SIA RISE Profile: Don Morron of Brivo

Read our interview with Don Morron of Brivo, as the Security Industry Association (SIA) spotlights a young professional on the rise!

Are you a young security professional under 40? Join SIA’s RISE program. We’re a group of up-and-comers in the security industry trying to help each other grow our careers, expand industry knowledge, further professional development and have some fun together. Get started by filling out the form on the SIA RISE page, or contact SIA staff liaison Bryan Miller at bmiller@securityindustry.org to get involved. While you’re at it, stay in touch with us on LinkedIn and Facebook.

SIA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Don Morron: I started off in 2012 working for a physical guard company, where I traveled the country meeting with various supply chain groups to provide heavily armed officers to nuclear power plants and U.S. critical infrastructures. Next, I worked for a national integrator for three and a half years providing commercial electronic security solutions. I currently work for Brivo, the world’s first and largest cloud access control provider.

SIA: What first got you interested in security and safety as a career choice?

DM: I believe my interest started in my undergraduate years; I studied pre-law and had various internships with private and public legal organizations. During a 3-year hiatus from legal work, I worked in the telecom industry and eventually came back around. From college until now, I feel that the security and investigations industry has been never monotonous and always exciting. For me, there is also a sense of self-worth knowing that I’m a part of making my community a safer place.

SIA: What has your career path been?

DM: My entire experience in the security industry has been in business development and sales. I started off as a business development specialist, then became a commercial account executive and then an area account manager, and now I am an area sales manager for the state of Florida.

SIA: Who has influenced you or mentored you – either within the security field or outside?

DM: I have two – Phrantceena Halres and James (Jim) Palumbo. Phrantceena is the CEO of the first security company I worked for – she was an outstanding speaker and a motivational leader and knew how to run a successful business. I asked her once how she became so good at public speaking, and she said, “I only speak about things I know” – that stuck with me ever since.

Jim was my manager while I was in the integrated security space; he exuded tremendous patience and always gave his employees the tools to be successful. The foundation of my technical acumen in the security industry is 100 percent thanks to Jim.

SIA: What’s something most people don’t know about you?

DM: I have a post-bachelor diploma in paralegal technology that I never talk about or use professionally. Additionally, I am an avid snowboarder despite living in southern Florida.

SIA: What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

DM: Brivo has had the best corporate culture I’ve ever experienced; there is a passion and confidence that is instilled in me for which I have Brivo to thank. I guess when your products and services are consistently as good as people say, you start to actually believe it, and there is no message easier to deliver than an honest one. Being in the security industry serves up the opportunity to prove how being practical is better for business.

SIA: What do you think you need to enhance your career?

DM: I believe that bigger and more frequent challenges present opportunities to enhance my career. When I’ve been able to solve complex problems in the past, it has put me in positions to prove my ability as a professional. Bring on the challenges!

SIA: What advice do you have for young professionals just starting out in the industry?

DM: Don’t just sell – solve problems. This business isn’t easy, but it is highly rewarding, so be patient – always strive to run a marathon and not a sprint. Find passion and purpose in your work, then share your message to make your community a safer place.

SIA: What does the SIA RISE program offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership?

DM: SIA RISE does a great job in being a part of the message that this industry is fun, exciting, dynamic and therefore an amazing fit for young talent. I look forward to collaborating with other SIA RISE members and hope that we can all learn and grow from each other.

Learn more about Brivo at brivo.com.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).