Leadership
Since our start in 1993, HS Tech Group has grown from a modest security company to one of the region’s largest and most respected full-service technology integrators. From commercial security to home entertainment systems and everything in between, we have a team composed of a diverse, experienced staff capable of handling any client request. Serving various commercial industries, government, and residential clients, HS Tech Group is ready to design and install the perfect technology system for you.
Meet the HS Tech Group Leadership Team
Stuart Forcheimer
President & CEO
Stuart is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He has extensive computer application and network design skills and has worked for several fortune 500 companies such as The Discovery Channel, McCormick Spice Company, and Bausch & Lomb.
Before going out on his own, Stuart worked for his father’s general contracting company for over 15 years, on and off. Here he was able to develop his knowledge and understanding of the business operations of a successful service-oriented contracting company. In 1993, Stuart decided to leverage his computer background experience and his fascination for technology to form HS Tech Group.
Stuart is very active in several local charitable associations. He has recently sat on the board for the Maryland Burglar and Fire Alarm Association as the Treasurer of the organization. In 2010 Stuart and the HS Tech Group Team assisted the Local Home Builders Association of Maryland in completing a project for Boys Hope Girls Hope, a charitable youth organization. This project landed the HST team on TV as part of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in September of 2010.
Stuart was named The Associate Member of the Year for FARA, receiving the W. Rex Bell award in April of 2011. Stuart provided training and had successfully completed the Train the Trainer class for FARA. FARA and SIA recognized Stuart and HST in 2012 for winning the coveted PDQ award for false alarm reduction techniques.
In 2012 and in 2017, HS Tech Group was a finalist for the Best Installing Company for mid-sized companies up to 150 employees by Security Sales and Integration Magazine. Stuart currently is a Board Member for the AIN Group (Authorized Integrators Network) and is a committee member for the Electronic Security Association (ESA).
Mark Shane
VP of Technical Services
Mark joined HS Tech Group in 1993 and assumed his current position as VP of Technical Services for the company. Mark oversees a team that tightly focuses on exceptional customer service and follow-through. His team oversees in-office technical support, scheduling, installations, service, and inventory.
Before joining HS Tech Group, Mark worked in the security industry for over a decade as both a lead design engineer and in management. Mark also gained much of his quality control and management skills when he worked for Martin Marietta as a Quality Control Manager.
Mark’s team worked on projects such as the B-1 Bomber Program and the Patriot Missile Launcher (both used during the Gulf War) while also working on the Vertical Missile Launching System. His attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot under pressure make him so critical to the HS Tech Group team. Mark also shares the responsibilities of evaluating new products and services that enable HS Tech Group to remain one of the top 100 integrators in the nation.
Mark Recene
VP of Sales & Marketing
Mark joined HS Tech Group in 1997 and serves as Vice President of Sales & Marketing. He leads multiple teams focused on supporting emerging businesses within the company’s established client base, while also driving new growth through thoughtful, cross-divisional initiatives.
With more than 30 years of experience in the security and technology industry, Mark brings a strong reputation for leadership, collaboration, and results. His career began in 1991, where he served as General Manager of Empire Security, one of the largest AT&T Security Dealers in North America, where he helped grow the business while building long-term client and partner relationships.
Before entering the security industry, Mark held several management roles in the fitness industry, experiences that shaped his people-first leadership style and practical approach to team development.
In addition to overseeing sales and marketing, Mark is actively involved in evaluating acquisition opportunities and helping guide business strategies for new and emerging technology ventures.
Aaron M Bagley Jr.
Director Commercial Sales
Aaron Maurice Bagley Jr. is a security industry professional with nearly fifteen years of experience delivering comprehensive, technology-driven protection solutions. He specializes in Video Surveillance, Access Control, Intrusion Detection, and Fire Alarm Systems, with a strong emphasis on designing customized security architectures that align with each client’s operational and risk-management needs.
Throughout his career, Aaron has been instrumental in building, leading, and directing high-performing sales organizations, combining technical expertise with strategic vision. His ability to bridge complex security technologies with real-world applications has allowed him to drive growth, foster long-term client relationships, and deliver solutions that are scalable with a strong emphasis on the newest technology.
Aaron is known for his collaborative leadership style, commitment to excellence, and passion for innovation within the security space. He brings a consultative approach to every engagement, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but thoughtfully designed and expertly executed.
Outside of work, Aaron is a devoted husband and father of two daughters. He enjoys sports, traveling with his family, and collecting memorabilia.
