HOME
ABOUT
SERVICES
BIOGRAPHIES
A&R SECURITY
CONTACT
NEWS
Welcome When former owner Ralph Brislin was a kid, he worked at his Dad's gas station: "For those of you old enough to remember, service stations in the 1960s & 70s had a rubber hose that stretched from inside the station to the furthest part of the lot. As customers ran over the hose, a bell would ring inside. My Dad would often gently chide his young workers with the phrase, 'Answer the bell boys, answer the bell.' We would dash out to pump our customers' gas, check their oil & clean their windows. It was a way of life. This same customer service philosophy of 'answering the bell' drives United Security today. It sets us apart from the big security conglomerates, who answer mostly to the stock market."
United Security Fast Facts
History : Answering the Bell Since 1971.
United Security, LLC is a privately owned company licensed to provide Guard and Private Investigative Services. Since our founding in 1971, United Security has experienced steady, controlled growth. We've grown becase we provide quality service and because we treat our customers like partners. United Security thrives on long-term client relationships, many of which have lasted over 35 years and continue today. These customers will tell you that our primary strength has been the stablilty of a management team that's committed to:
Our reputation has been built by providing quality and reliable service to our clients. We consistently try to live up to our reputation and welcome the oppurtunity to prove it to you, and we are now part of the A&R Security group of companies based just outside Chicago.
24-Hour Call Center : Command & Control
We may have old-fashioned values, but our technology is decidedly new-fangled. Our accounts are monitored by our state-of-the-art call center, which operates 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
The Call Center coordinates communications between Security Officers, Account Managers, clients, and United Security management in the event of an emergency or other important occurences.
Training
In addition to the introductory orientation training our officers receive, there is mandatory monthly staff development training on a variety of relevant topics (e.g., customer service, report writing, conflict management, ethics/honesty, interpersonal communication skills, observation/perception skills, etc).
United Security, LLC takes a unique approach to training. While many security companies employ an individual located in their corporate offices with oversight of their general training initiatives, UNITED SECURITY, LLC actually has a professional trainer taking an active, hands-on role in our local office. Gary Lowe, our Director of Training, customizes site-specific Post Orders as well as ongoing staff development training. Furthermore, he actually administers this training for the Officers at each new account himself. He is an experienced trainer with a proven track record of success. In addition to the development of these Post Orders, Gary works closely with our Manager of Technology to develop customized supplemental training DVDs specific to each site for use in initial training and refresher training. This is part of our “First Generation” approach to training.
THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF SECURITY
United Security is a professional security service. Years of experience have taught us that the best way to assure the safety of your people and property is to bring out the best in our people. This means that, beyond providing guards to stand watch, we immerse them in an entire command, control, and traing infrastructure. Our security infrastructure includes:
Security Officers
United Security Officers are trained to provide a secure and safe environment where your people and your visitors can conduct business with minimal threats against their persons and property. Our officers are selected and trained to be highly visible, readily available, and quietly competent whenever a security related request for assistance is made. Beyond the security function, they are selected and trained to present a positive image for you and your company. Unlike custodial services and other contract services that operate behind the scenes, security officers are in the public eye. What they do and how they do it affects your corporate reputation. We train our employees in the art of reflecting well on you.
MOBILE PATROL SERVICE WITH GPS TECHNOLOGY
United Security's Mobile Patrol Service is a less expensive alternative to the dedicated Security Officer, because it spreads manpower costs over several clients, locations, or both. A Mobile Patrol Officer, traveling in a prominently marked patrol vehicle, can perform any or all of the following functions, depending on your security needs:
SPECIAL EVENTS/MEETINGS
United Security has the expertise to help you mange the risk of special events. Our range of experience includes company meetings, sporting events, and entertainment events. Services can include:
Our mission is to shoulder the burden of event security so you can concetrate on making your event a success.
Vincent L. Ruffolo - Chairman and CEO
Profile:
Mr. Ruffolo is the Chairman and Co-Founder of A & R Security Services, Inc. which began operations in the Chicago area in 1967 and remains vigilant for oversight of the business.He is presently serving as Chairman of SCOLA, Security Companies Organized for Legislative Action, a coalition of four associations representing the Alarm, Armored Car, Detective and Security Guard Industry with lobbyists in Washington. Mr. Ruffolo also serves on on the Board of Associated Detectives of Illinois, Board of Associated Guard & Petrol Agency, Inc. and is an active member of the Private Security Services Council (ASIS). Mr. Ruffolo also has over 30 years experience with contract negotiating with the SEIU on behalf of security contractors.
Prior Memberships and Accomplishments:
Affiliations:
The Kane Service
Cook County Sheriff Dept.
Christopher R. Thornton - President
Mr. Thornton joined A & R Security Services, Inc. in 1994 with over 16 years of various accounting and financial experience. Most recently, Mr. Thornton served as Corporate Controller for Calumet Construction Corporation with responsibility for all financial, banking, and data processing operations. He has also served as Division Controller for New Mexico and West Texas operations for Waste Management of North America; a $7 billion corporation. From 1984 through 1988, he served as Operations Analyst and Accounting Manager for Radian Corporation, an engineering and consulting firm with annual revenue exceeding $200 million.
Academics:
Master of Business Administration Degree from Southwest Texas University
Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a Major in Accounting from University of Texas at Austin.
He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant.
Responsibilities:
As President, Mr. Thornton is involved in all aspects of the business and has specific responsibilities for all operations, accounting, data processing, and administration functions.
Mr. Thornton is the 2006 Vice President of the Associated Detective and Security Agencies of Illinois (ADSAI) and actively participates in Vistage and the Associated Guard and Patrol Agencies of Illinois (AGPA).
