By Paul Parkinson, Director of Finance

We are living in times where there is stress around every corner. Even with the best efforts, stress cannot be avoided, so we all seek new and innovative ways of escape, or to simply handle this pressure.

It is often the case that we feel isolated when dealing with our problems, or complex situations as friends or family tend to be unavailable when needed. Mostly this is not through a lack of care or affection, but simply because their lives are busy too, or interrupted with similar dramas.

Everyone, at some point in life, needs inspiration if we are to keep on moving forward. Motivational quotes provide us with a quick and timely burst of wisdom to get our focus back, offering the inspiration needed for the day or occasion. Often a quote can offer inspiration for the week, and inspire us when our normal motivation has lapsed. A quote can act as an aide memoire to focus us on a specific goal or plan of action. ‘Keep it simple stupid’ is a great example at this point, as it sums up the magnitude of quotes to deliver in a succinct way.

Inspirational or motivational quotes capture and appeal to your subconscious mind, which indeed is the major portion of your entire mind. Creativity is found subtly embedded in the subconscious mind. Inspirational quotes may instantaneously change your entire thought process, directing your energies towards a positive path. It is clear that when the subconscious is constantly filled with a flow of positive commands, there is uplift in your general outlook and personality. Psychologists recognise that positivity is vital to recover from illness and that the demeanour of the body is adversely affected by negative thoughts.

One of the toughest things we all have to deal with is procrastination. Whilst taking the time to examine situations deeply, we can sometimes become entrenched by our own thoughts. The task of overcoming procrastination is not a very easy thing but reading a couple of inspirational quotes when our motivation levels are low is an easy way to instantly beat procrastination.

Smiles are contagious and quotes can often bring a huge, sparkling smile to your face. Sometimes, you can evoke that positivity via a smile hours later, as we reminisce and recall a poignant quote.

Some notable quotes:

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to
pursue them.”
Walt Disney

“It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
Babe Ruth

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
Helen Keller

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”
Helen Keller

“Impossible is just an opinion.”
Paulo Coelho

“People who wonder if the glass is half empty or full miss the point. The glass is refillable.”
Unknown

There is one consistent factor no matter how young or old you are, your successes and struggles, where you are from, or what you are facing right now, motivational quotes will spur you on, giving you the much-needed impetus to face whatever life throws at you. Quotes are priceless sources of wisdom and guidance when most needed. During times of trials, struggles and tribulations, they definitely motivate. Failure and success are never final in life; we can always do better, improve or even turn situations around. Inspirational quotes are not only timeless but are often timely in many situations. This is indeed the reason why motivational quotes are important for everyone! What motivational quotes inspire you?

*With credit to Elle Smith (Elle Blog)


By Humberto Pimentel, VP, Operations

My name is Humberto Pimentel and I’m the Vice President of Operations for ASP Security. As the Vice President, I plan to build relationships with our stakeholders and delegate operational efficiencies based on your strengths. I look forward to working closely with Dean and the entire ASP team on finding creative ways to deliver outstanding customer services, grow our business and reduce our spending so we can use our budget effectively. With the creative abilities and dedication of all whom I have met thus far, I can see us doing great work. One of the reasons I accepted this position is the welcoming company culture, which made me eager to join the team. I hope I get to meet all our employees in person over the next few weeks when I visit our clients. Prior to working with ASP Security, I held senior general management roles in the security and financial industries. My personal interests include listening to all genres of music and catching a live show when a great band is in town. I’m happy to share more about my role here at ASP Security, and want to learn how I can best support you.


Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Business Partner

The following new hires joined our head office in Q2 and Q3 of 2022. Please join us in welcoming them to the ASP family!

Sarah McCutcheon – Real-Time Resource Agent

Sarah McCutcheon joined ASP’s Resource Planning team as a Real-Time Resource Agent on April 5, 2022. Sarah is experienced in workforce management and analytics, having previously worked with several well-known organizations in both Ontario, Canada and Edinburgh, Scotland. ASP is thrilled that Sarah chose to bring her customer service and analytical skills to our organization.

Antoniette Freeman – HR Business Partner

We are happy to announce that Antoniette Freeman joined our Residential/ Commercial division in the role of HR Business Partner on May 9, 2022.

Antoniette leads the Residential/Commercial division HR team and provides professional and administrative support to the Human Resource Department, along with HR advisory services to department managers and all employees.

