Aleda Sebenick of Custom Protective Services and the CALSAGA Southern California Director at Large

How long have you been working in the security industry, and how did you first get involved?

I started working for my husband, Dennis Sebenick, in 1994 as a part-time administrative assistant, implementing and improving business technology within the company.  Utilizing the many talents of our family members, especially Jason Thorsett, CPS Director of Operations, Denny Sebenick, CEO of his own software company, and the leadership of my husband, Custom Protective Services grew from a small local enterprise to the multi-state corporation it is today. 

In your opinion, how has the role of the private security evolved over the years?

In the last twenty years, associations such as CALSAGA, ASIST of Texas, ASIS, and NASCO as well as executive protection training academies like EPI and ESI have elevated the professionalism of the private security industry.  The days of derogatory remarks such as “square badge”, “wanna-be-cops”, “bouncers” and “bodyguards” are disappearing in States that take our industry seriously.   LEAPS and Homeland Security are instrumental in embracing the observation and reporting skills of private security guards and executive protection specialists, respecting us as allies in protecting our businesses, our streets, and our citizens. 

How did you get involved with CALSAGA?

CPS joined CALSAGA in 2000. Dennis and Jason would share with me the knowledge and concerns within the security industry gleaned from attending the meetings and conferences.  I became personally active with the association in 2004, when the State of California implemented new training regulations for private security guards.  As an active teacher at the time, I was the logical choice to implement and manage training operations for CPS.  CALSAGA and BSIS were a tremendous help in meeting this challenge.

Has your organization benefited from CALSAGA? In what ways?

CALSAGA’s informative conferences, seminars, and newsletters have been instrumental in helping CPS stay in compliance, not only with training, but in unraveling the mysteries of the CA Labor Commission, CA Labor Board and CA employment laws. The association has presented strategies to minimize and avoid potential liabilities for our company. CALSAGA’s lobbyists have done an exceptional job in promoting and passing professional standards through legislative actions; diligent in efforts to curb unlicensed activity which ultimately enhances our ability to compete in the market; and promoting professionalism and respect from the law enforcement community and the public in general.

What issues or topics would you like to see CALSAGA address or get involved with this year and next?

Nuisance civil lawsuits have been an issue for not only the Security industry, but CA businesses, law enforcement agencies, and insurance companies in general. It would be beneficial for CALSAGA to offer a conference seminar on this topic to explore other possible avenues to resolve this unfair legal practice other than an expensive court proceeding or agreeing to an insurance payout. Perhaps CALSAGA could begin to form business coalitions to address this issue to the CA legislative branch.

I encourage CALSAGA to open our membership to proprietary security employers to assist the association in our continuing efforts in educating the legislative branch to the unique problems facing our industry. 

The on-line guard card application process is fodder for potential fraud.  I would like the association to address this issue with BSIS without losing the convenience.

CALSAGA’s tremendous effort in addressing the CA legislature about security issues is understandably a very slow process and therefore the rewards for our membership are not immediately apparent, especially for the smaller PPO’s.  I would like to see our association continue its efforts in seeking strategic alliances that offer immediate benefits to CALSAGA members.

What is your favorite part about running your own business?

The one constant we can count on is change. Change does not always come easy to people who become comfortable in routines.  Knowing this, I welcome the challenge to stay abreast of new innovative business ideas and strategies departing the same to our managers and employees. Also, boredom never sets in when managing and operating a business.

I hear that you enjoy to travel, what is the most interesting place you have visited, and why?

The best learning and culture emersion I’ve experienced, is travelling overland from Mexico City to the Argentina border with my 5 year old son. A year after completing college, we strapped back backs and duffels to our backs, and began walking and traveling in various modes of local transportation for 18 months.  We would stop to rest for awhile living in various Indian villages throughout Central and South America.  I returned home with renewed respect for my country and all its blessing that we at times take for granted.

Although I’ve traveled in many countries, my most recent favorite is peaceful, beautiful, and exotic Morocco.  It is amazing that this progressive western loving muslin country has little news coverage in the United States.  It is a terrific example of “east meets west” in achieving harmony and respect for both cultures. The Monarchy is benevolent to its people by providing schools, western TV, free internet and places of worship in every village and town throughout the country. The King and Queen are serious about bringing the world of education to their citizens.

 

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