We keep the Best Advice Q&A series rolling with Jim McMullen, president and chief operating officer at COPS Monitoring. Jim shares the best advice he’s ever heard, offers advice to security industry pros on the rise and names his career inspiration.
Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Jim McMullen: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received is to focus your energy on what you can control, not what you can’t. Early in my career, that helped me stop worrying about outcomes that were outside my influence and instead focus on the things that really matter: preparation, effort and attitude. When you concentrate on doing the right things consistently, the results usually follow.
Another lesson that’s stayed with me is to never forget where you came from. Remembering the people and experiences that shaped you keeps you grounded and helps you make better decisions instead of emotional ones.
SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?
McMullen: Success in the security industry comes down to a mix of knowledge, discipline, and real-world experience. You have to understand the technology, stay aware of what’s changing, and commit yourself to continuous learning.
Just as important is building relationships. This is a tight-knit industry and the people who succeed over the long run are those who build strong networks and develop a reputation for dependability.
You also have to be ready to eat, sleep and drink the business. The people who really succeed immerse themselves in it, often make personal sacrifices and are always looking for ways to improve how security is delivered.
SSI: If you could point to one person in the security industry and tell up-and-comers, “Make sure you listen to what they have to say,” whom would you pick and why?
McMullen: I don’t think there’s one single person who represents the entire security industry as a whole because it’s made up of many different specialties. The better approach is to follow credible experts within the part of the industry you want to focus on.
For me personally, one of the most influential people was my longtime partner, Ira Riklis. Ira has an incredible ability to interpret financial statements and business trends. The numbers just made sense to him. My focus was operations. Having those two perspectives working together turned out to be a very successful combination for our company.
The lesson I’ve learned after nearly fifty years in this industry is that success rarely comes from just one viewpoint. Surround yourself with people who challenge your thinking and whose strengths complement your own, and listen to the experience they bring.
Click here to check out all entries in SSI’s Best Advice series!
