In this episode, host Rudo Robinson interviews Evan Levitt, the founder of Alexios Security Solutions, a security company servicing the greater Phoenix and Las Vegas areas. Evan shares his journey into the security industry, including how a motorcycle accident led him to become an EMT and eventually transition into security work.

Evan discusses key business lessons he's learned, such as the importance of not compromising your ethics, diversifying your revenue streams, and finding mentors to guide you. He also talks about his security-focused podcast "Security and Cigars" and how listeners can get involved.

Main Topics Discussed

- Evan's start in the security industry after a motorcycle accident involving a friend (00:01:14)

- Evan's personal journey with addiction and recovery (00:06:16)

- A challenging ethical dilemma Evan faced as an executive protection agent (00:12:02)

- Evan's approach to turning down business that doesn't align with his company's values (00:16:22)

- Advice for security business owners on diversifying revenue and finding mentors (00:22:15)

- Overview of Evan's "Security and Cigars" podcast (00:24:32)

Where to Find Evan Levitt

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjlevitt/

- "Security and Cigars" Podcast: Available on Clubhouse, with links shared on Evan's social media

Key References

- Alexios Security Solutions: Provides security services in the Phoenix and Las Vegas areas

- Near Shore Direct Staffing: Sponsor providing remote dispatch personnel for security companies

- Small Business Administration (SBA): Mentioned as a resource for funding and guidance

In this episode of the "Your Security Business" podcast, host Rudo Robinson discusses the concept that perfect is the enemy of good and how it can revolutionize how security businesses make decisions. He shares personal stories and examples to illustrate the importance of prioritizing effectiveness over flawlessness in business operations. Rudy provides practical tips on how security business leaders can implement the "good over perfect" philosophy to enhance productivity without compromising quality.

Topics discussed:

• Understanding the concept of "Perfect is the Enemy of Good"
• Applying the concept in security business communication
• Importance of focusing on effectiveness over flawlessness
• Tips for integrating the "good over perfect" philosophy into security business operations
• Risks and concerns associated with prioritizing good over perfect
• Setting minimum quality standards while embracing the philosophy
• Balancing efficiency and quality in decision-making for security businesses

Key takeaways:

• Prioritize action over perfection to avoid paralysis and enhance productivity.
• Consider the impact of emotions in business communication and focus on conveying clear messages and desired feelings.
• Start implementing the "good over perfect" philosophy with your own tasks before expanding it across your organization.
• Choose team members wisely to ensure effective implementation without compromising quality standards.
• Evaluate the risks and benefits of prioritizing good over perfect in different tasks and situations.
• Set minimum quality standards to ensure that work remains effective and fulfills its purpose while optimizing decision-making for efficiency.

References:

yoursecuritybusiness.com

In this episode, we discussed the importance of understanding the difference between efficiency and effectiveness when running a security guard company. Your will learn how focusing solely on efficiency or effectivness can lead to pitfalls and provides key questions for business owners to ensure they strike the right balance between efficiency and effectiveness for long-term success.

Topics discussed:

- Understanding the difference between efficiency and effectiveness in running a security guard business

- The importance of balancing efficiency and effectiveness
- Key questions for security business owners to evaluate their operations
- Signs that a business may be efficient but not effective

Key takeaways:

- Efficiency is about doing things in the most economical way, while effectiveness is about achieving the desired results.

- Balancing efficiency in day-to-day tasks with effectiveness in long-term goals is crucial.

- Signs of being efficient but not effective include unhappy employees, cost reduction compromising value, lack of innovation, disconnection from customer needs, short-term gains with long-term negative consequences, employee burnout, and inability to adapt to changing customer demands.

Summary: In this episode of the Your Security Business podcast, the host delves into the critical issue of keeping security guards awake and alert during their shifts. The discussion covers the responsibility of security officers to ensure they are well-rested, the impact of sleep deprivation on job performance, strategies for promoting healthy sleep habits, the importance of creating effective sleep policies, and what to do if a guard falls asleep on duty.

Topics discussed:

Responsibility of Security Officers:

Security officers are responsible for ensuring they get enough rest to stay awake and perform their duties effectively.
Companies may need to assist employees in meeting company expectations regarding staying alert on the job.

Impact of Sleep Deprivation:

Statistics on sleep deprivation among Americans and the increased risk for night shift workers.
Circadian rhythms and their role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and overall energy levels.

Strategies for Promoting Healthy Sleep Habits:

Educating guards about sleep health and hygiene practices.
Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a calm sleep environment, avoiding stimulants before bedtime, and the impact of diet on sleep quality.
The importance of avoiding sugary, caffeine-based energy drinks and considering alternative options like 5-hour energy.
Taking naps before shifts and aligning work schedules with natural sleep patterns.

Creating Effective Sleep Policies:

Allowing guards to report feeling tired on duty without fear of repercussions.
Implementing strategies such as sending replacements, allowing power naps, or facilitating regular check-ins to prevent guards from falling asleep on duty.
Addressing repeated instances of tiredness on duty and potential consequences for officers.

Key takeaways:

Educating security guards about healthy sleep habits and the impact of sleep deprivation is crucial for maintaining alertness on the job.
Companies should consider the sleep needs of their employees when creating work schedules to optimize performance and prevent fatigue.
Implementing supportive sleep policies that allow guards to report tiredness can help prevent incidents of falling asleep on duty and mitigate risks to contracts and client satisfaction.

References:

CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Sleep Foundation
Your Security Business podcast website: ⁠[Your Security Business Podcast]⁠

Join host Rudo Robinson on the Your Security Business Podcast for expert insights and actionable strategies to optimize your security business. In this episode, learn three key strategies to attract and retain top security personnel:

• Hire Slow, Fire Quick philosophy for effective team building.
• Clear disciplinary processes for addressing poor performance.
• Building a compelling corporate culture and fostering respect in the workplace.