The global contract security market now totals over $200 billion, with the number of private security officers exceeding that of public law enforcement officers. But this wasn’t always the case.
Legends of the Security Services Industry: Profiles in Leadership presents the unique stories of 15 industry legends, who transformed the industry from early private detective and small night watch companies into large-scale contract security companies. The large-scale companies include, but are not limited to, Pinkerton, Burns International, The Wackenhut Corporation, Guardsmark, Wells Fargo, and U.S. Security Associates; as well as today’s leading security companies, Allied Universal, Securitas, G4S, Prosegur, and GardaWorld.
The book begins in the nineteenth century, with early U.S. legendary detectives: Allan Pinkerton and William Burns. Then, the book focuses largely from the mid-twentieth century to the present, where successive generations of legends built large-scale contract security companies which competed with, and then acquired, those formed by the early legends. Part II legends George Wackenhut, Ira Lipman, and Tom Wathen; Part III legends, Charles Schneider, Kenneth W. Oringer, William Whitmore, Jr., and Albert Berger; and Part IV, Scandinavian legends Jørgen Philip-Sørensen, Lars Nørby Johansen, and Thomas Berglund, all developed major security companies. Part V includes current global security leaders Helena Revoredo Gut, Stephan Crétier, and Steve Jones. Part VI reviews the timelines and successful leadership of these legendary leaders, with a look at the future of the industry.
The legends’ personal stories contain colorful insight into how they capitalized on the industry’s explosive growth. While each generation of legends faced unique social and competitive landscapes, their personal stories illustrate how they respectively succeeded. Their leadership and management prowess enabled them to achieve great success, as they displayed vision and achieved their goals through grit, determination, hard work, charisma, organizational skills, and calculated risk-taking.
Each chapter has been extensively researched and includes firsthand accounts based on interviews with living legends, colleagues, and family of deceased legends. Personal, company and signature event photos add further color to the moving narrative. Their stories are not only highly interesting, but also provide a framework for current leaders, and the next generation of entrepreneurs, on how to build and lead large-scale security service companies. With a
Foreword from Robert D. McCrie, PhD, longtime John Jay Professor and editor of the renowned industry publication The Security Letter.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Part I: The Early Legends
1. Allan Pinkerton: America’s First Great Detective
2. William J. Burns: Showman and Master Investigator
Part II: New Legends Take on the Old Guard
3. George R. Wackenhut: “Know-How and Know-Whom”
4. Ira A. Lipman: Principles and Profits
5. Thomas W. Wathen: No Fear of Flying
Part III: A New Wave of Competitors in a Golden Era
6. Charles R. Schneider: Engineering Success
7. Kenneth W. Oringer: The Artful Closer
8. William C. Whitmore Jr.: A Steady Hand
9. Albert J. Berger: The Right Formulas
Part IV: Scandinavians Build Global Companies
10. Jørgen Philip-Sørensen: Traversing the Globe
11. Lars Nørby Johansen: Gaining Trust Through Solutions
12. Thomas F. Berglund: Success by Lifting Others
Part V: Today’s Global Security Leaders
13. Helena Revoredo Gut: Resilience and Vision
14. Stephan Crétier: The Disruptor
15. Steve Jones: Up Tempo
Part VI: Conclusions: Dynamic People, Companies and Times
16. Forward Momentum
17: Opportunities for Future Leaders in the Security Services Industry
About the Author :
Keith Oringer has a distinguished career in the security industry and currently serves as president of Security ProAdvisors, which he founded in 2015. The company is a leading brokerage, advisory and consulting firm to the industry, completing many significant acquisition transactions representing sellers. Keith is the publisher of The Security Advisor and has authored articles for that magazine, Security Magazine, and several others. He is a frequent speaker at industry associations, including NASCO (National Association of Security Companies), and a member of ASIS International. Keith obtained a BS in Accounting from SUNY Binghamton, an MBA in Finance from Pace University, and became a CPA. He began his business career at KPMG in accounting and then as a senior financial analyst at Merrill Lynch, and then W.R. Grace. In 1991, Keith began his security industry career in operational roles at Wells Fargo Guard Services (formerly a division of Borg Warner Protective Services). In 1994, Keith joined U.S. Security Associates, which was cofounded by his father Kenneth W. Oringer, as its third employee. In 2014, Keith left the firm as a business unit president, and shareholder, having played a key role as the company became a leading national security company with over 46,000 employees and $1.2 billion in revenue.
