Vision InSites Podcast

In this episode of the Vision InSites Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Ishmael and Lisa Buckley, co-founders of American Automation Security, for an inspiring conversation about building a people-focused security business from the ground up.

From chance encounters at Denver International Airport to leading a thriving security firm in Colorado, Ishmael and Lisa share their journey as entrepreneurs, spouses, and leaders. Together, they open up about the challenges of managing people, maintaining accountability, and scaling contracts in a demanding industry.

They dive into:

• How a shared belief in process, accountability, and respect shaped their company culture
• The mental shift Ishmael made from tech and defense work to the “people business” of security
• Lisa’s corporate background at Ford and Maytag, and how it prepared her for high-level client relations
• Why meditation, therapy, and personal growth are essential tools for leadership
• Lessons from securing high-profile contracts at Denver International Airport and beyond
• Building retention, culture, and client trust in an industry where reputation is everything

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a security professional, or a leader facing the daily realities of managing people, you’ll walk away with real-world insights on resilience, culture, and growth from two leaders who live it every day.

Episode notes In this episode of the Vision InSites Podcast, host Chris Anderson is joined by Ed Garner (Founder, PES Security) for a powerful conversation about the realities of event and property security. With over 45 years in the industry, Ed has seen it all — from barroom brawls in the 1970s to managing security teams of 800+ for Super Bowl–scale events.

They dive into:

• What it takes to manage security when you only get “one shot” — like at a Super Bowl event
• How to coordinate and lead hundreds of staff in high-stakes environments
• Lessons from decades of private security and property management partnerships
• Why preparation, accountability, and adaptability separate average teams from elite ones
• Incredible real-life stories, including bar fights, home invasions, and high-profile event security

Whether you lead a private security company or oversee property management operations, you’ll gain practical insights into planning, leadership, and resilience from one of the most seasoned professionals in the field.

In this episode of the Vision InSites Podcast, host Chris Anderson is joined by Danny Garcia (Co-Founder, JDS Security) and Noam Newman (Pinnacle International Realty Group) for a candid conversation about the evolving relationship between security vendors and property management.

They dive into:

• How to become a trusted partner instead of “just a vendor”
• The role of accountability and quality reporting in property management
• Trends shaping the future of private security services
• Why training, technology, and trust are critical to success

Whether you run a security company or manage residential/commercial properties, you’ll walk away with strategies to improve service quality, strengthen vendor relationships, and prepare for the future of security.

In Season 1, Episode 6 of the Vision InSites Podcast, we spotlight Dinasty Security, a company that has redefined what it means to deliver private security by embracing a multi-layered approach. From on-site officers and remote monitoring to proactive client education, this episode explores how Dinasty scaled its services to meet the evolving needs of property managers across different sectors.

We talk through:

• How layered security provides greater value
• The operational challenges of scaling responsibly
• How property managers benefit from integrated service models
• The future of proactive, data-driven private security

What does it take to build a security company from nothing but grit, long hours, and a family that refuses to quit? In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Messina, founder of Messina Operative Protection, to hear how he, his brother, and his mother turned a PO box, a Crown Vic, and a dream into a full-scale operation.

Kyle opens up about the 16-hour days, the financial risks, and the moments that nearly broke them—but also how they stayed true to their values, built lasting client trust, and evolved into something bigger. From early patrol contracts in Long Beach to rebranding, this is more than a business story—it’s a blueprint for resilience.

Whether you’re a fellow entrepreneur, a security professional, or just love stories of family-built legacies, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and a whole lot of hustle.

In this episode, Chris Anderson sits down with Kevin Forsyth, Facility Service Director overseeing 49 properties across Southern California, to talk about the real challenges facing property managers and the hard truth about private security companies. From poor reporting and unreliable patrols to what property managers actually want from a vendor, Kevin shares decades of no-nonsense experience and what separates true partners from everyone else.

They dive into why accountability alone isn’t enough, how Vision InSites is changing expectations with real-time reporting, and why the future of security starts with quality, transparency, and showing up.

Whether you’re a guard company, property manager, or just want to understand what really works in the field—this episode delivers.

Would you work every single day for 12 years straight to build your dream?

In this powerful episode, Erik Perez shares how he built Ten Eight Security from the ground up—starting as a solo officer working graveyard shifts to managing one of Southern California’s fastest-growing private security companies.

No investors. No marketing. Just relentless work ethic and unshakable belief.

You’ll hear:

• How Erik went from law enforcement to entrepreneurship
• The struggles of making payroll (and nearly shutting down)
• The turning point that changed everything
• His approach to building trust with clients and retaining contracts
• Why communication, accountability, and leadership are everything in this business

If you’re in private security, operations, or building your own business, this is a must-listen.

AJ Garcia shares his raw journey from growing up in a group home to building one of California’s most respected private security companies. In this episode, he opens up about early struggles, business lessons, and how investing in people—not just profit—created lasting success. A must-listen for anyone growing a security business from the ground up.

What if you had to start over—no clients, no income, no guarantees?

Matt Rash did exactly that.

In this episode of the Vision InSites Podcast, we sit down with Matt and Charmaine Palmer of One Shield Security to unpack how they went from zero contracts to a $10 million operation. From door-knocking and reworking failing accounts to building a team-first culture and leveraging tech the right way—this is the blueprint for security companies that want to grow smart, not fast.

If you’re in the trenches, this one’s for you.