Antoniette is a HR Management Diploma holder from Sheridan College and is currently pursuing a course on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from George Brown College. She has over five years of rich, progressive Human Resources experience in the unionized retail and industrial products and services industry.

Lucy Nguyen – Front Office Coordinator

Having joined ASP as our Front Office Coordinator on May 30, 2022, Lucy is the friendly face that will greet you when you enter our North York Office. She plays a key role in ensuring that our operations run efficiently, and she supports our team with administrative expertise.

Lucy holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Global Management Studies, with a Minor in HR Management from Ryerson University.

Balqisa Mohamed – HR Administrator

If you currently work for ASP at Pearson Airport, you may have seen Balqisa in the office or walking the floor. Balqisa joined our HR Department as our HR Administrator at Pearson on June 6, 2022, and she is the first HR point of contact for our frontline employees at this location. Her friendly and approachable demeanor is well-suited to her position. Balqisa holds a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from York University and has previous experience in Security, Recruitment, and HR.

Humberto Pimentel – VP of Operations

We are pleased to announce that Humberto Pimentel joined us as VP of Operations on July 11, 2022. Humberto has over 25 years of management and operations experience in multiple sectors of the security industry. He is proficient at managing client SLAs and KPIs as well as leading and coaching the teams responsible for the management of service contracts. Humberto is responsible for executing on strategic plans and improving the fiscal performance of teams across ASP. We look forward to his support in recruitment, labour management, client retention, increasing share of wallet, and developing new business opportunities.

Most recently, Humberto was VP of Operations at Logixx Security where he focused on mentoring Operations Managers, improving recruitment, and managing the resolution of escalated issues. He has experience in implementing overtime accountability to reduce labour costs and developing LEAN SOPs to reduce operational costs.

Humberto has Operations Management & Business Foundations Certifications from the Project Management Institute. He is a Certified Process Manager (York University Schulich School of Business) and has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management.

Michael Smith

Our Human Resources team is happy to announce that Michael Smith joined ASP on July 4, 2022, as an Onboarding Specialist. In his role, Michael is responsible for ensuring that our aviation new hires are seamlessly welcomed into our organization.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Human Resources Management from York University and has previous experience in recruitment and administration. His knowledge and skills, along with his positive attitude, are very well suited to the Onboarding Specialist position.

Jashandeep Singh

ASP had the pleasure of welcoming Jashandeep Singh to our Resource Planning team as a Real-Time Resource Agent on July 17, 2022. Jashandeep is both an experienced security professional and scheduler, having worked for another well-known security company previously. Impressively, Jashandeep can speak three languages – English, Punjabi, and Hindi. This is just one of the many skills Jashandeep brings to his position as Real-Time Resource Agent.

Shanti Froud

On July 20, 2022, Shanti Froud joined ASP’s Resource Planning team as a Real-Time Resource Agent. Shanti is incredibly knowledgeable about our industry, as she has a Diploma from Humber College in Protection, Security, and Investigation.

Shanti has dynamic experience in customer service, having worked in media, retail, and technology. We are
pleased she chose to join our fantastic team here at ASP.

Meredith Dougherty

Meredith Dougherty joined our Resource Planning team on August 17, 2022, as a Real-Time Resource Agent. She has an outgoing and pleasant demeanor and brings great energy and enthusiasm to her role.

Meredith is experienced in dispatch, scheduling, customer service, and administration. She is no stranger to taking on a challenge, having previously been responsible for scheduling Personal Support Workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. We have every confidence that Meredith will make a great addition to our team.

Rob Alidina


We would like to share with you all the appointment of Rob Alidina to the ASP/ ICTS family. As of August 29, 2022, Rob joined us in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and holds all accompanying responsibilities with a specific focus on immediate, short- and long-term fiscal guidance and planning, acquisitions, monetization of proprietary technologies, and finance.

Rob Alidina is an accomplished strategic finance executive with extensive financial and operational experience in a multitude of industries including telecommunications, industrial and consumer goods, retail, and pharmaceuticals. In addition, he has been exposed to ownership structures that include large and small-cap publicly traded organizations (including multinationals domiciled in the United States), along with privately-owned firms. His diverse skills transverse across the finance and accounting realm that span financial reporting, planning and analysis, audit, treasury and risk management, supply chain and operational finance, capital budgeting, as well as tax planning. His passion and business acumen has translated in sustainable profitable growth in various organizations including manufacturing, serviced based industries, as well as the wholesale and distribution segments of the markets. Rob’s leadership skills have allowed for the opportunity to facilitate strategy and business transformation, change management, and ensured finance is a valued business partner to the business’s he’s operated.

