My journey from the trenches of college football to the world of the security industry has been nothing short of a transformative adventure. As a former walk-on and defensive end for the Oklahoma State University Cowboys, the transition from the gridiron to the realm of security was unexpected, challenging, and ultimately rewarding.

Playing defensive end was an experience that defined not only my college years but also shaped the trajectory of my professional life. As a walk-on playing at the D1 level, your mentality requires a shift. Recruiters didn't seek you out, and as a result, you didn't receive the same treatment, access, or privileges as those on scholarships. Balancing time between football commitments and coursework, much like other students, often proved challenging. However, this experience contributed to my overall development.

My main role was to disrupt the opposing team's plans, to read their plays, and to react with split-second decision-making. Yes, you of course want to sack the opposing team’s Quarterback every opportunity you get, but playing the position required so much more. When I finally got the chance to step onto the field, I must confess that I faced initial challenges. Adjusting to the pace of the game and the sheer size of the offensive linemen, ranging from 325 to 375 pounds, was indeed an eye-opener. I recall being knocked down a few times early on being a 215lb freshman. Fortunately, when you join a Power 5 conference like the Big 12, gaining weight and strength came easily (thanks to Coach Glass adding 50lbs). After adapting, sprinting onto the field at Boone Pickens Stadium with 65K+ fans cheering made the journey playing D1 worthwhile. The thrill of getting my first tackle and celebrating with my brothers on the defensive line made it even sweeter.

In 2013, during my junior year at OSU, I recognized that the likelihood of making it to the NFL was a slim chance. And frankly, I'm grateful for that reality check, especially considering that many college athletes nowadays believe a professional sports career is their sole escape route. My seamless entry into the industry was facilitated by having a father already established in the field. I had been familiar with my dad's involvement in access control throughout my life, attending conferences, company events, and meeting some of his partners and clients along the way. You could say I had somewhat of a leg up in the field. The transition from the chaos of the football field to the intricacies of the security world required a mental shift, but the parallels between the two worlds were striking. In both realms, success is contingent on anticipating the opponent's moves, adapting to rapidly changing scenarios, and working seamlessly within a team.

Being a defensive end, I understood the value of preparation. Hours spent analyzing game film, studying offensive formations, and fine-tuning my technique were the building blocks of success. Similarly, my entrance into the security industry demanded an unwavering commitment to staying abreast of the latest threats, emerging technologies, and risk mitigation strategies. One of the most unexpected yet crucial carryovers from my football days was the significance of teamwork. On the gridiron, the defensive line operated as a cohesive unit, each player understanding their role and trusting their teammates. This cooperative spirit seamlessly translated into my work in the security industry, where collaboration and effective communication are paramount. I've had the privilege of working with impressive companies that have created groundbreaking technology, making a real impact on saving and enhancing lives. Even more crucially, I've cultivated meaningful friendships with my clients, particularly through SVIP, and, in my view, addressed a gap in the industry by creating a platform that exclusively amplifies one's voice.

As I navigate the complexities of the security industry, the lessons learned as a defensive end continue to shape my path. Ensuring that I remain resilient, strategic, and always ready for the next play. Although I won't be wearing the orange and black on Saturdays anymore, my dedication to end users in this field will persist through the mission of SVIP.