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Top 10 Under 40: Brittany Barnes-Dugas, Office manager, Roger’s Security Systems Inc., 27

What does your typical day look like? Tell us more about your security roles and responsibilities.
My day-to-day tasks vary, as I wear a lot of hats in my role as office manager and have many responsibilities. I start every day off by giving our field technicians their service calls for the day at our team meeting. Throughout the day, I spend my time troubleshooting and programming alarm panels using AlarmNet360 and Compass; answering customer inquiries via phone calls and emails; scheduling service calls and new installations; data entry; and, gathering equipment for service calls and installations. I’m also responsible for keeping the company’s safety procedures up-to-date, as well as hiring and training office administration employees.

What do you enjoy most about working in the security industry?
The thing that I enjoy most about working in the security industry is being able to provide a service that offers our customers peace of mind and helps them feel safe and secure. From the burglar and life safety equipment that our company installs in residential and commercial properties to the friendly and professional customer service that we provide, ensuring that our customers feel comfortable and happy with our service plays a big part in why I enjoy working in the security industry.

What are your career goals for the future and how do you plan to achieve them?
My career goal for the future is to become a partner of Roger’s Security Systems Incorporated. Roger Barnes, my father, started this company the year I was born and ever since I was a young girl, I’ve always dreamed of walking in his footsteps.
I understand that owning a company comes with a lot of responsibility and hard work, so I plan to achieve this by expanding my knowledge in the technical side of our company through training, growing my skills, making informed decisions and gaining new perspectives through the mentorship that I have with my father. Also, utilizing these new skills and information to improve the operation and efficiency of the company.

What have you learned about the security industry during your career and what advice would you pass on to newcomers?
Over the past six years, I have learned that the security industry is growing at a very fast pace, in terms of the number of new manufacturers, suppliers and companies that are around today. I have also learned that manufacturers in the security industry are creating more technologically advanced and technician/end-user friendly systems in order to keep up with the needs of today’s society. I would pass on the following advice to newcomers: find a mentor who is willing to teach you the ins and outs of the security industry; don’t be afraid to ask questions; and attend as many security industry conventions and events as you can in order to help expand your network connections.