'20 under 40' 2013 - Taylor Carr

Taylor Carr, 35
Vice president of business development and integration, Securadyne Systems
Carrollton, Texas

How did you get into the security industry?

I originally wanted a career in law enforcement, so I ended up going to the University of Maryland, College Park and enrolling in their criminology and criminal justice program. About halfway through my time there I took a course titled “Privatized Crime Prevention,” which focused on private-sector crime prevention tactics. This opened my eyes to the endless opportunities for a career in the private security sector as opposed to the public. The class focused on the future of the security industry and how there would be massive growth in the private sector due to the rapid development of IP.

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

I'm fortunate enough to have quite a few mentors and coaches who all inspire me on a routine basis. As it's related to the security industry, three individuals stand out. The first is Gary Weisman, president of FireKing International, who taught me the security manufacturing business and helped me develop sound customer service skills. The second individual is Patrick Mercer [area sales manager] from Siemens Building Technologies. He helped me refine my business development and sales management abilities. Cary Boethel, president and CEO of Securadyne Systems, continues to inspire and coach me on how to develop business strategies, optimize business processes and become a better leader.

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

I think it's a two-step process. The first is the aggressive recruiting of young talent just entering the job market. That's a major key to success, whether it involves reaching out through trade schools or through the university and college system. The second is the coaching and mentoring piece. In order to develop the next generation of leaders, it's imperative that security leaders take an active role in coaching and mentoring talent in and out of the security industry. The marriage of those two things will boost the presence of young people in the industry.