Larry O'Brien.

• Author: O'Brien, Larry
• Position: PERSONNELFILE - Security Forces, Inc. - Occupation overview - Brief article

Thirty-seven years ago, Larry O'Brien began a career in business development at Charlotte-based Security Forces. Now 65, he's part owner, and the company has expanded from 100 employees to more than 3,400. Revenue was about $104 million last year, up $3.5 million from 2007. Clients include office-park owners and residential-property managers in 10 states.

How the business has changed: "It has become much more professional over the years. Minimum standards for hiring have been raised."

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Why he expects to thrive despite the sour economy: "People need a certain level of security for their businesses. It's often one of the last things they cut back on."

On the importance of video analytics--technology that programs...