40 under 40: Ryan Juckett, business development manager, Convergint

YARMOUTH, Maine—Ryan Juckett, 32, is the business development manager at Convergint, a global service-based systems integrator based out of Schaumburg, Ill. 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. 

JUCKETT: I was promoted to business development manager in July of 2022. My responsibilities include developing and executing Convergint's cannabis business development strategy across all regions, effectively formalizing and building upon what I have focused on since late 2017. In my role I guide cannabis operators and Convergint colleagues working with cannabis operators in planning, designing, deploying, and maintaining security systems and programs, keeping them informed of best practices to ensure their facilities are the safest in the industry.

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

JUCKETT: Credit goes to my security industry veteran father-in-law for inspiring me to pursue a career in the industry. I was in tech sales when we were first getting to know each other and anytime there was a family dinner we’d be off on an island talking technology. It was fascinating to learn of all the ways technology is leveraged in the security industry and the role of the integrator. The opportunity to help businesses protect people, property, and information, while improving business outcomes excited me so I made the jump and am so glad I did!

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

JUCKETT: It is a privilege and honor to be named a winner of SSN’s 40 under 40 alongside such a talented and diverse group of industry peers. The list is a great indication of the industry’s bright future.

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

JUCKETT: As a young leader the security industry appeals to me on many levels. It plays to my strengths and natural tendencies very well. Each day is an opportunity to put my critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to the test while serving others for a greater good. I get a lot of fulfillment out of being someone customers and colleagues can depend on. The cannabis industry has been the primary focus of my security career, regulatory requirements add another level of pressure I have come to thrive under, and I find helping customers leverage their required security technology to improve business outcomes truly rewarding.

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

JUCKETT: Building awareness is the first step and can be accomplished by offering internships, exhibiting at college career fairs, and partnering with technical schools. Evolving to appeal to what is important to today’s younger generation is crucial to recruiting and retaining talent. Competitive wages and benefits, opportunities for growth and advancement, flexibility to learn different areas of the business, a culture of inclusion and diversity that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. I am fortunate to be a part of a forward-thinking organization that is taking action in all of these areas.