Michael Hymanson is a career security services industry professional, currently providing consulting, writing, and research services for select industry clients. After graduating from Cornell University with a BS in Industrial & Labor Relations, he began his security career in 1974, at Pan American Investigation Service, Inc. He became a licensed private investigator, president, and owner of the company until U.S. Security Associates acquired the company in 2006. From 2006 until 2018, he held regional operating and sales positions at U.S. Security Associates, including time as the company qualifying officer and licensee for New York State. Michael is a Board-Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) and has conducted security consulting services to Fortune 500 companies, and many major organizations and institutions. Michael is a longtime member of ASIS International and Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State, where he served as president, chairman, and treasurer. He has authored articles for Hotel Business Review, Security Director Magazine, and other trade publications.
Review :
“I can say that there is finally a leadership book by and about the security services industry. Legends of the Security Services Industry provides precious insight into the people who built the space and, notably, offers lessons on management, leadership, and experiences that is truly an enlightening and enriching read. From the early legends to today’s global leaders, each story is fascinating and packed with knowledge. Having dedicated my 28-year career contributing to the evolving multifaceted experience in the security services industry, both professionally and as an industry volunteer, I find this book really hits a chord. Written by long-time security industry professionals, still active themselves, this work by Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson is a great read for those just starting in the industry and those who have been in the industry for many years. The practical advice and real-world examples reflect the complexities and nuances that are captivating and relatable, especially the importance of investments in technology to accelerate positioning, growth, service delivery, and perhaps even survival!" —Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, FSyI, President, Robotic Assistance Devices; Chairperson, North American Regional Board of Directors, ASIS International; Member, Global Board of Directors, ASIS International
“I am delighted to endorse Legends of the Security Services Industry ... a masterful compilation of the stories and achievements of the pioneers who have shaped our field. The book is more than just a historical account; it is a source of inspiration for current and future professionals. Chapters highlight the innovation, dedication, and resilience of industry leaders, providing valuable insights and lessons that are as relevant today as they were when these legends first made their mark. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in security services, from newcomers to seasoned veterans. It offers a unique perspective on the evolution of our industry and serves as a powerful reminder of the legacy we are all part of.” —Eddie Sorrells, CPP, PSP, PCI, President of DSI Security Services
“Legends of the Security Services Industry addresses the fascinating history of the global security services industry, profiling the very special entrepreneurial leaders who built it. Whether you have an interest in the security services industry or not, there are important leadership lessons to be learnt. The legends are guided by a very practical version of the classic Peter Drucker management model. They have a vision, they assemble great teams, and they execute relentlessly with their teams. Each of the legends has a distinct and often peculiar leadership style, but they all focus on employees, customers, and shareholders. The book would be a noteworthy addition to any business executive’s leadership toolkit.” —Waldemar Schmidt, Ex-CEO of ISS, a world leader in facility services; Adjunct Professor, University of Copenhagen and author of Winning at Service and The Job of the CEO.
“Congratulations to Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson for producing this absolute masterpiece. While I know that there were other contributors, including the many individuals who were interviewed for the profiles, what a phenomenal job of pulling this all together. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share this treasure with so many others in this industry. Truly an amazing collection!” —Sandi Davies, Chief Executive Officer of the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) and Editor Protection Officer News
“A salute to the authors for turning a spotlight on an industry that, not only employs millions of professionals globally, but is also the first line of defense in ensuring the safety and security of people everywhere. Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson have created a fascinating ‘must-read’ for anyone in the security industry while also providing a unique window into the emergence of an entire industry over decades. Businesspeople of all sorts will be interested in reading about those notable executives who led that growth—along with the details of what they accomplished, including their differing styles, fundamental values, and lasting impact. Well done!” —Jim TenBroek, former Board Member and investor, U.S. Security Associates
“Having been born into the contract security guard industry—both are sons of principles of security guard businesses and having spent much of their careers in the field—Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson are uniquely qualified and positioned to write this exceptional book. The authors possess deep knowledge of the industry and, more importantly, are trusted by many of the legends profiled to share candid facts and opinions. Here you will read profiles of the meteoric rise of the industry, the factors in business successes, and the particular developmental path that each business leader took. Legends of the Security Services Industry details how some firms rose above their less nimble competitors, with numerous mergers and acquisition dealings, helped some businesses leap in size and prominence. Learn how private security services hold a critical role in making and keeping clients—and our larger society—safe. —Robert McCrie, PhD, CPP, Professor of Security Management, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
