40 under 40: Andrew Vanderburg, president, Global Guardian Asset Security

YARMOUTH, Maine—Andrew Vanderburg, 39, is the president of Global Guardian Asset Security, a provider of international medical and security services for corporate and family travelers, based out of McLean, Va. Find out what inspired him to pursue a career in the security industry, what being a "40 under 40" winner means to him, what appeals to him about the security industry, and more. 

SSN: Describe your roles, duties, and tenure at your current job. 

VANDERBURG: I am the president of Asset Security, a division within Global Guardian. I manage the entire electronic security division - sales, operations, technology, and monitoring.

SSN: What inspired you to pursue a career in the security industry?

VANDERBURG: Luck of the draw. I was originally working in the carpentry field, building decks and handrails for clients in the Charlotte, N.C., metro area. The housing market slowed down in 2001 due to the incident with the Twin Towers. I had a friend who threw my name in a hat for an assistant technician position. That opportunity landed me at Lefler Electronics based in Concord, N.C. Funny to think my career in electronic security began on Jan. 28, 2002.

SSN: What does being named a winner of SSN's 40 under 40 mean to you?

VANDERBURG: It’s truly an honor. I have watched numerous colleagues in the industry be inducted into this class. I’m happy to join.

SSN: As a young leader, what appeals to you about the security industry?

VANDERBURG: The future, period. The constant advancements of artificial intelligence, autonomous robotics, and drone technology. Come on, how don't you get excited for that type of electronic genius? Nerd alert, lol. 

SSN: With the hiring, recruitment and retention challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, how can the security industry engage young talent?

VANDERBURG: I believe the ability to speak to the younger individuals in the early stages of high school is key - attending high school or grad school hiring events, and not only set up a booth but also show the individuals the technology in real time, explain the ability to advance your career through skill and tradesmanship.