Legends of the Security Services Industry: Profiles in Leadership
Written by Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson
The stories of the amazing men and women who created or developed the major security companies that have been at the forefront of our industry.
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 fifteen 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’s, 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 includes research and interviews with living legends, family members of some deceased legends, and some of the legends’ colleagues to create a narrative storytelling approach which brings their stories to life, highlighting their talents and tenacity in the founding and or development of their respective firms.
The book recounts in grouped chapters how the legends from early on grew personally and developed extraordinary management and leadership skills. Each of the 15 legends took different paths to get there, but all attained tremendous success and renown and each generation of legends faced unique social and competitive landscapes – their personal stories illustrate how they succeeded.
About the Authors
Michael Hymanson
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 B.S. 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.