Mr. Thornton is also a member of the Indiana Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Ralph F. Brislin, CPP
Business Development (Former Owner)
Mr. Brislin joined United Security in 1988. Prior to joining the organization he was employed with; Montgomery Ward Co. as a Security & Safety Manager, B.F. Goodrich Co. as a Supervisor Protection & Security and also as a Manager, Facilities Protection, and with Cleveland Pneumatic Co. as a Security & Safety Manager. In addition, Mr. Brislin has served as an instructor for Purdue University, University of Akron, and Lakeland Community College.
Mr. Brislin has been an active participant in ASIS and served as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Cleveland Chapter. He has also served as President of the Practical Education Services.
Mr. Brislin has a degree in Law Enforcement and a Masters Degree in Public Affairs. He has attended a variety of seminars and workshops.
William R. Krob
Vice President - Ohio Division
Mr. Krob joined United Security in 1982 as the Operations Manager. In 1986 he was promoted to his current position. Prior to joining the organization Mr. Krob was employed by the Cleveland Police Department and served in the Military Police of the U.S. Army.
Mr. Krob has over 30 years of experience in security and was an instructor for Crisis Intervention and a Certified Business Coach with the World Association of Business Coaches.
Mr. Krob has a degree in Law Enforcement and has attended numerous seminars and workshops.
Gary Lowe
Director of Training
Gary Lowe joined United Security in 2004 as the Training Coordinator. In 2006 he was promoted to his current position as Director of Training and Quality Assurance.
Gary has several years of training in the retail and healthcare fields. He has co-authored two professional journal articles on Business Principles.
Gary has a degree in Employee Relations and a Masters Degree in Organizational Communication from Ohio State University. He taught at his Alma Mater for two years while pursuing his degree. He also served as an adjunct professor at National Business and Technical College in Virginia.
Richard E. Justik, CPP
Mr. Justik founded United Security in 1971. He was previoulsy employed in Human Resources and Security Executive positions. He served in the U.S. Nave for 8 years as a Pilot and Electronics Officer and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Mr. Justik has an extensive background in security and holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He earned his "Certified Protection Professional" (CPP) from the Amerian Society of Industrial Security (ASIS). He has attended seminars and workshops throughout his career, including Disaster and Emergency Planning, Violence in the Workplace and Safety Management to name a few.
The A&R Difference
The Right Security Officer
The A&R Approach
Responsiveness and dependability are two qualities that differentiate A&R from the multi-national corporations, who often lack responsiveness, and the smaller companies, who often lack the resources necessary to provide effective and reliable service. Our hands-on management team and extensive field supervision force is structured to react quickly, knowledgeably and effectively to any security challenge or concern. When choosing A&R, rest assured that our exemplary staff of over 900 security professionals will deliver an unsurpassed level of responsiveness and dependability.
"On average, a negative customer service incident results in the loss of 10 customers."
---The National Association of Convenience Stores
Providing exceptional security guard service starts with a developing relationship with our customers. Our 35-year track record is testament to our stability of management and dedication to providing responsive service. At A&R, we guarantee that if a problem should arise, we take action with a prompt and effective solution. Just ask Chris Thornton, our President. He's available to handle your request personally.
Exceptional security also means delivering the best possible security officer for the position. That is why we invest so much time and effort in attracting, qualifying, training and retaining security officers who meet our strict standards. A&R's commitment to employee performance allows us to achieve lower turnover, less absenteeism and a higher degree of overall customer satisfaction.
Our unrelenting pursuit of quality doesn't stop with responsiveness. It involves a continual process of building trust and providing steadfast dependability. A&R's extensive staff of skilled security professionals is always on call. In addition, our sophisticated communications and reporting systems help ensure your property and assets are protected at all times. We are readily available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
"60 percent of lawsuits from inadequate security result in settlements and verdicts ranging from $100,000 to $1 million. "
---National Retail Security Survey
Exceptional security starts with delivering the best possible security officer for the position. That is why we invest so much time and effort in attracting, qualifying, training and retaining officers who meet our strict standardsand yours. With A&R security officers, you have professionals on-site with outstanding observational unwavering diligence, and an aptitude for quickly responding to situations. In addition, our officers are personable, courteous, helpful and will put the personal safety of employees/customers/residents above all else.
2010 : United Security LLC unveils new website
2008 : United Security Management Services partners with A&R Security of Chicago.
The USMS business was acquired by A&R Security, INC. of Blue Island, IL, and changed it's name to United Security, LLC. Former owner of USMS Ralph Brislin and VP of Operations Bill Krob will continue to provide the same high level of service to the USMS customers, but now as part of a larger regional group of security companies with enhanced capabilities.
Cleveland Office
1440 Rockside Rd
Suite # 109
Cleveland, OH 44134
(216) 351-0100
Columbus Office
57 E. Wilson Bridge Rd
Suite 300
Worthington, OH 43085
(614) 438-4183
Akron Office
520 South Main Street
Akron, OH 44311
(330) 535-1446
West Virginia Office
331 Laidley St.
Suite 505B
Charleston, WV 25301
(800) 590-6754
Lexington Office
575 West Main St
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 543-0177
Corporate Headquarters
2552 W. 135th Street
Blue Island, IL 60406
(708) 389-3830
North Chicago Division
700 E. Butterfield Rd. Ste 320
Lombard, IL 60148
(630)366-4100
Joliet Division
3077 W. Jefferson St. Ste. 211
Joliet, IL 60436
(815) 744-0527
Springfield Division
1046 N. Grand Avenue
West Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 523-2480
Indianapolis Division
950 N. Meridian St. Ste. 150
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 829-7650
Milwaukee Division
7905 W. Appleton Ave. Ste. 205
Milwaukee, WI 53218
(414) 535-9501
