'20 under 40' 2012 - Jesse Foglio

Jesse Foglio, 31
Systems manager
First Response Systems
Beaverton, Ore.

How did you get into the security industry?

First Response is a family-owned business started by my father, Dave, as a traditional guard company. So, when I was about 16, I started working as a security guard. And about two years later, I started working on the electronics side of First Response, working out in the field as an apprentice, installing alarm systems and fire systems and cameras and access control. I joined the state licensing program and became a journeyman technician. Then I went to college, because before I could become a manager of any sort at the family business I needed to have a degree. I received a business management degree with a minor in pre-law. I came back to First Response and began overseeing the systems department and it has just kind of grown from there. Now I also oversee our internal central station.

What can be done to attract more young people to the industry?

I think the industry has done that to some extent on its own, due to the fact that we're going toward more of an IT-based industry. So many people are learning IT at a younger age, and that has helped a lot with bringing young people into the alarm industry. I think it's also a good idea just to promote that this is a good industry to get into.

Who in the industry has helped you most in your security career?

My father. When I first started in the industry he gave me complete independence. I was able to take over the (electronic security) division and make the necessary changes I wanted to see to make it much stronger, but I was still able to lean on him if there were questions or concerns or obstacles I was faced with.