in critical situations. Founded by a former Microsoft engineer, John Gehlsen, and a highly successful systems integrator, Lee Mandel, the company was inspired by the urgent demand for technology that could enable immediate, one-touch lockdowns and seamless communication during emergencies.
Blake Albertsen explains, “XSponse was founded by a former Microsoft engineer and a highly successful systems integrator who recognized the urgent need to enhance safety in critical situations. They were inspired to create a wearable technology that would enable immediate, one-touch lockdowns and facilitate seamless communication during emergencies.”
The team’s commitment to this mission is deeply personal. Two members of the XSponse team lost their daughters in the tragic Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School school shooting. “After losing their daughters in that harrowing event, they fully grasp the life-altering impact that each moment can have during an emergency,” Blake shares.
Core Mission and Vision: Making Every Second Count
At its core, XSponse is driven by a mission to deliver innovative, integrated security solutions that prioritize safety and empower institutions to respond effectively in critical situations. “The core mission of XSponse is to deliver innovative, integrated security solutions that prioritize safety and empower institutions to respond effectively in critical situations,” Blake states.
The company’s vision is equally compelling: “Our vision is to create a world where safety is proactive, enabling every individual, especially children, to learn and grow without fear.” By leveraging cutting-edge technology, XSponse aims to transform how schools and organizations approach security, ensuring that every second counts in an emergency.
XSponse’s Innovative Solutions: X-Alert, X-Announce, and X-Detect
XSponse offers a suite of products designed to enhance security and communication in schools and organizations. These include:
- X-Alert: A real-time emergency alert system that enables immediate notifications for lockdowns, fires, or medical emergencies.
- X-Announce: An advanced communication tool for broadcasting real-time emergency messages, alerts, or general announcements.
- X-Detect: AI-powered technology that detects unusual behavior and security threats, providing proactive alerts to prevent incidents before they escalate.
“These solutions integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructures, creating a comprehensive security ecosystem that enhances both prevention and communication during emergencies,” Blake explains.
One standout product is the X-Detect Environmental Duct Mount, which has been a
game-changer in detecting vaping and volatile compounds in schools. “Using advanced sensors, it monitors the air for chemicals like nicotine and THC, which are common in vaping products,” Blake notes. “In schools, it significantly helps in detecting and preventing vaping, creating a safer and healthier environment.”
The Role of AI in XSponse’s Security Solutions
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of XSponse’s technology. “XSponse integrates AI into its security solutions to provide real-time insights, automation, and enhanced security,” Blake says.
“AI also uses predictive analytics to anticipate risks, enabling proactive security measures before incidents occur,” Blake adds. This integration of AI ensures that XSponse’s solutions are not only reactive but also predictive and preventive.
The Guardian Platform: Real-Time Tracking and Automated Responses
The Guardian Platform is a cornerstone of XSponse’s security ecosystem. “The Guardian Platform is key to XSponse’s mission, serving as the central hub for real-time security tracking and automated emergency responses,” Blake explains.
Key features of the platform include real-time tracking of staff and students, automated emergency responses like locking doors, and integrated communication through channels like X-Announce. “In short, the Guardian Platform streamlines emergency responses, enhances safety, and creates a more efficient, proactive security system for schools and organizations,” Blake says.
Tailored Solutions for Diverse Environments
XSponse’s solutions are designed to meet the unique security needs of schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities. “For schools, our technology focuses on ensuring the safety of students and staff through features like one-touch lockdown protocols, real-time communication systems, and emergency response tools,” Blake explains.
In workplaces, XSponse prioritizes employee safety and operational continuity, while in healthcare facilities, the focus is on protecting both patients and staff. “XSponse’s flexible, AI-powered solutions integrate into existing systems to provide tailored, proactive security across diverse environments,” Blake notes.
Success Stories and Client Feedback
“We have a significant paid pilot program running in a Title 1 school on Long Island,” Blake shares. “The value of our solution became immediately clear to them when we shared our design and ideas.”
The company has also received heartfelt endorsements from the fathers who lost their daughters in the Parkland shooting. “They feel if the full XSponse Eco System was in place that day, they feel their daughters would still be alive today,” Blake says.
Addressing Industry Challenges and Staying Ahead of Emerging Threats
The security industry faces numerous challenges, from rising threats to fragmented systems. “XSponse addresses this with real-time threat detection and AI-driven automated responses, allowing for proactive security,” Blake explains.
To stay ahead of emerging threats, XSponse invests heavily in research and development. “We invest heavily in R&D to integrate the latest advancements in AI, IoT, and sensor technologies,” Blake says. “Our AI-powered solutions continuously adapt to new threats by learning from real-time data.”
Future Plans and Strategic Goals
Looking ahead, XSponse has ambitious plans for growth and innovation. “In the coming years, XSponse plans to expand our product offerings, grow our market presence both nationally and internationally, and enhance our AI and automation capabilities,” Blake shares.
The company is also focused on strengthening client partnerships and promoting safety education. “These goals will help position XSponse as a leader in AI-powered security solutions,” Blake says.
Blake Albertsen’s Journey at XSponse & The Future of Security Technology
As the CRO of XSponse, Blake Albertsen’s journey with the company has been deeply personal and rewarding. “As a father of three, and after meeting Andy Pollack and Ryan Petty, who lost their daughters in the Parkland shooting, I’m deeply committed to ensuring children’s safety,” Blake shares. “My mission here is to help prevent such tragedies and save lives.”
Blake envisions a future where security technology is increasingly AI-driven, proactive, and integrated. “As threats become more sophisticated, security systems will need to be smarter, using real-time data and predictive analytics to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate. By continually enhancing our products and expanding our capabilities, XSponse will remain at the forefront of transforming how security is managed and experienced in the years ahead,” Blake concludes.
Under the leadership of Blake Albertsen, it is clear that XSponse is paving the way for a safer, more secure future. Through innovation, dedication, and a relentless focus on making every second count, we look forward to watching XSponse’s growth for years to come.
