End Users '20 under 40' 2014—Adam Alford

Adam Alford, 33

Senior director, asset protection, GameStop, Grapevine, Texas

Alford oversees GameStop's asset protection department, which covers the video game, consumer electronics and wireless services retailer's brand, employees, customers, inventory and real estate. That includes two warehouses that distribute to more than 4,000 stores and an additional refurbishment facility. He is responsible for CCTV and PTZ cameras and metal detectors. “We instituted a metal-free policy in our distribution facilities that makes the building safer for associates and minimizes the wait time for associates to go through the security screening process at the end of their shift.” Alford also works closely with the traditional loss prevention department.

What inspired you to get into the security industry?

My father was in LP for his entire career. I was a police officer out of college, and I did that for a few years. Then an opportunity came up with a big box retailer. It sparked an interest in me, dealing with traditional fraud from a retail perspective while also providing a safe and positive customer experience. At the end of the day, the job is to drive profits and sales and always to be innovative.

If you could have any technology you wanted, without regard to budget, what would it be?

If I could snap my fingers today it would be having remote access to all my security tools. New systems are IP, we are making that stride, but with over 4,000 domestic GameStop locations, that turns very slowly.

What's your biggest physical security challenge today, and what do you think it will be five years from now?

Both today and for the future, our small box retail stores always will be challenged to provide the best experience to our customers while driving sales and profit. We are always on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to the safety and security of our customers.