There’s a whole lot of collective wisdom and knowledge across the security industry, so it stands to reason that there’s been plenty of advice passed among those who’ve made their way to the top of the sector and to those who are still looking to make their ways to the pinnacle of their careers.
We’ve collected some of those pearls of wisdom and are sharing some of them, starting with Mitch Reitman, founder and managing principal of Reitman Consulting Group.
Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Mitch Reitman: In the ’70s, my neighbor was president of Radio Shack. He had a daughter my age and he asked what I would charge him to drive her to high school. I considered all of my costs (car payment, gas, insurance, etc.) and came up with $6 a month.
He said, “I’ll pay you $20. You see, it’s not what it costs you; it’s what it’s worth to me.”
SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?
Reitman: Training and proficiency. I am on the boards of several state, local and national associations, and it is troubling to see that very few company owners seem to be concerned about training their folks.
It is important to stay on top of changes to technology, especially with the way in which artificial intelligence is changing access control, video and alarm detection.
SSI: If you could point to one person in the security industry and tell up-and-comers, “Make sure to listen to what they have to say,” whom would you pick and why?
Reitman: Too many to list.
