Today we’d like to introduce you to Jerome Turner Jr.
Jerome, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the public safety profession back in 2006. I began working private security, corrections and then migrating to law enforcement. Once into the law enforcement arena, I worked my way through the ranks from Officer to Chief of Police/Director of Public Safety.
That experience was amazing and humbling to say the least. I met some amazing people but also learned a lot about the executive level of law enforcement. So with all good things they come to an end. Being that the Chief of Police is an appointed position, I serve at the pleasure of a City Council, Mayor and City Manager. So municipal election cycles can be just as tough as the job itself.
So I resigned from my position as Chief of Police. After much debate, my wife and I agreed to move to Atlanta. Having been from Florida and having my roots established there, I was not the happiest camper. But as the saying goes, Happy Wife, Happy Life! Lol!
I then began to ponder of what I can do to set myself up in the black mecca and oasis for black entrepreneurs. I then started my private security consulting firm (2017). After many hit or miss contracts I realized I was making everyone else money and still suffering and struggling to support my family but most of all, I was unhappy.
So I immediately got back into the law enforcement profession for stability; however still catering to the need of my passion to serve others. I was then hired with a small Metro Atlanta Police Department. However, I still felt the need to do more and feed my entrepreneurial spirit.
Things then went into overdrive with my security consulting firm and started some branding and networking. With my due diligence, I went from a 5 figure salary to a 6 figure salary (both streams of income).
Metropolitan Security Associates has been now labeled and revered as a boutique niche private security firm truly putting client needs first. I hate the notion of boilerplate security providers. I think it does an injustice to the client and their specific needs. So I take every contract personally and sit down with each client and determine the “why” of their need for a security solution. This simple question affords me the ability to
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has definitely not been an easy one. With gaining new clients and being a new business in general, there are many financial resources that are not afforded to me for capital growth. So it somewhat stifles growth.
Employees – It’s hard to find great talent. In this particular profession there remains no loyalty to any company. Often times employees will come and go; generally leaving the company to make a few cents more; then come back. It slows down progress and ultimately efficiency. That can be detrimental when it comes to stability and ensuring the client’s needs are met.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Metropolitan Security Associates is a niche boutique private Security firm. We employ innovative security solutions for a range of clientele; using trained security officers, consulting, site assessment and policy and procedure creation.
We are known for our unique approach to public private security solutions for our State Library System. We have seen unprecedented growth in this area and look to bring aboard more County library systems in the coming year. On the other hand, clients love that they can meet with the owner not only in the beginning of the contract negotiations but throughout. I believe that this type of relationship makes the client feel at ease, but also know that their specific needs are addressed throughout the contract. I had the same open lines of communication as a Chief of Police and that led to a lot of my success. The community could talk with their law enforcement leader at a moment’s notice.
I am proud to challenge the status quo with it comes to security solutions for commercial and residential clients. Our client based approach makes each client feel and know that their issue becomes our issue to solve when they contract with us; results-oriented solutions.
What were you like growing up?
Man oh man. Growing up, I was the second oldest of four. My older brother was not in the house so that theoretically made me the oldest. Lol! So I always had the need to take care of my younger siblings and be a big brother.
But I do recall when we would play in the neighborhood and play ‘cops and robbers’ I refused to be the bad guy. Lol! So it plays on me now today. Always want to be the good guy and help others.
I was somewhat quiet in school, many would say a ladies type of man (not anymore though, I’m married). But I would always sit and observe others then act. My grandma always said that was wisdom.
In my later years and then into college, I became fascinated with entrepreneurship and being my own boss. So I literally did not work in college. I owned several businesses and just wanted to be the guy that helped others; whether that was starting a new venture, knowing what party to attend, or even what clothes to buy. If it involved the public, I most likely was apart of it.
Pricing:
- Unarmed Security Officers-$30 per hour
- Armed Security Officers-35 per hour
- Security Site Assessments-Starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Address: 320 Lanier Avenue W
Suite 200
Fayetteville, GA 30214 - Website: www.metrosecurityassociates.com
- Phone: 770-284-9280
- Email: office@metrosecurityassociates.com
- Instagram: @metropolitansecurityassociates
- Facebook: Facebook.com/metropolitansa
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