Karen Mitchell
Controller
In her role as Controller, Karen plays a critical part in supporting the President with the day-to-day financial operations of the company, including forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis that guide strategic decision-making and the company’s continued growth. Her responsibilities extend across the full accounting function, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash-flow management, payroll coordination, financial reporting, and oversight of internal controls. She also manages the company’s retirement and benefit-related financial accounts, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and timely administration.
Originally from Central Pennsylvania, Karen has lived in Maryland for more than 30 years. Outside of work, she is a devoted Baltimore Ravens fan and an aspiring ballroom dancer.
Karin Nelson
Executive Assistant
After many years with a large national organization, Karin made a deliberate decision to transition to HS Tech Group, recognizing that something often gets lost in very large national or regional companies—namely, the ability to deliver a truly high level of personalized customer service. She was drawn to a smaller, more focused company where attention to detail, accountability, and client relationships are central to the culture.
Originally from Florida, Karin relocated to Maryland at the age of 20 to be closer to family. She brings more than 18 years of experience in the security industry, with a strong professional background spanning executive-level support, operations, and sales administration. In 2017, she joined HS Tech Group as Executive Assistant and Head of Human Resources, where she has continued to grow professionally while adapting to the evolving demands of a dynamic industry.
Outside of work, Karin is the proud parent of two teenage sons and places a high value on spending quality time with her family.
Liz Malcolm
Service/Installation Supervisor
Liz has been with HS Tech Group for nearly 20 years and has built her career from the ground up within the organization. She began her career in administrative support, answering phones and handling filing, and quickly expanded her responsibilities through hands-on experience in customer service, service coordination, production homes, and support of commercial projects.
Over the years, Liz developed a comprehensive understanding of HST’s operations and customer expectations. This experience led to her growth into a leadership role within the service department, where she now manages the service team. In this role, Liz oversees daily service operations, supports technicians and office staff, and works closely with leadership to ensure consistent, professional service delivery.
Liz plays a key role in maintaining efficient workflows, clear communication, and accountability across the service team. Her deep knowledge of HST’s processes and long-standing commitment to the company contribute to reliable service operations and a positive experience for both customers and employees.
Jim Stolzenbach
Sr. Design Engineer
Jim joined HS Tech Group in 2009 through the acquisition of Questron, Inc. and currently serves as an Audio/Video Engineer for the company. Jim is responsible for the design, engineering, and implementation of custom audio-video systems, lighting and shade control solutions, and advanced presentation environments for both residential and commercial clients.
Jim’s experience in the custom technology industry spans many years and includes extensive work in conference room and boardroom presentation systems, distributed audio and video platforms, and large-scale multi-site deployments, including national franchise rollouts such as Dill Dinkers pickleball clubs. Jim is an RTI Level 3 Master Programmer and holds certifications from Lutron, Crestron, and Q-SYS, along with completion of the CEDIA Custom Installation program and numerous additional industry certifications.
In his role, Jim focuses on delivering highly customized system designs while supporting HS Tech Group clients and field technicians through all phases of project execution.
Erik Eickhoff
Technical Operations Specialist
Erik is a Technical Operations Specialist at HS Tech Group, bringing hands-on field experience and a strong IT foundation to the company’s service and support operations. His passion for technology began at a young age, where he spent time repairing and maintaining video game and arcade equipment at a local gaming center. That early hands-on exposure fostered a natural problem-solving mindset and a knack for figuring things out — traits that continue to define his approach to technical challenges today.
Erik began his professional career installing and servicing electronic security systems, including intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance solutions. In his current role, he supports field personnel by providing remote technical assistance, system configuration, and advanced troubleshooting. His combined background in installation and computer systems enables him to deliver practical, reliable solutions in complex security environments.
Erik holds a degree in Computer Information Systems and is known for his attention to detail, technical accuracy, and commitment to supporting high-quality system deployments across HS Tech Group’s client base.
Our HS Story
Humble Beginnings
It all began with Stuart, who had worked for his father’s general contracting company for over 15 years, where he was able to develop his knowledge and understanding of the business operations of a successful service-oriented contracting company.
As a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelors’s Degree in Computer Science, he was always interested in technology and computers. Just out of college, Stuart had the opportunity to work in the IT departments of several fortune 500 companies such as The Discovery Channel, McCormick Spice Company, and Bausch & Lomb. Not too long after that, Stuart realized that he wanted to return to the construction industry but still do something with technology.
1993
While Stuart was attending a training seminar on computerizing the marketing for his father’s business, he met Mark “Big Poppy” Recene. Big Poppy had been in the construction business for a company in New York but had recently switched to the security industry and given Stuart a basic understanding of the similarities between the two businesses.
When Stuart returned from the training, he decided to use what he had learned from Big Poppy, his training in the construction industry, and his formal education in computers and technology to create a new business.
