Episode 279 - Transitioning into Private Security, Networking, and Leading the Next Generation with Ken Carrasco

About this episode

Mark Ledlow discusses transitioning into private security and the importance of networking with Ken Carrasco.

In this episode, Mark Ledlow joins Ken Carrasco’s podcast, Fortify Your Future, to discuss handling adversity and building a fearless career in corporate and physical security. Mark offers actionable value by inviting listeners to DM him on LinkedIn for guidance on transitioning into the industry and emphasizes that relationships and back-channel networking often open doors more than resumes. He recounts his own military-to-private-sector transition, including moving from Oregon to Southern California, spending 6–12 months obtaining California licensing (guard card, exposed permit, CCW), adjusting professional presentation, and building connections through coffees and lunches. He credits “knowing somebody who knew somebody” for landing his first job with Pinkerton and stresses that in security, each day on the job is an interview and work can be ad hoc. He advises those transitioning to start licensing early, network aggressively, and vet associations carefully due to unscrupulous characters and reputational risk. They discuss the importance of in-person conferences to validate relationships and build trust, with Mark recommending groups and events such as IPSB, the Close…

People in this episode

Host: Mark Ledlow

Guest: Ken Carrasco

Topics covered

• private security
• networking
• career transition
• military to civilian
• professional development
• building relationships

Keywords

• private security
• networking
• career transition
• military transition
• California licensing
• professional presentation
• in-person conferences
• trust building

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pinkerton, IPSB, Close Protection Conference, Silicon Valley Security Group, ASIS/GSX, EP Access

Places: Oregon, Southern California

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