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Security Guard Vendor Change: Are You Due for One?

Security Guard Vendor Checklist

Inconsistent schedules, missing guards, poor communication – sound familiar? Here are a few signs that it may be time to replace your security vendor.

Professional security services shouldn’t leave you wondering where your guard is at 3am, worrying about the safety of your facilities, or having to micromanage security personnel.

The purpose of a security service, after all, is security, and that is a concept that should apply to your peace of mind as well. If you’re unsure if your needs are covered, if your facilities are safe, and if you’ve got professionally managed security staff on the job and vigilant, you don’t have the right security partner.

And when you are putting up with less than you should be getting from a security vendor you’ve put your business, or facility, in a position that can go wrong in a big way – without a lot of warning. Here’s what better security looks like.

The Wrong vs. The Right Security Vendor

If you find yourself questioning the satisfaction of your current security vendor, it may be time to trust your instincts and consider making a change. Allegiance offers consistent, reliable services tailored to the specific needs of your business.

At Allegiance, we prioritize close collaboration with our clients to develop and implement diligent and customized security services. Our approach begins with selecting the right individuals who possess the necessary background, personality, and capabilities for the job at hand. With over three decades of experience in law enforcement, our Corporate Security Manager, Bryan Willis, emphasizes the importance of “presence” in an effective security program.

According to Willis, “presence” is the cornerstone of security. He explains, “As a security vendor, your primary responsibility is maintaining a strong presence. Security is about preventing that one incident in a thousand. Consistency is key.”

A reputable security vendor should have the expertise and resources to address a wide range of security needs, including unarmed and armed security officers, parking enforcement, undercover operatives, patrol services, fire watch, loss prevention, exit screening, and more. Trust Allegiance to provide the comprehensive security solutions your business requires.

 

Security guards working in surveillance room. Female security guard with portable transmitter monitoring cameras indoors at night.

 

The Security Vendor Checklist

If you’re unsure of whether your security vendor is making the grade, here is a list of questions to ask:

☑ Are posts staffed when they are supposed to be?

☑ Are employees vigilant and proactive?

☑ Does your vendor maintain up-to-date certification records?

☑ Do you sleep well at night?

☑ Are interactions and daily checks documented?

☑ Are guards in public-facing posts capable of professional public interactions / have the right personality for dealing with the public?

☑ Does your vendor meet with onsite managers regularly?

☑ Are communications frequent and proactive?

☑ Are guards rotated on a regular basis from posts that require long stretches of standing or vigilance, or monitoring security cameras?

☑ Does your security vendor understand your business? Did the engagement begin with a lot of good questions and a thorough site analysis?

If you answer “No” to any of the questions above, it’s a sign that your current vendor may not be up to the job. Keep your expectations high as you evaluate current or potential vendors. The right partner will offer customized services and a well-trained core of employees.

Rigorous Hiring Practices, Site Specific Training & 24/7 Security Vendor Services

At Allegiance Industries, we understand the importance of tailoring security services to meet the unique needs of each business. While there are industry best practices, we recognize that security services are not one-size-fits-all. What works for one type of business may not necessarily work for another. That’s why our services are specifically designed to meet the individual needs of our clients.

We take pride in hiring experienced officers, many of whom have backgrounds in law enforcement. Additionally, we have local security managers who oversee day-to-day operations and ensure that postings are assigned based on the specific qualifications of our staff and the requirements of the position.

Our careful hiring practices are essential in delivering reliable security services. We provide our staff with proper training, certification, and ongoing supervision to ensure that they are well-equipped to handle any situation. We believe that personality and temperament are just as important as law enforcement experience. In a role that requires frequent interaction with employees, visitors, and customers, having strong people skills and customer service-based skills is crucial.

As our SC Director of Security Operations, Willis, emphasizes, “If you don’t have people skills and customer service-based skills, then you’re not going be a good guard.” At Allegiance Industries, we are committed to providing top-notch security services that not only meet but exceed the expectations of our clients.

Communication & Getting Started With Allegiance as Your Security Vendor

Consistent communication with the client is essential to ensure that expectations are clearly defined and any issues are promptly addressed. This is a fundamental aspect of our approach at Allegiance, regardless of the specific service we are offering.

Here’s just some of what our security teams can provide:

  • 24/7 security presence
  • Logging visitors, vehicles in and out
  • Monitoring video feeds
  • Walking the site
  • Manning x-ray screening posts
  • Looking for safety violations
  • Preventing workplace violence
  • Enforcing mask or PPE mandates
  • Preventing theft

Experience Seamless Facility Management

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Gary McLaurin

Chief Executive Officer

Gary McLaurin is the Founder & CEO of Allegiance Industries. Gary’s favorite aspect of his job is the thrill of adding new clients to the Allegiance portfolio, a passion that has driven him throughout his impressive 35-year career in the industry.

Originally from Columbia, SC, Gary pursued a degree in Psychology from the University of South Carolina, humorously noting that he chose the major because it was the easiest. However, his journey in the janitorial business started in college when he founded Allegiance, employee count of one, with himself serving as the sole janitor. Over the years, Gary has quite literally held every role in the company, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the business from the ground up.

Gary is known for his unique blend of hands-on experience and strategic vision, which has been instrumental in Allegiance Industries’ growth and success.

Outside of work, Gary is an avid car collector, indulging in his passion for automobiles.

What Gary values most about being part of the Allegiance team is the camaraderie among team members. He believes that strong, supportive relationships are the foundation of a successful business.

Guided by Theodore Roosevelt’s words, “It’s not the critic who counts,” Gary approaches both work and life with a focus on action and resilience. His leadership and philosophy inspire the entire Allegiance team to strive for excellence and remain undeterred by challenges.