Rob has held senior finance roles and his advancement led to being a Chief Financial Officer at two division at United Technologies including Carrier as well as Chubb Fire and Security. His most recent role was the CFO for Olon Industries. Rob graduated from Concordia University with a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in accounting and a minor in finance. He subsequently completed his Master of Business Administration from McGill University in finance and international business with honors. In addition, Rob holds his professional license from the order of the Certified Professional Accountant of Canada.


By Keba Walters, HR Business Partner

With the coming of a new season, and back-to- school changes in full swing, ASP is opening its doors to new employees and new roles. As always, we encourage new and existing employees to take a look at the positions we have available on our website and reach out. At ASP, we have a position suited for everyone and perks that make us hard to beat. If any of the openings are a match for you or someone you know, we’d love to discuss an opportunity with you.

Need a Low-Commitment Job that Works with Your School Schedule?

Our casual policy makes it extremely easy to manage other important commitments. At ASP, we only require that you work a minimum of 2 shifts per week. You can add more than that if your schedule is flexible! Reach out to us for an interview as a casual by going to this link: https://calendly.com/d/dkx-k98-bmc

Looking for Community Service Work for Personal Fulfilment or a Future Career Application?

Join our School Crossing Guard Division! Whether you have a passion for working in the community or are looking for community work to apply for a job in law enforcement, our Crossing Guard team is a fantastic option. Send your resume to recruitment@security-asp.com

Looking for Higher-Level Career Development in the Field of Security?

If you’re looking for a role that will set you on a path toward a future role in law enforcement? Look no further. Our Specialist roles in our Commercial division and at Toronto Pearson Airport are our higher-level positions that are available for those who have a few years of previous security experience.

Send your to recruitment@security-asp.com or if you are interested in the aviation sector, to airportrecruitment@security-asp.com

Passionate About Aviation Security and Want to Start Your Career at the Airport?

If you are looking to start your career at some of the largest airports in the country, this is where you start. The airport offers great development opportunities both at ASP and beyond. Please send your resume toairportrecruitment@security-asp.com.

For those of you who don’t quite match these options, our other opportunities at ASP also provide a wide array of benefits to working with us. Both full-time and part-time employees at ASP enjoy the following perks:

  • In-house first aid and use of force training open to all eligible employees looking to learn
  • Medical benefits for all full-time and part-time employees
  • Diversity and Inclusion Program that welcomes all employees and abilities
  • Unmatched in-field experience to prepare you for your next step
  • Annual employee recognition awards program
  • Performance-based reference letters for law enforcement applications
  • Top of the line employee assistance program to ensure mental health & wellness for all employees
  • Employee referral program and employment in multiple provinces and divisions

Our Referral bonus has been increased to $300 per successful hire and probation period. So, if you know anyone who would be a good fit, please reach out to recruitment@security-asp.com or for aviation roles, airportrecruitment@security-asp.com.


By Garinder Grewal, Director, Aviation

ASP is thrilled to announce that more employees have received an Eye on Safety Award nomination from the GTAA. The GTAA Eye on Safety Awards acknowledge and celebrate a culture of safety and security at Toronto Pearson International Airport. The following ASP employees were recently nominated:

Ahmad Jawad Akbari

“The ASP guard Ahmad was at his duty post at check-in aisle 2 this evening when a young child, approximately 5 years old, approached him to say that he lost his parents. Ahmad comforted the child, tried to get information and called the AOC. PRP attended, and Ahmad ran around the Terminal looking for his parents. The child was very comfortable with Ahmad and his comforting demeanor. Between PRP, Ahmad and myself, the parents were found approximately 30 minutes later. Ahmad also found a few mini aircrafts and ensured both the child and his brother were comforted after this scary moment for the family.” – GTAA Manager of Operations.

Mohammad Alla and Ahmad Jawad Akbari

On March 8, 2022, both Mohammed Alla and Ahmad Akbari came across an individual experiencing a medical emergency. Both remained calm and immediately notified all the required parties. They remained in the area and proceeded to do crowd control and diversion so the area would stay clear until the responders arrived. The GTAA and A.S.P. Inc. extend their appreciation to Mohammed and Ahmad for their outstanding contribution to safety and security, and for going above and beyond their dayto-day duties to keep Toronto Pearson International Airport safe.


