By Sarah Miller, Operations Manager

ONxpress

For the second consecutive year, ASP was proud to sponsor the Toronto Police Service’s 14 Division Open House on September 16, 2023. We also hosted a Crosswalk Safety Booth for children at the event.

Thank you to Mohammed Mounir, Kat Szumacher, Munish Munukuntla, Rajatjot Singh, and Sarah Miller for volunteering at this event to promote community safety and to enhance our collaborative relationship with the Toronto Police Service.

News
ASIS

ASP was a sponsor of ASIS Toronto’s annual golf tournament on August 15, 2023 at the Angus Glen Golf Club in Markham, Ontario.

ASIS Toronto is an organization that unites security professionals from across the GTA for education, networking, and collaboration. (Staffing a booth to inform golfers about ASP’s services, left: Operations Manager Sarah Miller, right: Strategic Initiatives Manager Jason White).

Tips 14 open house
News and event
News and events
David Martin

Congratulations to David Martin on his promotion in September 2023 from Aviation Training Coordinator to RES/CIC Training Manager.


By Sarah Miller, Operations Manager

Mohammed Mounir was recognized by the Canadian Security Lifesaver Association for saving a woman from being run over by a truck at the Kipling & Stevenson intersection in Toronto on May 10, 2023 while working as a school crossing guard supervisor.

Left: Humberto Pimentel, VP of Operations. Middle: Mohammed Mounir, Mobile Patrol 
Supervisor. Right: Sarah Miller, Operations Manager.
Left: Humberto Pimentel, VP of Operations. Middle: Mohammed Mounir, Mobile Patrol Supervisor. Right: Sarah Miller, Operations Manager.

By Humberto Pimentel, VP Operations

ASP provides security and K9 detection services at the IAMGOLD Côté Gold mine, which is located in the Chester and Yeo Townships in northeastern Ontario. It is approximately 125 km southwest of Timmins and 175 km northwest of Sudbury.

Our guards and handlers live on site while on duty. They have their own rooms and handlers equipped with a TV and 24/7 access to the games room, which has a snooker table and board games as well as a gym and movie theatre. Meals are provided, including vegetarian options. Our team is working hard to keep the operations safe and secure, and we wish to thank them for their dedication. Keep up the great work!

Update from IAMGOLD

By Shine Mathew, Service Delivery Coordinator

September 30th is a very important day for Indigenous people in Canada. It is known as Truth and Reconciliation Day, and it is a time for Canadians to reflect on the harm that was done to Indigenous people through the residential school system, and to commit to working towards reconciliation. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the history of residential schools and to understand the ongoing impacts that Indigenous people continue to face as a result. As part of the awareness program within ASP Residential and Commercial Guard teams, wristbands have been distributed to promote Truth and Reconciliation Day. These wristbands serve as a reminder that we all have a role to play in the ongoing process of reconciliation.

The wristbands distributed as part of the awareness program are a powerful symbol of solidarity with Indigenous people. They serve as a reminder that we must all work together to acknowledge the harm that was done, and to commit to building a better future. By wearing the wristbands, the Residential and Commercial Guard teams are demonstrating their commitment to reconciliation, and their willingness to learn and grow. This is an important step from ASP Security Services towards healing and building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

By Andrew Catney, Resource Planning Manager

Kevin began his ASP journey in 2021 when he joined the Security Specialist team at Toronto Pearson International Airport. Following that, Kevin was assigned the role of Acting Operations Manager at Calgary Airport. Thereafter, Kevin joined the Resource Planning team in Burlington in December 2022.

Kevin Hepburn was just honored by the Respite Centre security team with the Peer Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions and dedication. This award is a testament to his hard work and the high regard in which his colleagues hold him.

Kevin’s peers unanimously selected him for this recognition due to his consistent commitment to excellence, his willlingness to go above and beyond to support the team, and his positive attitude that uplifts everyone around him. Kevin’s contributions have not only enhanced our productivity but have also created a more enjoyable work environment for all of us.

The Peer Recognition Award is a symbol of our collective appreciation for Kevin’s efforts and a token of our gratitude for his unwavering support.

We value Kevin’s presence on the team and look forward to witnessing his continued success and growth in the future.

Once again, congratulations to Kevin on this well- earned recognition. His contributions make a significant difference, and we are fortunate to have him as a part of our team.

Best Resource Planner –  
Kevin Hepburn

By Shine Mathew, Service Delivery Coordinator

The RES/CIC division was honoured to present the Respite Employee Choice Award for 2023. The best employees in each category were selected by guards via survey. Congratulations to all our winners and a big thank you to the guards who participated in the survey.

