The latest entry in our Best Advice series is Tom Cook, executive vice president of sales, marketing & operations at Hanwha Vision America. He shares the best advice he’s ever heard, talks about what he tells security industry newcomers and reveals a surprising person he thinks others should listen to at all costs.
Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Tom Cook: There is no such word as “can’t.” I learned that early in life from my father who was my hero. He told me anything CAN be done and those who lead, win and drive the world don’t accept the word “can’t.” That little statement has driven me for my entire career and has shaped who I am today. Thanks, Dad.
SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?
Cook: Learn your products and invest in learning about the industry’ s technology. Don’t be a salesman. Instead, be a technical resource to your customers, be it an end user, dealer or distributor. They have so much on their plate and for them to have a person that they can rely on to know technology without being biased about only their products is priceless.
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?
Cook: Fredrik Nilsson, vice president of the Americas at Axis Communications. Yes, he’s my toughest competitor, but I respect how he has led such a great company, how he gives back to the industry and consistently supports growth with younger people in our industry.
His wealth of knowledge of our industry’s history and how much people could learn from how he leads are immeasurable.
Click here to check out the entire Best Advice series!
