Learn about the important role security officers and guards play in preventing and responding to crimes, as we interview Cynergie Security’s CEO Chelsea Sleet.
There is a never ending need for protection, to prevent and respond to crimes: Security officers and guards can prevent and respond to crimes such as theft, vandalism, and violent incidents. Because, they are trained in surveillance techniques, conflict resolution, and emergency response protocols to ensure the safety of individuals and property.
Furthermore, the presence of security officers and guards can act as a deterrent to potential criminals. Knowing that there is a trained professional on-site can discourage individuals from engaging in criminal activity. Monitor and control access: Security officers and guards are responsible for monitoring and controlling access to a building or property. This can include checking IDs, conducting bag checks, and controlling entry and exit points. By managing access, they can prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the premises.
STL Fusion Space, 555 Washington Ave STE 310, St. Louis, MO 63101
Crowd control: At events or high-traffic areas, security officers and guards can manage crowds to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals. In addition, they can help maintain order, prevent overcrowding, and handle any disruptive or violent behavior.
Surveillance and monitoring: Security officers and guards are trained to use surveillance equipment such as CCTV cameras and monitor for any suspicious activity. This can help identify potential threats and prevent criminal activity before it happens.
In conclusion, to protect property and assets: Security officers and guards can protect property and assets from theft, vandalism, and other forms of damage. They may patrol the area, perform regular checks, and report any security breaches.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with a remarkable person Chelsea Sleet, the CEO/President and Founder of Cynergie Security. And all that you’d read above, is all that is done by Cynergie, day in and day out. Let’s get to our exciting conversation, and learn how this wonderful company is changing the dynamics of protection in the Midwest.
1.Hey it was great meeting up with you and seeing your new exciting office space downtown.Tell me more about the move to 555 Washington?
Awesome seeing you as well and catching up. This move was truly a step of faith. STL Fusion has given us the flexibility and many growth options that are needed when it comes to a small business. They understood the world of being an entrepreneur, which I felt was a missing piece to the puzzle at our previous location. We have changed our company structure to align with the growth of where I foresee Cynergie within the next 3 years. This meant solidifying partnerships to grow and enhance the quality for public safety. So this move had to happen. Even though I am and will always be grateful for where Cynergie started, it was time to leave the nest. Our Task Force Division is currently growing and I give praise and respect to my team for that. Our executive team that includes the partnership with Special Services Inc, has been the driving force to our success.
2. At this point how many employees do you have on board?
- 31 Event Staff
- 26 Unarmed Licensed Officers
- 11 Armed Licensed Officers
- 11 Dept. Sheriff
- 20 PO’s City
- 6 PO’s County
- 5 PO’s Eastern District
- 2 Sniper
- 6 K-9 specialist
- 4 Senior Agents
3.Earlier, we discussed your new clients and new signed contracts with old ones. Who all are your clients?
We have been blessed to contract with the following organizations:
- Live Nation
- The Dome at America’s Center
- Washington University
- Enterprise Center
- St Louis Battlehawks
- Susan G Komen Organization
- Mardi Gras Inc
- St Pats Organization
- Novus Health Center
- Taste of Black St Louis Org.
- Hispanic Festival Organization
- St Louis Port Authority
- Human Right Organ.
- Midwest Lawyer Association
- St Patricks Center
- St Charles Convention Center
- more to come…..
4. Summer is almost a wrap, what events are you and your team looking forward to?
- Ascension Golf Tournament
- PGA Tournament
- Taste of Black St Louis
- Hispanic Festival
- Billy Joel Concert
5. What has been the toughest challenge of running your business?
3 things…..
1. Having fair and equitable chances to acquire city contracts.
2. Stabilizing the business with the current market and still giving quality services. Security is needed. But lately the price point has been a factor IF you are considered for a contract. Large firms that don’t have knowledge based on the client or area are getting the contract ONLY because of a quoted price.
3. Access to capital to scale a business 3+ years old
6.There are several security companies in the metro area of St. Louis, why do you think people rely on your services?
Both Cynergie and our Task Force Division provide a personal approach to each of our clients. We are not an agency. We are a security firm that provides MORE services than some competitors. We pride ourselves at not just sticking a body at a post. We train our employees to be able to not only provide the services required but to develop a relationship with the client. We are the clients eyes and ears that protect their assets (meaning an item, building or person). Being dependable and knowledgeable about the client and location makes us successful each time.
7. At one point you were a member of St. Louis Black Chambers of Commerce, was it a tough decision to let them go?
I don’t feel that it was a hard decision at all. In life there are different levels that we must go through to achieve our personal and professional goals. I’ve been blessed to make meaningful connections, receive excellent support, and grow my business to another level. With strategic partnerships we are on track to not only provide more employment opportunities for our city BUT we are able to restore quality public safety services with each of our clients.
8. When hiring people for the position at Cynergie, what do you look for in your hiring strategy?
We have a VERY unique hiring process. An applicant’s resume is fine, but we ask questions that are industry and experience based. Some of the things we look for:
- Proper grammar
- Punticality
- Certifications and specialized licensure
- Ranking in current or previous position
- Tactical skills
- Managerial experience
- Active or retired service member
- First responders
9. What do you think of downtown St. Louis as a whole, and do you see progress happening anytime soon?
I feel Downtown St Louis is going through a transition that MUST happen. To get the area back to its highest potential will take some time and accountability on both sides of the table. Right now “small business” owners are not interested in being a part of a plan where there is no growth or accountability. So what we need to ask is how can we realistically get my small – midsize businesses back to the city? If you look at other Cities, it doesn’t take them 2 years to disburse a small business grant. Some of the decision makers don’t understand how it feels to ONLY have your business to survive on. And that is a problem. When we begin to get more people at the table making realistic moves to grow the City, that’s when more small businesses will want to come back.
10. What would you say to someone who is looking for a career in security?
- I would ask why they feel security is a great field for them?
- I would also inquire on why they selected the security industry? A lot of times people feel that having a steady job and sitting at a post is “easy money”. That is the difference between a guard agency and a security firm. There is time and training invested into each of my employees. We are not going to just stick a body in a post. With client research, client needs, threat level, location, objective, etc. not every employee are capable of handling that. So at Cynergie, we make sure that the officer is the right fit for the position (meaning skill set, experience, personality, training, etc.)
11.Thanks for your time, and the Argus/Dynasty Media LLC look to continue a wonderful relationship with you.
Cynergie is so grateful for the Argus/Dynasty Media LLC and we look forward to the continued partnership.
Same here, and continue with much success!
#securityofficers #securityguards #crimeprevention #protection #safetyawareness
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