Five Questions: Jason Beardsley

Jason Beardsley, partner, Security 101, was recently hired to help lead the opening of the company's new Los Angeles franchise location. Security Systems News asked him five questions.

Are you married, do you have kids?

I am married with two children. My wife's name is Laura and my sons are Jacob and Aiden. We live in Murrieta, a growing town in Southern California's Temecula Valley. I've lived there since 1986.

What is something your coworkers might not know about you?

I like to listen to house music, a type of electronica dance music created by DJs and first made popular in Chicago in the early 1980s. I've traveled the globe to listen to and experience different performers. I've been to Asia, Europe, Mexico and Canada, but my favorite places to find house music are Greece and Japan.

What do you like to do in your spare time; do you have any hobbies?

I like spending time with my family and my boys in our backyard pool. Our climate is pretty nice year around, so it allows us to be in the water a lot. My sons also like sports and I enjoy playing with them. My oldest is into baseball and basketball and my little one is into everything. We have a great time together.

How did you first get started in the security industry?

I was given an opportunity after graduating from California State University Fullerton to work in the security industry. Bill King and Tim Heiter of PSI hired me as a sales trainee in 1996. I sold access control, video systems and intrusion to commercial customers. I liked the work, but I wanted to learn more. I got an MBA so I could better understand businesses and the processes behind running them. I kept growing in the industry and became the president of the San Diego Alarm Association. When the opportunity came up to own a Security 101 franchise with my partner, Kevin Schaefer, I was ready.

Have you read any good books lately or have a favorite author?

I enjoyed the book “The Nordstrom Way to Customer Service Excellence.” It really drove home the importance of customer service and how the customer is the foundation of our business. It's what builds strong relationships and repeat business.