'20 under 40' 2012 - Mike Monsive Jr.

Mike Monsive Jr., 33
President and CEO
ASAP Security Services
Houston, Texas

How did you get into the security industry?

After college, I jumped into the IT industry. I was there kind of during the dot.com-bust era, so I began looking at other stable career paths and I became really interested in the security industry. IP (systems) had not hit yet, but it was clear to me that IP at some point would dominate the security industry and that someone with an IT background would have an advantage. Since then our company has been able to fully embrace that IP technology. I started this company with me and a truck and now there's a fleet of trucks, and I have some of the largest customers out there.

What can be done to attract more young people to the industry?

The security industry isn't really depicted in a way that shows upward mobility, and it's unfortunate because I've seen men and women have phenomenal careers. … Also, there is a lot of pride that isn't shown about our industry. We get to install the systems that protect people's kids. My suggestion is, whether it's high school or trade school, (we should) show our industry as an attractive industry, whether it's through advertising or going to the schools and actually talking to students.

Who in the industry has helped you most in your security career?

I've been fortunate enough to interact with some of the industry's most successful people. … One person who helped me along the way would be Lannie Green, owner of Security General International and United Central Control. If you ever get a chance to meet him, it would take you two seconds to find out how passionate he is about this industry. Just being around someone with that level of drive is exciting and amazing.