Legends of the Security Services Industry: Profiles
in Leadership

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Endorsements

“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.” —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. 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 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 … 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 … Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson have created a fascinating ‘must-read’ for anyone in the security industry. 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

 

“Keith Oringer and Michael Hymanson … 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.” —Robert McCrie, PhD, CPP, Professor of Security Management, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

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Table of Contents

Part I: The Early Legends

PART ONE details the stories of Allan Pinkerton and William J. Burns, who began their careers as master detectives, and their companies as investigative services. The period of their careers was marked by both the Industrial Revolution and westward expansion in the U.S.

  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

PART TWO focuses on the next generation of legends, three men who founded or led companies in the mid-20th century that were the first set of serious competitors for the Pinkerton and Burns agencies. They used their vision and skills to build great companies, operating in an era of growing commerce in the U.S. after World War II.

  1. George R. Wackenhut: “Know-How and Know-Whom”
  2. Ira A. Lipman: Principles and Profits
  3. Thomas W. Wathen: No Fear of Flying

Part III: A New Wave of Competitors in a Golden Era

PART THREE discusses the next generation of Legends, who led U.S.-based companies in the last quarter of the 20th Century and into the early 21st  These entrepreneurs worked hard and obtained and leveraged extraordinary leadership and management skills necessary to succeed in industry, and the security services industry in particular.

  1. Charles R. Schneider: Engineering Success
  2. Kenneth W. Oringer: The Artful Closer
  3. William C. Whitmore Jr.: A Steady Hand
  4. Albert J. Berger: The Right Formulas

Part IV:  Scandinavians Build Global Companies

PART FOUR of the book travels overseas, specifically to Europe, where three Scandinavians dramatically expanded their respective companies into global security giants. The leading European security companies primarily evolved from small night-watch companies. The legends in these chapters were instrumental in the acquisition of the largest U.S. based companies, Pinkerton’s, Burns and Wackenhut.

  1. Jørgen Philip-Sørensen: Traversing the Globe
  2. Lars Nørby Johansen: Gaining Trust Through Solutions
  3. Thomas F. Berglund: Success by Lifting Others

Part V: Today’s Global Security Leaders

PART FIVE, the final set of profiles, covers three present-day legends.

  1. Helena Revoredo Gut: Resilience and Vision
  2. Stephan Crétier: The Disruptor
  3. Steve Jones: Up Tempo

Part VI: Conclusions: Dynamic People, Companies and Times

PART SIX Showcases an industry with great forward momentum, with advancing technology and continued growth. The lessons learned from the legends includes a recognition of their respective and collective qualities while requiring accountability, guarding one’s personal and company reputation, and rewarding loyalty. The Legends knew people, understanding that human resources have to be a priority in building great teams needed for a service business, and that strong interpersonal skills are necessary to get the best out of people. The legends increased their chances of success by taking risks – and by making the right choices at opportune times.
  1. Foreward Momentum
  2. Opportunities for Future Leaders in the Security Services Industry

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