The Vision InSites Podcast
12 Years. 7 Days a Week. The Drive Behind Ten Eight Security | Season 1, Episode 003
Erik Perez (Founder, Ten Eight Security Services), Chris Anderson (Host, Vision InSites)
The Vision InSites Podcast
12 Years. 7 Days a Week. The Drive Behind Ten Eight Security | Season 1, Episode 003
Erik Perez (Founder, Ten Eight Security Services), Chris Anderson (Host, Vision InSites)
The Vision InSites Podcast
12 Years. 7 Days a Week. The Drive Behind Ten Eight Security | Season 1, Episode 003
Erik Perez (Founder, Ten Eight Security Services), Chris Anderson (Host, Vision InSites)
Ten Eight Security Services | July 21st, 2025
Ten Eight Security Services | July 21st, 2025
When Erik Perez started his security company over 16 years ago, he didn’t realize he was laying the foundation for one of the most inspiring private security success stories in Southern California. From law enforcement to working 16-hour shifts seven days a week, Erik did what most wouldn’t—he outworked the odds.
| “I was doing patrols by myself. I worked seven nights a week for 12 years straight. And then in one month, I got 10 contracts. That’s when I looked at my wife and said, ‘I think I got a business.”
Erik Perez is the founder of Ten Eight Security, a former law enforcement officer who built his company from the ground up through relentless work and real-time accountability. With zero marketing and a hands-on approach, he turned his patrol route into a thriving business trusted across Southern California.
From Photoshop to Patrols
Perez’s path wasn’t linear. After getting laid off from a Photoshop editing job, he put himself through the police academy while working part-time security. He eventually joined the El Centro Police Department, but a back injury changed his course—and private security came calling.
His first standing contract? A vacant hospital in Pasadena that required immediate staffing and real-time accountability.
| “It hit me fast. I had to hire six guards right away. And that’s when I realized—this business isn’t just about showing up. You’ve got to learn how to make payroll, even when clients pay you late.”
Real-Time Accountability Before Real-Time Software
Before security guard management software was widely available, Perez sent pictures manually to clients.
| “I had a thousand pictures on my phone every day. That’s why I started using real-time reporting software. I needed a better way to stay organized.”
That’s where his transition into software like Vision InSites came in—a modern, AI-powered platform that now helps Perez deliver polished, consistent, and categorized reports without the chaos.
| “Vision InSites is a game changer. It’s not just software—it’s experience built into a platform. Clients see the reports, the guard activity, and everything happening on-site in real time.”
Behind the scenes: Erik Perez and Chris Anderson deep in conversation during the recording of the Vision InSites Podcast.
What Separates Successful Operators
For Perez, success boiled down to one thing: communication.
| “Most of the properties I took over hadn’t seen a report in weeks. I made sure clients got photos, detailed notes, and updates constantly. I wanted them to feel like we were partners, not vendors.”
And that mindset—treating property managers as partners—helped him keep contracts longer, even during economic downturns.
But perhaps his most powerful advantage? Building culture from the ground up.
| “I personally train every new hire. I ask them about their lives, their families. It’s a relationship. That’s how you retain people in this industry.”
A Look Into the Future of Security Operations
Perez believes tools like Vision InSites are transforming the game for small and mid-sized operators. What used to take hours—sorting reports, cleaning up typos, categorizing incidents—now happens automatically.
| “If I had Vision InSites 15 years ago, I’d be lightyears ahead. It’s accountability, speed, and professionalism all in one. And best of all, my clients love it.”
Final Advice for Security Business Owners
| “You’ll want to give up. I came close—multiple times. But if you’ve made it this far, don’t throw it away. Your worst day can’t define your entire company.”
From janitor’s son to security CEO, Erik Perez is living proof that grit, vision, and the right tools can turn any patrol route into a thriving business.
Watch to the Full Episode
Watch the full episode with Erik Perez and hear how he built his company from the ground up—no fluff, just real lessons from the front lines of private security.