By Garinder Grewal, Director, Aviation

At ASP our goal is to clearly differentiate us as a “Best in Class” service provider through operational excellence and superior customer service. We are a customer-centric organization, which is why we would like to compliment and thank our employee Sid Ali Hassan for always delivering the kind of customer service we all want to receive. Sid recognizes the importance of approaching customers with respect, friendliness, and a sincere desire to help. Sid is always 100% dedicated to ensuring an excellent passenger experience from curb to aircraft.

Please refer to the email below from one of many customers that were very pleased with Sid’s professionalism and outstanding customer service.

“I’m not kidding when I tell you that this gentleman was the single finest employee I’ve encountered in an airport anywhere around the world. His professionalism, patience, and kindness were remarkable. He was the person who was in charge of keeping folks like me (no ticket, but wanting to see my wife off on her way) from going into the terminal. He must have been more than 6’4” and at 5’6” he could have easily chosen to intimidate, ignore or dismiss me, but, he chose kindness, apologies and assistance.

He found a cell phone so I could call my wife so she would not be worried. He was VERY busy, but not too busy to help. My Jesus’s body in the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church. • June 16 – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib A day observed by Sikhs to commemorate an individual who laid down his life for their people. June 24 – Litha A Pagan and Wiccan festival that begins on the summer solstice and celebrates midsummer. • June 24 – Feast of the Sacred Heart A feast day in the Roman Catholic Church that celebrates Jesus’s physical heart as a representation of his love for all humanity. Employee Spotlight: Sid Ali Hassan By Garinder Grewal, Director, Aviation biggest hope is that you can forward him what I’ve said about him. People doing the sort of job he is doing are confronted with all sorts of abuse on a daily basis just for doing their jobs. I should have made myself more informed about the rules at Pearson so I was prepared. The security guard never suggested this. He only wanted to help me and to do his job. I spent over 30 years as a teacher enforcing rules and trying to be respectful to children while doing so.

I can tell you this gentleman scores 100% when it comes to respect (not to mention kindness and professionalism) and if there is anyway this email could be forwarded to him, I’d like him to know exactly what I’ve said about him. I’m sure there are daily frustrations dealing with unreasonable people. He needs to know that he is making a difference, one passenger at a time!”


By Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Generalist

The world’s rich diversity is reflected in the observances that are celebrated and recognized by our teammates. Knowledge of the following holidays and celebrations can enhance our workplace diversity and inclusion efforts. Throughout the months of April, May, and June a variety of religious holidays, festivals, observances, and spiritual commemorations took place. These events are celebrated and observed by many of us, so in the spirit of respect and comradery, please familiar yourselve with them.

At ASP, we value and recognize
the diverse religious beliefs of
our employees.

April 2022

  • April 2 to May 2 – Ramada
    The holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer celebrated by Muslims.
  • April 14 – Vaisakhi
    An ancient festival for Hindus that simultaneously celebrates that Solar New Year and spring harvest.
  • April 15 to April 23 – Passover
    A 7-day holiday in the Jewish faith that honors the freeing of the Israeli slaves.
  • April 15 – Mahavir Jayanti
    A Jain holiday celebrating the birth of Lord Mahavira, the founder of Jainism.
  • April 17 – Easter
    The most important day in the Christian faith when they celebrate the resurrection of their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
  • April 24 – Feast of the Divine Mercy
    A feast day on the second Sunday of Easter when Christians seek Christ’s forgiveness and grace.

May 2022

  • May 1 – Beltane
    A fire festival celebrated by the Pagan and Wiccan religions that celebrate summer and the fertility of the upcoming year.
  • May 3 – Eid al-Fitr
    An Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. As it ends fasting, its primary event is a big meal.
  • May 8 – Birthday of Buddha
    The day that Buddhists celebrate the Buddha’s birthday.
  • May 16– Vesak
    The most important Theravada Buddhist festival that signifies the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha
  • May 24 – Declaration of the Bab
    The day that marks the prediction of the Bab as the Messenger of God in the Baha’i faith.
  • May 26 – Ascension Day
    A Christian holiday that marks the 40th day following Easter when Jesus ascended into Heaven.

