SIA New Member Profile: Inter-Con Security

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Inter-Con Security is a provider of high-quality, centralized services, using an embedded support model rather than a branch model to deliver scalable, customizable and comprehensive services to clients. The global company is headquartered in Pasadena, California, and operates in 13 countries across North America, Latin America and Africa.

SIA spoke with Assia Austin, vice president of marketing and solutions design at Inter-Con Security, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Assia Austin: Inter-Con Security was founded in 1973 by Hank Hernandez, a retired Los Angeles Police Department detective. Before starting the company, Mr. Hernandez worked with the U.S. Department of Justice, training security forces in Latin America. That experience highlighted the need for more specialized security services, leading him to invest his life savings to build Inter-Con. From day one, the company focused on providing highly trained personnel and customized security solutions for clients with more complex needs – setting it apart from traditional security firms.

While we were founded on Mr. Hernandez’s kitchen table, we have since grown to become one of the largest security providers in the world. Now in our third generation of Hernandez family leadership, Inter-Con has a global workforce of over 36,500 employees and over $1 billion in annual revenue. For over 50 years, Inter-Con has remained committed to innovation, professionalism and delivering security solutions tailored to each client’s unique challenges. Today, Inter-Con remains 100% owned by the family of our founder.

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

AA: At Inter-Con Security, we offer full-suite risk management and security staffing solutions. We understand that every client has unique security needs, which is why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Our services range from physical security and executive protection to intelligence gathering and the management of security operations centers. We also manage specialized situations like countersurveillance, emergency response, special event security and even explosive ordnance detection canine teams. Rather than offering generic security packages, we work closely with each client to develop a strategy that fits their specific risk profile. 

What makes Inter-Con unique is our dedicated service model, in which all key personnel assigned to a security program support that program only, rather than being shared across multiple clients. We seek to integrate seamlessly into our clients’ operations, using technology and expertise to enhance their security program without disrupting their business. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who take pride in their work, focusing on building long-term relationships based on trust, adaptability and continuous improvement. For us, security isn’t just about presence – it’s about delivering solutions that truly make a difference. 

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

AA: At Inter-Con Security, we are continually advancing our services and technology to meet evolving security challenges. Recently, we’ve been recognized as both Best in Business and one of the fastest-growing private companies in America by Inc. Magazine, highlighting our significant growth in a competitive landscape. 

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

AA: Our vision is to be the trusted security partner for organizations that require a higher level of protection than standard security providers can offer. Every Inter-Con officer, supervisor, manager and executive is guided by this mission, ensuring that we deliver the most customized and effective security solution to clients who view security as essential to their success. We are committed to safety, innovation and customer service, always operating with integrity and respect. Above all, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. 

As the security industry evolves, our goal is to remain at the forefront – adapting to emerging threats while staying true to our core values. We aim to reinforce our position as the go-to provider of advanced security services, expanding our capabilities while maintaining the high standards that define us. By continuously innovating and investing in our people, we are shaping the future of security. 

Our motto describes our strategy very well: Everywhere Security Matters!

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

AA: One of the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now is the ability to leverage data-driven insights to enhance decision making. Predictive analytics and real-time monitoring will allow security teams to be more proactive, identifying potential threats before they happen. Additionally, the demand for highly customized security solutions is growing as organizations recognize that off-the-shelf security measures often fall short in addressing their specific challenges.  

At Inter-Con, we are welcoming this shift by combining state-of-the-art technology with conventional security procedures to produce more intelligent, effective solutions. We are increasing situational awareness, speeding up response times, and maximizing resources by integrating AI-powered analytics and intelligent guard management tools – all of which contribute to a greater level of security. 

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

AA: The security industry is evolving rapidly, with both immediate advancements and long-term trends reshaping how organizations approach protection. In the short term, we anticipate continued integration of technology into traditional security measures. Analytics driven by artificial intelligence (AI), enhanced surveillance systems and intelligent guard management tools are already improving response times, increasing situational awareness, and optimizing security operations. These innovations not only enhance security effectiveness but also help clients reduce costs and streamline their overall security strategies. 

