Talking Shop with Jerry Wolsey, district manager of Security Services of America

ABM Industries Incorporated is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a facility services contractor, with one of its regional offices in Cape Girardeau. Heading up the Southeast Missouri regional office of Security Services of America in Cape Girardeau is Jerry Wolsey II, district manager of Security Services of America. Business reporter Brian Blackwell recently visited with Wolsey to learn more about his life and how the company has grown.

Q: How did you get to your current job?

A: After graduating from SEMO in 1999 I accepted an operations manager's position with my father's company called Wolsey Investigative Service. Wolsey Investigative Service sold to Security Services of America LLC out of Morehead City, N.C., in December 2000. After the acquisition I stayed on as an operations manager with SSA until April 2003 when I was promoted to branch manager. In March 2004 the ABM family of services acquired SSA and I continued in my branch manager's position until December 2005, when I was promoted to district manager. My district manager position consists of managing accounts in Missouri, Tennessee and Oklahoma, with roughly 300 employees with offices in Cape Girardeau, Joplin and St. Louis. An estimated 100 of those employees work in the Southeast Missouri region.

Q: Why do you think ABM has survived for 100 years?

A: Our loyal customers and dedicated employees have made this possible. We strive to provide the best service in our industries at a fair and competitive price. Although our office is part of the ABM Security division, I think ABM's foresight of being involved in more than one industry has helped grow revenues and make the company an American success story. The company formed in 1909, and in 1962 ABM became a publicly traded company and today ABM remains a publicly traded Fortune 1000 company on the New York Stock Exchange. On September 9 our CEO, Henrik Slipsager, rang the closing bell at the New Stock Exchange to commemorate 100 years in business for ABM. The other divisions of ABM are janitorial, parking and engineering. The janitorial division is ABM's original and largest division. ABM is the nation's largest janitorial company. The ABM security division now ranks as the seventh-largest private security company in the United States. The acquisitions of Security Services of America, Silverhawk Security and Elite Security have helped make ABM a force in the private security industry.

Jerry Wolsey with Security Services of America. (Kit Doyle)

Q: What makes your job so enjoyable?

A: Knowing that we are providing a necessary service to our customers. [In] the last 10 years the private security industry has vastly changed. The days of the old night watchman are mostly gone. Our clients want to see a return on their investment, so our security officers have become very diverse in their duties. The growth of camera and automated systems has helped professionalize the security industry. The combination of security officers with technology gives clients the necessary tools to help prevent loss and create a safer place to work for their employees.

Q: What more can you tell me about ABM?

A: ABM's array of facility services helps generate $3.6 billion in annual revenue along with a 2010 goal of hitting the $5 billion mark. With respect to our founder, Morris Rosenberg, we take great pride that we have maintained our roots and American heritage by remaining an American-owned company. In today's global economy, ABM is proud of this fact. ABM has more than 100,000 employees.

Q: How has the economy affected your industry?

A: There is no doubt about it, this past year has been challenging. However, we forecast that an economic downturn was on the horizon so we geared up for it by making aggressive cuts in management and other operating expenses. These harsh decisions have helped ABM maintain satisfactory profit margins for our investors. We are thankful to our customers and dedicated employees to help make it through these challenging times.

Q: Any additional comments?

A: In future months our current name of Security Services of America will be changing to ABM Security Services.

Q: Any hobbies you may have and why you enjoy doing them?

A: In the summer months I enjoy playing fastpitch softball for the Kelso traveling team. I love the challenge of trying to hit some of the best international men's semi-pro pitchers in the world. Watching or listening to Cardinal baseball, and any other sporting event that spurs my interest. I also enjoy golf and simply hanging out with family and friends.

Q: What is a typical day off for you?

A: If I am not playing ball then I am usually doing something outside. I am always on the go and that is fun for me being active. However, I do have my moments where I like to kick back and relax.

Q: What motivates you to get up in the morning?

A: I have a lot of people that are depending on me and I don't want to let them down so that is motivation in itself.

Q: If you could trade places with anyone, who would it be and why?

A: Since I am a big Cardinals fan that is easy Albert Pujols. He is the best baseball player of my generation and he is a good teammate. He leads by example on and off the field. No matter what your career is in if everyone put forth the effort that he does the world would be a better place. He has taken full advantage of his god given abilities and that is nice to see.

What are one or two things most people don't know about you?I would say the biggest thing is that I love being in warm weather near or in the water. I love the beach!

Raised in Chaffee, Mo., Wolsey holds degrees from Chaffee High School, Jefferson College, Southeast Missouri State University and Webster University. He now resides in Cape Girardeau with his wife, Amy, and son, Avery. You may find him spending time at such organizations as the American Society of Industrial Security, SEMO Booster Club, Elk's Lodge, Old Town Cape, Noon Optimist Club, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and Sikeston Chamber of Commerce.