June 2022

  • June 2 – Ascension Day
    A day celebrated in Coptic Orthodox Christianity that marks Jesus’s ascension into heaven.
  • June 4 to June 6 – Shavuot
    A Jewish holiday that combines a grain harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
  • June 8 – Race Unity Day
    A day that promotes racial harmony and understanding in the Baha’i faith.
  • June 12 – Trinity Sunday
    A day in the Christian faith that celebrates the three personifications of God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit).
  • June 12 – All Saints Day
    The day in Eastern Orthodox Christianity that designates the end of the Easter season.
  • June 16 – Feast of Corpus Christi
    The feast day that commemorates the real presence of Jesus’s body in the Eucharist in the Roman Catholic Church.
  • June 16 – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Sahib
    A day observed by Sikhs to commemorate an individual who laid down his life for their people.
  • June 24 – Litha
    A Pagan and Wiccan festival that begins on the summer solstice and celebrates midsummer.
  • June 24 – Feast of the Sacred Heart
    A feast day in the Roman Catholic Church that celebrates Jesus’s physical heart as a representation of his love for all humanity.

By Paul Parkinson, Director, Finance

The accounting department would like to welcome Maria Romero starting Monday July 4th to the team. Rachel will be joining us as a Payroll Specialist June 13. We will include an employee profile in the next newsletter.

Employee satisfaction is very important to us. No one likes to open their paystub and notice something wrong. Maybe there are missing hours or a charge you didn’t expect. Common deductions that will show on your paystub are for uniforms, health and dental co-pay, or ID deposits. Sometimes a deduction really is not a deduction but a negative, which means it’s being refunded (uniform and ID deposits). If you feel hat the hours are incorrect, first refer to the pay period covered. Then go onto your employee portal to check to see the hours you have worked. If you see hours missing, please reach out to your immediate supervisor to get this corrected. As a habit, you should check your employee portal frequently and before the payroll to avoid any late adjustments.

If you have suggestions on how we can improve our payroll delivery process, please send your comments to aspaccounting@security-asp.com


By Petra Nash, Executive Assistant

On Monday June 6th, ASP Security Services and Airfield Access had the privilege of hosting their annual client appreciation golf tournament at Piper’s Heath Golf Course. With our clients and managers together, we were able to raise $810.00 for the Not in Our City Charity.

Congratulations to Geoff Hebert, Sean Gallagher, and Aimee Spink on their auction item wins!

The day was filled with great weather, fantastic food, and most importantly, our amazing clients.

We thank you for the work you do, and we sincerely appreciate each one of our clients. Thank you for your continued support of ASP and AAI. We are already looking forward to next year’s event!


By Jason White, Manager, Strategic Initiatives

For many people, public speaking instills a dreaded, irrational fear. Just the thought of it makes their blood pressure rise. But public speaking is no different than playing an instrument at a concert. If we didn’t know how play it and hadn’t practiced the music, it would be a disaster. So, when people tell me they have a fear of public speaking, I always ask – have you practiced?

My first time in front of an audience, I was on panel discussion. It was a blistering hot day in July, and it felt like it was 50 degrees Celsius backstage. I peeked out, and the room was packed. I felt very, very unprepared, and I was a trembling, nervous mess. To make matters worse, I had sweat stains under my arms – super embarrassing, right? I survived the experience but vowed to never be unprepared again.

After thinking about the event, my main take away was the need to practice. I started telling personal stories in front of my friends as if I was speaking in public and asked for their feedback, which I took in stride. I also embraced my nervousness and accepted my speaking cadence. While I’m never going to be a professional speaker, I can get up in front of a room and that is ok. I’m also never going to play in an orchestra. So set realistic expectations.

In terms of what to say while speaking in the public, I am a big believer in positive body language and being polite, even if am disagreeing with someone when on a panel. A lot of public speaking is about understanding your audience, reacting to the audience, and being confident.

Avoid looking at your notes and make eye contact with as many people in the audience as possible. Looking at the folks in the back of the room helps to project your voice. Most importantly, being friendly and positive helps create a connection with the audience and gives an air of confidence.

I also like to include personal anecdotes because I know the stories inside out. Before going on stage, I always write a couple of words in my notes to remind me of different stories I could tell, depending on the how the audience is reacting. An amusing story or two can be extremely helpful when you see the audience starting to get restless and a little pizzaz is needed to reaffirm the connection.

Finally, expect the unexpected. For my second public speaking event, the room was super air conditioned, and I was freezing. It felt like I walked out on to the stage as stiff as a board because I was so cold. But I did way better than the first time.