P1 Grooms Security’s Future Leaders
In an industry not known for formalized training programs, Protection 1 is raising the bar with its unique management trainee program. Recruiting from among its ranks as well as college campuses, P1’s immersive regimen prepares participants for management and sales positions in the region of their choice. Learn what’s in it for you to join up or create a similar program for your own company.
Participants Praise the Program
In 2012, the company announced the hiring of six new management trainees. The talented group of individuals consists of Benedict Quan, Tom Buchanan, Ryan Diller, Charles Flinn, Brendan Murphy and Ryan Smith.
Quan earned an undergraduate degree in sociology with a concentration in criminology from San Jose State University. He is excited about his inclusion in the management trainee program. “I didn’t hesitate to join Protection 1, simply because of its high potential. I enjoy the atmosphere and people.”
Buchanan graduated magna cum laude from Cameron University (Lawton, Okla.) with an undergraduate degree in marketing and a postgraduate degree in business administration. “There is a lot of energy and expertise that are driving forces that will propel the company [P1] into the future, and I am honored to be among those fine individuals,” says Buchanan.
Courtney Denslow, a graduate of the management trainee program, now serves as a branch sales manager in Tucson, Ariz. “It was a fast-paced environment with a steep learning curve, but one of the most phenomenal opportunities to get to experience the company
as a whole,” she says. “It granted me the opportunity to gain management experience in a learning- and mentor-facilitated setting. For a young individual with limited workforce experience, it was an extraordinary opportunity. This organization gave me a chance because they saw potential in me. To have a company be so dedicated developing its leadership team is a rarity.”
Eric Mitchell, another former P1 management trainee says the program allowed him to build relationships with top individuals in the company. “I know I can call on them to help me grow my team and skillset. Going through the various departments, I was able to see what aspects of the business I would truly enjoy and would be a great challenge for me. The experience opened my eyes to the world and life. I learned what is needed to succeed and develop, not only as a man, but a leader. The program provided me with a year of valuable knowledge that can be transferred into any industry and situation.”
Anne Murphy completed the management trainee program and is now a service supervisor at the P1 branch in Atlanta. Her experience prepared her to pass along the knowledge she received to others.
“I am now in a management position within a branch with a skillset few have. I am able to help others within the branch and in different departments to be successful,” she says. “With the leadership skills and friendships you make in the program, you are able to succeed wherever you are placed next. It gives you a sense of pride and unity in Protection 1 by seeing the ‘big’ picture.”
On the topic of compensation, during the first three years sales trainees can progress from $50,000 in year one to $75,000 in year two and $100,000 in year three (base salary plus commission). Sixty percent of total compensation is fixed; the other 40% is limitless depending on the person’s individual success. The program also has a compensation package that includes auto and cellphone allowances, along with comprehensive benefits (medical, dental, life insurance and more).
Elevating Security Professionalism
Although not that prevalent in the security field, P1 is not alone among high-profile firms in other industries insofar as the drive to improve the quality of professionalism within its company.
Cosmetics and beauty giant L’Oreal has developed a program that consists of direct assignments in field sales, category management, market research, finance and marketing services. Anheuser-Busch has its trainees immersed in various functional areas of the company during the program, learning about the supply and commercial organizations through hands-on assignments. Following the conclusion of the program, trainees assume field management positions. Nestle Purina has created an 18- to 24-month management trainee program with the option of a major in quality assurance, engineering, production, accounting, information systems, human resources or supply chain.
Establishing a group of highly educated and trained employees dedicated to the growth and development of their company is essential to sustaining a successful business. By investing in management trainee programs, companies not only create a future for individuals, but also a future for the company.
P1 continues to collect on the benefits of this approach as evidenced by various accolades. The company has been recognized for its exceptional staff, achieving a 4.9 out of 5 rating in its national account satisfaction, maintaining an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and has a 95.6% overall customer satisfaction rating. Those accomplishments likely contributed to P1’s triple-digit increase in national accounts business for the second straight year in 2012. The company also executed eight acquisitions during the period aimed at providing continuously robust product offerings while maintaining a high level of customer service.
With 2,500 employees and more than 65 P1 branches across the country, the company is conveniently located in major markets, meaning opportunities exist in cities such as Atlanta, Boston and Seattle, for example. The entire security industry is indebted to P1 for raising the bar on internal training programs. More information can be found at protection1.com/managementtrainees.
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