Company address: 8518 W. Capitol Drive, Milwaukee
Company Web site: www.securitypersonnel.com
Industry: Uniformed security services
Number of employees: 143
Education: Bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Family: "I am proud to say there is major family involvement in SPI. My husband, John is vice president of sales and marketing. Rick Fuller (son-in-law) is chief financial officer. Lizabeth Fuller (daughter) is the manager of Institech, a recruiting source, and Jane Pfaff (daughter) is a part-time staff assistant."
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
"The smartest thing SPI did in 2005 was to enlist the services of a consultant to the security industry. Many of his suggestions such as focusing on name recognition, networking and finding our strength in the market have translated into a 64 percent growth in sales since 2004."
What’s new at your company?
"This has been an exciting year for SPI. We launched an e-mail newsletter focusing on issues of interest to a broad spectrum of individuals. Subscriptions can be obtained by visiting our Web site."
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
"Our present growth pattern finds us adding personnel to both our management and supervisory staff. In addition, we anticipate a continued investment in vehicles for our mobile fleet, upgrading our computer system and implementing Web-based electronics."
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
"The major challenge for SPI will be recruiting and retaining qualified personnel. To assist in that effort, SPI will be implementing a comprehensive fringe benefit package, including the addition of health, dental and life insurance."
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
"SPI is experiencing a strong trend in requests for retail security, loss prevention and armed officers. The industry has moved into the technological age. We now can better serve our clients in a real-time basis with Web-based guard tour systems, GPS and telephone incident reporting systems."
Do you have a business mantra?
"To be the best independent provider of security services in southeastern Wisconsin through responsive and proactive attention to the needs of our clients."
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
"I admire any individual who is ethical, commits to a vision, strives for excellence and can find a balance between career and home."
What was the best advice you ever received?
"Years ago, when I was working at the Pabst Theater, my husband said to me, ‘You are so committed and work such long hours, you should be doing this for yourself.’ I made the change and have never regretted a day."
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
"When I would travel for business, I was often mistaken for a flight attendant. I received more requests for seat changes, pillows and blankets than I care to think about. Of course, I would have to explain I was also a passenger. Solution: change my style of dress and request seats in the front of the plane."
What do you like to do in your free time?
"Family is an important aspect of my life, and I relish the time I spend with them. I also enjoy traveling, reading fiction and entertaining."
