Attracting & Retaining Talent

In this episode of Coffee Break with Jake, we explore one of the most urgent topics in our industry: attracting and retaining young talent. Jake Voll is joined by several professionals who share their unique paths into the security industry, from an MBA internship to military service, high school telemarketing, banking, and even bartending. Each story illustrates the value of meeting people where they are, taking a chance on raw potential, and building a culture that supports growth.

Listeners will come away with practical strategies for hiring under-30s, the importance of apprenticeship programs, and how to treat recruiting with the same intensity as sales and marketing. From paid campaigns and association-led initiatives to building a flexible, family-first workplace, this conversation delivers actionable insights for anyone looking to build a stronger team.

Here's what we discuss in today's episode:

✅ Real-world hiring stories from across the security industry
✅ Why internships and job fairs still work (when done right)
✅ How flexible schedules and family values boost retention
✅ The role of associations in workforce development
✅ Building an apprenticeship program that actually works
✅ Why young hires can outperform seasoned techs
✅ Treat recruiting like marketing

Coffee Break With Jake is recorded live every Friday at 11am ET. Join us live or register to attend at https://go.ssandsi.com/coffeebreak