Ogden's Becklar tabs Richards as new CEO

Ogden-based Becklar LLC, parent company of security services companies AvantGuard Monitoring Centers and Freeus, has announced the appointment of Steve Richards as CEO. Richards has led numerous publicly traded and private companies. Josh Garner, Becklar’s founder and former CEO, has assumed the role of executive chairman of the company’s board of directors, the company said. Garner, who remains a significant shareholder, will continue to be actively involved in the company’s strategic growth and direction.

Richards’ experience extends across technology, media, communications, business process outsourcing and recurring services firms.

“We heartily welcome Steve as chief executive officer,” Garner said. “We are confident that Steve brings the right balance of expertise and leadership skills to take Becklar through its next phase of growth.”

“It is both an honor and privilege to be appointed chief executive officer of Becklar,” said Richards. “I have a great respect and admiration for the strategic focus, track record and uniquely positive culture that Josh and the team have built at Becklar, AvantGuard Monitoring and Freeus. Josh is an exemplary business leader. I am confident that together we will seamlessly transition into our new roles and accelerate growth in the months and years to come. I look forward to leading the Becklar team with Josh as we continue our legacy of consistently delivering award-winning products and solutions in partnership with our dealers, while collectively protecting and enhancing the lives of our customers.”