A customer at a Phoenix area grocery store wanted to acknowledge how much she appreciates the store’s security guard, Lee Blake. Customer Denise Lawless-Degley sought to let Blake know how much he was appreciated so she contacted a local CBS affiliate and nominated him for a “Pay It Forward” segment.

Lawless-Degley said Blake not only made her and the customers feel safe in the store, but he goes out of his way to greet those who enter and is always ready to help customers and employees. She says Blake’s “warm smile puts customers in a good mood every time they walk in.”

More Than Security. Lee Blake understands that being a security guard is much more than the security aspects of the job. Patrons must feel comfortable approaching the guard to ask for assistance. The best security guards (and we at ACS like to think we’ve got the best), know that kindness goes a long way in helping transform negative behavior and reinforce positive conduct.

Staying Vigilant. Security guards know they must always be on the alert. Besides his interactions with customers, Blake is described as “always on the move, walking through aisles, looking for suspicious activity.”

Strong customer relations and solid security skills is what to look for when hiring security guards for your retail store, office or event.

Photo Source: 3TV/CBS 5