In 1986, Gil McCoy established McCoy Services Inc. (MSI) Security. Now 15 years later, Mr. McCoy, as President and CEO, has a firm foothold in the $20 billion U.S. contract security market. 

The contract security industry itself has grown tremendously as companies and state and federal agencies switch from internal to outsourced security providers. Staying competitive in the security industry presents many challenges because it is labor intensive and heavily regulated. 

MSI has stayed competitive, and has 520 employees, of which 95% are guards. MSI has also expanded its operating area and is currently licensed to operate in four states. The company recently moved its headquarters to The Loop. MSI's customer list is impressive, with past contracts including World Cup Soccer, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and the General Services Administration (GSA) Buildings in Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana and Wisconsin. Currently, MSI provides security for the Harold Washington Library and both O'Hare and Midway Airports, to name a few. 

When asked how MSI has stayed competitive and sustained so much growth, Mr. McCoy said simply, "hard work and tenacity." Hard work is definitely important, but to their credit, Mr. McCoy and his team have done a fantastic job of planning and implementing a systematic management program that keeps all operations running smoothly. In addition to smooth operations, this management system affords Mr. McCoy the opportunity to focus his attention on the "big" picture, as well as seek out new business opportunities, effectively working on rather than in his business. 

Carrying out MSI's daily operations is a full staff of project managers, supervisors and a dispatch center manned 24 hours a day. And to ensure that MSI clients are getting the best quality service and protection, stringent hiring practices, intense training programs and additional workshops and seminars are the norm. It is this unique blend of professionalism and extensive training that sets MSI apart from the competition. 

MSI's philosophy is best summarized by a huge banner hanging prominently in the company's lobby, "Welcome to McCoy Services, we are a service organization, our customers and our employees are our greatest assets."