40 under 40: Taylor McKinney, chief operating officer, Alcom Security

YARMOUTH, Maine—Taylor McKinney, 34, is the chief operating officer at Alcom Security, a security company that designs, installs and monitors security systems for thousands of homes, businesses and multi-site retail chains across Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, and Missouri, based out of Oklahoma City, Okla. 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. 

MCKINNEY: My current role is to oversee the sales, installation, service, and administration of Alcom Security Systems. I have been working for this company for 12 years.

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

MCKINNEY: Growing up I was able to witness my father's passion for helping people with their security needs. I am a highly competitive individual who enjoys helping people and creating solutions to protect homes and businesses. It is important for me to understand each customer's needs and provide them with a service that the larger companies just can't provide.

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

MCKINNEY: It is an honor to receive the award. I'm happy to be seen as a valuable member of the security industry and appreciate this recognition from my peers. The award motivates me to continue to work hard.  I have to thank my father who gave me an opportunity 12 years ago to continue the legacy of our company and to deliver personalized service to each one of our customers.

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

MCKINNEY: I enjoy learning new technologies and working with manufacturers, law enforcement, and monitoring stations to provide the quickest alarm response. We have been a reactive industry for many years, and with the advancement of technology we can now offer solutions that prevent crime rather than detect it. With this solution we are able to minimize false alarms, speed up police response. reduce crime and protect families.

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

MCKINNEY: We need to develop a trade school program similar to plumbers and electricians in order to educate individuals regarding the security industry.  Along with education, companies should develop compensation packages that align with other professional service industries while creating programs that compensate existing employees.