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Edward Conroy

President & Chief Financial Officer

Edward Conroy is the President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Allegiance, bringing over 18 years of industry experience to his role. Based in Columbia, SC, Edward’s journey began in Greenville, SC, where he developed a strong foundation in business and accounting at the University of South Carolina, earning his undergraduate degree before pursuing a Master of Taxation and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

With a passion for efficiency and collaboration, Edward thrives in his favorite aspect of his job: working with fellow employees to streamline operations and enhance productivity. His expertise extends beyond traditional financial management, encompassing hands-on operational experience in project management alongside high-level financial analytics.

Beyond the boardroom, Edward’s life is enriched by his expansive family, growing up as one of 12 siblings. Outside of work, he finds joy in both competitive and creative pursuits, indulging in a love for tennis and channeling his energy into home renovations.

As an integral part of the Allegiance team, Edward cherishes the camaraderie and dedication exhibited by his colleagues. For him, being surrounded by individuals with exceptional attitudes and work ethic is a constant source of motivation.

In both his professional and personal endeavors, Edward lives by the guiding principle of working smart and working hard, a philosophy that shapes his approach to both work and life.

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Chris Rodonis

Chief Revenue Officer

Chris Rodonis serves as the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) at Allegiance, based in Charlotte, NC. With 14 years of experience in the industry, Chris brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for building unique and successful organizations.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Chris earned his degree in Finance from the University of Kentucky, followed by an MBA from the same institution. His journey to becoming CRO is marked by his dedication to continuous improvement, as evidenced by his certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt, LEAN Certified professional, CIMS practitioner, and Miller Heiman LAMP Certified expert.

Despite his professional achievements, Chris maintains a down-to-earth demeanor and harbors unexpected interests, such as being an avid supporter of Kentucky Basketball. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, indulging in activities like golfing, running, or savoring the ambiance of outdoor breweries in Charlotte.

At Allegiance, Chris thrives in the close-knit team environment. The camaraderie fostered within the team allows for honesty, candidness, and swift decision-making—a dynamic that he finds both rewarding and essential for success.

In both work and life, Chris adheres to the philosophy encapsulated by Thomas Jefferson: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” This mantra drives his approach to tackling challenges head-on, seizing opportunities, and continuously striving for excellence.

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Sean Sullivan

Chief Operations Officer

Sean Sullivan serves as the Director of Operations at Allegiance. With a decade of experience in the industry, Sean brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds a BS in Sport Management from Winthrop University and an MS in Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management from the University of South Carolina.

Sean’s journey to his current position is marked by diverse experiences. Prior to joining Allegiance, he spent seven years in Business Development on the vendor side of the industry. This tenure allowed him to cultivate invaluable relationships across various verticals and hone the skills necessary for success in dynamic environments.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Sean’s background includes a standout achievement as a member of the 2012 University of South Carolina Baseball National Runner Up Team, reflecting his dedication and teamwork skills.

Outside of work, Sean finds joy in spending time with his children, indulging in rounds of golf, and hitting the pavement for a run.

At Allegiance, Sean finds fulfillment in collaborating with a dedicated team committed to delivering high-quality solutions to clients. His approach to work and life is guided by the timeless wisdom of John Wooden: “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

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John Sullivan

Senior Advisor

With experience that spans over eighteen years in the facility maintenance industry, John has directed Allegiance during a time of unprecedented internal and external development. From the implementation of industry-specific back office operations to enhanced employee training programs for sales logistics, John has played an integral part in Allegiance’s continued emergence over the past decade.

A former baseball coach (1985-96) and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, (M.Ed.—Educational Administration), John’s strategic growth management approach combines an emphasis on existing client relationships in concurrence with an employee-centered “reference creator” training approach.

In his downtime, John serves on the Board of Trustees for SCICU and is the President of the Spring Valley Country Club.

“If we as a company continue to take care of our customer’s business, then growth for Allegiance is a natural result of this process.”

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Peter Kearns

Director of Electrical Operations

A US Navy veteran, Peter studied electronics and worked on aviation support equipment in the military.  He took that knowledge and applied it to the electrical sector working on field installations, estimating, project management, operations, business, employee development, and business strategies. He earned his Master Electrician and Contractor licenses, both in multiple states. Since joining Allegiance, he has been instrumental in helping bring new culture, vision, and growth to the electrical division.

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Katie Pitts

Director of Human Resources

Katie Pitts is the Director of Human Resources at Allegiance. With a decade of experience in the industry, Katie is a seasoned professional known for her ability to bridge people and policies effectively.

Originally hailing from the upstate region of South Carolina, Katie holds a double major in Business Management, with a focus on Human Resources, and Marketing from the University of South Carolina.

Since joining Allegiance in 2014, Katie has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth, witnessing its expansion firsthand. Her expertise lies in adapting to the evolving needs of Allegiance, whether it involves doubling the employee count or navigating changes in states, software, processes, or office staff. Katie’s unique ability to tailor these changes to best suit Allegiance’s goals sets her apart.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Katie holds credentials such as Society for Human Resource Management membership, Notary, and OSHA30 certification.

Outside of work, Katie is a fervent supporter of Gamecock sports, with a notable highlight being her attendance at the 2017 Men’s Final Four in Phoenix, AZ.

At Allegiance, Katie finds fulfillment in the culture of respect and transparency. She values the inclusive environment where everyone’s voices are heard and talents are respected, leading to the emergence of innovative ideas.

In both work and life, Katie lives by the words of Abraham Lincoln: “These men ask for just the same thing – fairness, and fairness only. This, so far as in my power, they, and all others, shall have.” Her commitment to fairness and equity shapes her approach to every aspect of her life, making her an invaluable asset to Allegiance and the community at large.

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