'20 under 40' 2013 - Brian Weatherford

Brian Weatherford, 36
Vice president, Multiguard Corp.
Indianapolis, Ind.

How did you get into the security industry?

I was working for a company (a national electronics retailer) that was going through some remodels and I had some interaction with low-voltage contractors doing some of the work at various stores. What they were doing kind of intrigued me, so that's what really started the whole process. I was just looking for a change. … I came across an ad for a company looking for service installation people. I had no real experience in the industry per se—I didn't know anything about alarm panels or fire panels, it was all more generalized electronics. But the company took a shot at me and off we went.

Who or what in the industry has inspired you most in your security career?

I would say the president of our company, Blake Wallis. He has kind of been a mentor along the way and not only a colleague but also a good friend. He's shown me a lot about the industry and the right way to do things and how we should lead our organization.

What can be done to boost the ranks of young people in the industry?

I think all of the new services and products we're offering will attract the younger generation. The industry has changed a lot through the years. Everything we deal with now involves computers, cellular technology, smartphone control—it's all connected and interactive. It's just a lot more advanced than it used to be. It used to be relays and pulling cable, and now it's not that as much. … Beyond that, providing education for people to get into the industry would be a benefit. Unfortunately, there aren't many schools that cater to our industry. That's something I would like to see expanded.