Ged, Founder and Director of Protection Pacific Security (PPS) and his son, Clay (second gen) took time out of their day to show FBA Forum Group Manager, Olivia Spalding, around their impressive new premises in Carrum Downs. Olivia saw first-hand the powerhouse of the business, their monitoring centre, which has taken this business to greater heights in security monitoring, achieving the next level of security under the new Australian Standard 2201.2: 2022 Alarm and Electronic Security Systems Monitoring Centers.
Ged and Olivia discussed the family business in more detail just after the arrival of his second grandchild. Succession is well in hand.
Tell us about your family business.
Protection Pacific Security (PPS) is a Melbourne-based company, now in our second generation, supplying electronic and protective security services to businesses across Australia. Operating since 1992, our company provides security services including alarm installation, access control, CCTV, guards and patrols. PPS designs, supplies, installs and services residential, commercial, retail and industrial sectors and we pride ourselves in being a member of the Australian Security Industry Association (ASIAL). I’ve represented ASIAL as a Director and president, and was inducted as a life member of the Association in recognition of my service of 20 years to ASIAL.
We are a humble operation supported by multiple generations of hardworking staff members who now have their children working in our business.
What has been your greatest success?
I just think it's about the longevity of the business and our people.
We won't be FBA’s oldest family business, as 32 isn't that old, but we stand by our principles and are very proud to have been through the ups and downs in business over the years. The key to our success over the years is undoubtedly our staff and their attention to our customer's requirements. We aim to provide a thorough and positive experience to our clients by providing practical and honest advice to achieve their security requirements.
We treat people how we’d like to be treated. We were only reflecting recently that Clay is now dealing with customers, some family businesses, I dealt with when I first started the business. We see this a lot because we value the same things. We have one client, a jeweller in the centre of Melbourne, who has been in business since the gold rush. I met the grandfather and now Clay supports their third generation and their partners.
It’s a constant joy to celebrate our team. We run an apprenticeship program, with our first apprentice still working for the company after 15 years. As a result of the longevity of our team, there is a strong camaraderie among the security technicians who work on their own for smaller projects and together on major projects. We also have multiple family members from several families who we employ across the business. That’s a thrill.
What do you value about being a part of FBA?
We joined FBA to learn. As a very new member, we are keen to absorb all the knowledge the network allows us. We are keen to mould our future as we develop and learn from others who have walked a similar path in a family business.
What advice would you give to other family businesses?
Our business just evolved so we are very fortunate. The pinnacle of our family and business is the maintenance of solid family relationships. We have a flat structure and openly communicate. Others add value and experience to Clay's learning yet our time away from work time is enjoyed with the third generation, the grandkids. Socially, we love boating and motorbike riding too.
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