40 under 40: Johnny Storms, vice president, strategic solutions and projects, Global Guardian Asset Security

YARMOUTH, Maine—Johnny Storms, 39, is the vice president, strategic solutions and projects at 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. 

STORMS: My core role is to lead the operations team, managing the P&L of the department and delivery of our installation and service projects with white-glove service to our clients. Although, I wear many hats. I'm heavily involved with sales, engineering, technology, expanding our verticals, and process/policy installation all while supporting our growth. We move at a fast pace to support our clients, where titles don't get in the way. We win together and lose together, learning along the way.

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

STORMS: Growing up, I had a strong interest in computers and technology. I enjoyed building my own custom PCs and tinkering with the components, both hardware and software. As a teenager, I started working with a family friend as a helper technician learning more about electronic security systems. Low voltage/electronics theory and how intrusion, fire alarm, and video systems worked was intriguing to me. When it all clicked as to the life safety and security these systems provided for people, their property, and their products, I made it my mission to be a provider of such valuable services.

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

STORMS: It is an amazing accomplishment. Being recognized as a young pioneer in the industry makes me proud. It proves that I have been successful and have made an impact on all that I have touched. I started as a technician, moved into mid-level management, spent time at corporate, and have led divisions at the senior management level. I've worked with some great people and at some of the largest names in the industry. I've learned a lot and will continue learning in the ever-changing environment. I'll take my experience and skills to help both the organization and individuals recognize success.

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

STORMS: It's still technology for me. It is constantly changing. New hardware, new software, new tools, and methods. I love that the industry stays fresh with system performance, reliability, integrations, and the infrastructure that supports them. The industry is massive, though still a family with a lot of long-time folks who serve it. There will be a transition to new leadership, where the youth of the industry will take the torch and lead electronic security into the future. I know I'll be a part of that, and I look forward to joining numerous others one day as an industry legend.

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

STORMS: Be flexible. Offer remote and/or hybrid roles to appeal to candidates. Outside of field technicians and monitoring staff, a lot of what we do in the electronic security industry can be done outside of a central office. Hiring bonuses and apprentice/training programs are beneficial. We are a niche industry within construction and training is imperative to success. I'd love to see more low voltage courses specific to our industry (intrusion, fire, video, etc.) offered as college courses to help bring interest. Pair those up with manufacturers training and young talent is set up for success.