'20 under 40' 2013 - Renee Mallonee

Renee Mallonee, 29
Dealer marketing manager, Monitronics
Dallas, Texas

How did you get into the security industry?

I fell into it from the marketing aspect. I went to the University of Kentucky for marketing and advertising, and then based on that I was looking for a marketing position and found Monitronics. � The opportunity [marketing coordinator] was exciting because Monitronics was investing more in their marketing, building a new team and marketing strategy that focused on quality to build and promote the dealer program. I really hit the ground running. The team was small, so it exposed me to all facets of marketing quickly.
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Who or what in the industry has inspired you most in your security career?

I've been driven and inspired by the fact that hard work does bring value. � I also found a mentor in Bruce Mungiguerra [vice president of operations] who helped get me through the process of understanding the industry. It was great to get his feedback and he always believed in me. It was a challenge in beginning—terms like RMR and multiples that I didn't really understand at first. But you have to learn fast. I learned a lot from our sales guys and Bruce.
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What can be done to boost the ranks of young people in the industry?
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Companies in this industry need to continue to recognize the shift toward advanced technology and promote fresh ideas and unique perspectives. � I think the younger generation really is a force that the security industry has to listen to about technology and social media and integrating all of that. [The industry] has kind of been delayed in a lot of those efforts, but you can't do that anymore if you want to grow as a company. I think we really need to pay attention and listen because they are really going to grow those businesses and take them to the next level.