Looking further ahead, the demand for customized security solutions will continue to grow as businesses recognize that off-the-shelf approaches may not fully address their unique risks. Additionally, as security threats become more complex, there will be a stronger emphasis on specialized training and workforce development to ensure personnel are equipped to handle evolving challenges. At Inter-Con, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these changes – combining innovative technology with highly trained security professionals to deliver solutions that are both effective and adaptable.  

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

AA: The security industry faces significant challenges in staffing high-quality personnel, retaining employees and ensuring consistent service delivery. Many companies struggle with high turnover, unreliable staffing and a lack of dedicated resources, which can lead to gaps in coverage and diminished service quality. At Inter-Con, we overcome these challenges through a rigorous recruitment process that filters in only the most qualified candidates using AI-powered staffing solutions. Officers are assigned to posts based on their skills, proximity and reliability, ensuring consistent and dependable coverage. Additionally, our proprietary Shyftr application allows qualified officers to sign up for extra shifts, helping maintain optimal staffing levels and avoiding disruptions to client operations. 

Regarding retention, many officers leave due to a lack of support and engagement. At Inter-Con, our People & Operations Team actively fosters a strong workplace culture through fair wages, ongoing training, wellness programs and direct employee engagement. We also take a different approach to client management through our dedicated service model, ensuring each client benefits from a dedicated account manager and administrative support rather than competing for attention in a fragmented service structure. By prioritizing both our employees and clients, we can deliver consistent, high-quality security services at scale while setting a new standard for reliability and innovation. 

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

AA: Inter-Con fosters an environment that prioritizes professionalism, innovation and a commitment to high-quality security services. One of the most valuable aspects of being part of Inter-Con is the opportunity to work within a team that takes a strategic and thoughtful approach to security, ensuring that each client receives solutions tailored to their unique needs. The focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence allows us to customize security programs that are not only effective, but also adaptable to evolving risks and industry challenges. 

The security industry as a whole offers a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, requiring a balance of strategic planning and real-time response. The integration of advanced technology, data-driven decision making and highly trained personnel has created new opportunities to enhance security effectiveness. Inter-Con’s approach aligns with these industry advancements, reinforcing its ability to provide comprehensive, scalable solutions that address both present and future security concerns. Being part of an organization that stays ahead of these trends and consistently delivers high-caliber security services is what makes working in this industry so interesting and impactful. 

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?

AA: SIA plays a crucial role in the security industry by providing valuable insights, advocacy and resources that help organizations stay ahead of emerging trends. As a recognized industry leader – particularly for integrators – SIA offers a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development that aligns with Inter-Con Security’s commitment to innovation and excellence. With the security landscape constantly evolving, having access to SIA’s research, best practices and policy advocacy ensures that we remain informed and well-prepared to adapt to industry advancements. 

At Inter-Con, we value SIA’s role in championing innovative technologies and fostering industry-wide growth. Through our membership, we look forward to engaging with other security professionals, staying connected to the latest developments and leveraging SIA’s expertise to enhance our own capabilities. By being part of a network that prioritizes education, innovation, and advocacy, we can continue to refine our strategies and deliver high-quality, technology-driven security solutions to our clients. 

How does your organization engage with SIA? What are your plans for involvement in the next year?

AA: Inter-Con Security actively engages with SIA to stay at the forefront of industry developments and contribute to the broader security community. This year, we will attend ISC West, where we will participate as a speaker on the panel Optimizing Guarding Resources in Modern Resources. This opportunity allows us to share insights on workforce efficiency, staffing strategies and the integration of technology in modern security operations. 

Additionally, I will serve as a member of the the International Relations Committee, helping to shape SIA’s global strategies and initiatives. This involvement reflects our commitment to industry leadership and collaboration on international security challenges. Looking ahead, we aim to build a strong, long-term partnership with SIA by actively engaging in events, leveraging member resources and contributing to discussions that shape the future of the security industry. 

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.