SIA New Member Profile: Secure Direction Consulting

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Secure Direction Consulting offers expert independent security consulting. The company is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia.

SIA spoke with Michael S. D’Angelo, CPP, CSC, board-certified security consultant and principal and lead consultant for Secure Direction Consulting (as well as the president of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC)), about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Michael D’Angelo: I retired from a full career in law enforcement in South Florida and transitioned into corporate security for a large health care system. After eight years in the Corporate setting, I was confident I truly (and finally) made the transition from law enforcement to security professional. I established Secure Direction Consulting in 2015 but did not dive in full time until 2017.

Secure Direction Consulting started out in South Florida and relocated to Richmond, Virginia. Although the bulk of our clients tend to be towards the eastern seaboard, we have worked with clients in many Midwest and western states.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings or your company unique?

MD: In addition to “traditional” consulting services (i.e., performing security vulnerability analysis for various environments), we also provide forensic security consulting and workplace violence prevention education/programs.

What’s something we might not know about your company – or something new you’re doing in security?

MD: My mantra, since day one, has been to be deeply involved in the industry. This is not just what I do for a living – it is my passion. As any sole proprietor can attest to, you cannot succeed for the long term if your heart and soul is not truly into our profession. Yes, there are many professional organizations in this industry, but our time is valuable and very limited so I invest it where I fell I can do the most good. SIA, along with the IAPSC, stands out as a leader in our industry.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

MD: There are roles for everyone in the security industry, but I think highlighting the importance and value of the independent consultant cannot be overstated. Before a client ever invests a dime in any security technology, they have to be properly and honestly guided to it. How is that done? By demonstrating a genuine risk that a type of product can reduce/eliminate. I find clients are far less concerned with the costs than we tend to think but are far more concerned with “what will this change?” and “how will this make us safe?”. If we can show that, the cost becomes a far less significant concern.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

MD: As technology in our industry advances (almost daily!), costs of the older (older is a very subjective term – in our business that can simply mean last year’s model) tech comes down. Much of what was state of the art yesterday is still very viable for many environments. The speed and level of advancement in security tech has actually led to new markets where we see the once unaffordable being within reach of smaller organizations. From a consultant’s perspective, that gives me the opportunity to help so many more clients in all revenue levels.

What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long term?

MD: It goes without saying the last big boom to propel our industry forward was Sept 11, 2001. We do not need another horrific terror attack to elevate the business further. A tragic event got us here where we are no longer always the 1% equation or in the back of minds. Many of today’s C-suite leaders “get it,” and security leaders tend to have easier fights (often still a fight, but not as vicious) to get what they need. We are over 20 years from 9/11, but we live in a time where an active shooter story is part of the daily news cycle. The point 9/11 drove home in the minds of organizational leaders continues to be highlighted almost daily. We have to find the positive out of all this carnage, and that is the role of the security professional is held in higher regard today than it ever has been.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

MD: I think most industries would answer this question with replies such as “competition” or “staying relevant.” We have the very opposite problem – there are not enough of us to go around. There is more work than every consultant, integrator, tech manufacturer, etc., can handle. We need to drastically shift the paradigm of our industry. This can no longer be a second profession or a transition profession, often post-law enforcement or military. The needs and demand will continue to skyrocket. We must as an industry prioritize mentorship of younger professionals and demonstrate that the security profession can be a viable one from the onset. More and more colleges and universities have degree programs in security fields. Security associations (such as SIA and IAPSC) should continue to focus on educating and mentoring of those just starting their professional lives.

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

MD: I spent 23+ years in law enforcement, and I thought I was saving lives. I am now in a profession where my work truly keeps people safe. The satisfaction of earning your living by making recommendations to help prioritize the health and welfare of employees in a variety of environments cannot be matched. It doesn’t matter what facet of this industry you work in. You may be the one who designs the widget, the one who sells the widget, the consultant who recommends the widget or in many cases the professional who installs the widget, but the widget itself is helping to keep people safe and secure. In one single security project, think about how many of us are involved at each level and how many of us can feel a sense of pride.

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

MD: By far it’s the networking with thousands of other security professionals from all aspects of our industry. It’s an old cliché, but it truly applies: I am not likely to encounter a problem, a challenge or a project that someone within the organization has not successfully encountered before. Access to the experience and collective knowledge of the SIA membership is worth its weight in gold.

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.