Big Poppy remained in close contact with Stuart while also providing him with some key contacts to help get the company off the ground. Stuart knew he needed to find the right individual to share his passion for technology, along with the ability to deliver excellent customer service, someone that was dependable and very detail-oriented. Shortly after Stuart started the company, he met Mark Shane through a mutual friend. Mark agreed to manage the service and installation for the new business.
Previously, Mark Shane worked for Martin Marietta as a Quality Control Supervisor on such projects as The B-1 Bomber Program, The Patriot Missile Launcher (which was used in the Gulf War), and the Vertical Launching Missile System. His experience enabled the company to meet the challenges that lay ahead.
1994
The company began assembling, testing, and installing sophisticated, yet simple to use, security systems that met the demands of our customers. The team determined that very few security companies were offering state-of-the-art equipment and professional installations. Stuart’s technical and computer background, coupled with Mark’s 10+ years of installation and quality control experience, was a natural fit.
HS Tech Group began designing systems for all types of applications, including customers who had difficulty seeing or hearing, customers who kept large valuables, such as car collections, rare works of art, and those concerned because they were secluded or off the main road. Each situation was taken into consideration and addressed individually.
1995
In 1995, when AT&T moved away from the residential security market, HST began to look for another alliance. In 1996 we combined forces with ADT, the largest residential security provider in the World. In our first year with the ADT Authorized Dealer Program, HST installed over 3,000 security systems. This secured our position as one of the top two authorized ADT dealers in the U.S. When HST decided to leave the dealer program in 2003 due to an ADT/TYCO merger, we had successfully installed over 20,000 systems and offered service to 30,000 other ADT customers in the tri-state area.
1997 - 2003
In early 2003, HST was selected to represent General Electric Security, now owned by United Technologies Corporation, and accepted into their Security Pro Dealer Program. GE has very stringent guidelines and requirements for its dealers. According to a letter of acceptance from GE Security Pro, HST was chosen because of its commitment to excellence in customer service, alarm system design, and installation. “HST is driven to take care of customers,” said GE Security Pro Director Michael Benedict. “We demand a track record of excellence in system design and installation before a company can offer GE products and be part of the elite Security Pro program. HST exceeds those demands.”
2003 - 2012
Through our relationships with various architects, interior designers, electrical, commercial, and government contractors, HST began incorporating a new line of products and custom services to residential and commercial clients. We continually update our portfolio in our state-of-the-art design center. The team developed the facility to offer clients a place to experience the latest must-have products in a private atmosphere with specialized attention.
2012 - Present
Launched in 2005 by SIAC, FARA, and Security Sales & Integration, officially endorsed by the Installation Quality (IQ) program, the PDQ program raises industry-wide awareness and motivates alarm companies to be proactive and provides workable models. The PDQ Award annually recognizes the best company in the U.S. offering dispatched security services that best demonstrates an enthusiastic, cooperative, and successful effort in false alarm reduction strategies.
HST also received the Best of the Best award for its “Customer for Life” program. “Usually Jacks-of-all-trades are masters of none, but quite the opposite is true for Pikesville, Md.-based HS Tech Group. The firm has diversified across commercial, residential, new construction, electrical, and design divisions. Its impeccable balance of technical, business, and people skills allowed it to capture 2012 SSI Installer of the Year (small to midsize company, >150 employees)”, says Scott Goldfine, Editor of Security Sales and Integration Magazine.
Notable Accomplishments
Some of HST’s more notable accomplishments have been:
- The renovation and technology upgrades for the newly remodeled Chesapeake Shakespeare Theater in Baltimore City.
- Being selected to work on an episode of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover shot in Baltimore City.
- The technology renovation of the American Brewery Building in Baltimore City, now the Humanim’s Baltimore-based headquarters.
- The security and upgrades for the Naval Academy’s Lacrosse Museum, which is now housed inside the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
- The automation and lighting control at Robinson’s Children’s Nature Center, located in Howard County.
- The security upgrades at both the Boys’ Latin School of Maryland and the Gilman School.
HST continues to be selected by residential, commercial, and educational clients that require a certain level of interaction along with a team of professionals that deliver what they promise.
From its humble beginnings, HST has continued to receive national ranking and recognition in many of the magazines. Stuart has also had several industry-related articles published in Home and Design Magazine, Mid-Atlantic Builder Magazine, Chesapeake Home Magazine, and more. He is often asked to speak to industry organizations on False Alarm Reduction and was honored with the Rex Bell award in 2011 for his service to FARA (False Alarm Reduction Association). He has served on the board of Directors for the Maryland Burglar and Fire Alarm Association and continues to remain active in the industry, keeping HST at the forefront of technology.
Trusted By