Best Respite Supervisor – Manjot Singh
Best Respite Supervisor – Manjot Singh
Best Respite Supervisor – Maninder Kaur
Best Respite Supervisor – Maninder Kaur
Best Respite Rapid Response – 
Saikrishna Penjarla
Best Respite Rapid Response – Saikrishna Penjarla
Best Respite Supervisor – Komaldeep Kaur
Best Respite Supervisor – Komaldeep Kaur
(Award distribution picture – Ops Manger Kat Szumacher, Komaldeep
Kaur, Dixon Hall Team lead – Praneeth De Silva)

Best Mobile Patrol Supervisor – Manish Munukuntla
(Award distribution picture – Ops Manger Kat Szumacher
and Manish Munukuntla)

By Debbie Ciccotelli, VP Strategic Initiatives

Offering outstanding customer service is ASP’s key differentiator and what enables us to not only retain existing clients, but also attract new clients. Our customers are the lifeblood of our business, so it’s crucial that they always feel valued, assisted, listened to, and confident when they interact with us.

Our reputation precedes us. The better our business reputation, the higher our existing customers will think of us and (perhaps just as importantly) the more other clients will want to work with us — both of which are incredibly important for retaining clients and growing our business.

In today’s competition-driven marketplace, our focus must be on our customers and each of you is crucial to achieving this goal.

Front-line employees are the face and brand ambassadors of both ASP and our clients – it is our employees who make sure the job gets done on time and above expectations. They interact with customers every day and each interaction reflect the value, culture and vision of the company.

Employees impact the business environment through the ways in which they interact with each other as well as how they respond to customers.

Sometimes, employees interact with each other in the presence of clients. If they are helping each other to meet customer needs, they are creating a positive image; if, however they are bickering or acting territorial on the floor, they are fostering a negative image of the company.

To deliver exceptional value and service, employees must be committed, motivated, and inspired to serve and support our clients and their customers.

Understanding how to become and maintain a customer- oriented mindset can help us establish a brand as an industry leader for quality and service.

It is important that every employee understands how valuable their role is in relation to customer service and client retention, which is of great importance to both the present and future of the company.

Simply put, motivated, and engaged employees create satisfied customers. When we commit to going above and beyond for our customers, three things will happen:

Here are some tips:

  • Always maintain a professional, polite, friendly, and helpful demeanor
  • Project a professional image and adhere to uniform policy and/or dress code
  • Make every effort to exceed client/customer expectations
  • Follow Post Orders and Standard Operating Procedures
  • Build rapport with customers which can help to anticipate their needs and preferences
  • Put yourself in the customer’s shoes – actively listen, empathize with each customer’s unique situation and needs
  • Smile, greet/welcome, maintain eye contact and assist
  • Communicate effectively – transmit clear and concise information – answer questions, address issues, describe services and provide direction or guidance
  • Pay close attention to your tone, volume, and manner of speaking
  • Pay attention to your body language – gestures, facial expressions and posture can make an impression e.g., if you stand by the entrance in a hunched position and a wrinkled brow, it may give the impression you are unalert or lazy. But if you are standing straight, with alertness in your eyes, politely smiling upon entrance, it would suggest that you are approachable and aware of your surroundings simultaneously. See the difference?
  • Be supportive of other team members
  • Resolve tension or issues and create positive solutions by using effective conflict resolution skills
  • They will become more loyal because they know that we care about their business
  • They will become champions for ASP within their organization
  • Most importantly, they will share their experience with their colleagues and friends

By Sarah Jessop, Human Resources Business Partner

2023

It’s that time of the year when we come together to reflect on our collective journey and take a closer look at how we can make our workplace even better. We’re excited to share the results of our recent Employee Satisfaction Survey, which truly reflects the pulse of our organization. First and foremost, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who took the time to participate in the survey. Your input is invaluable, and your voices matter. This year, we achieved a significant milestone – our response rate increased by an impressive 12% compared to the previous year. This increase in participation demonstrates the strength of our commitment to continuous improvement. Now, let’s delve into the results.

While the increased participation rate is a testament to our collective dedication to making ASP the best place to work, it is important to acknowledge that our overall happiness rating experienced a slight decrease of 2% from 2022.

As you can see from the infographic, our rating of 86% still surpassed ASP’s benchmark of 80%. However, we want to assure you that we are taking this decline seriously, and your leadership team is committed to addressing any concerns or issues that may have contributed to this decline. Your feedback is instrumental in guiding us on the path to improvement.

On a positive note, there was a slight increase in the number of employees who reported feeling recognized for their hard work and contributions. This is encouraging news, and it reaffirms our belief in the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of our dedicated team members. We are committed to building upon this foundation and ensuring that recognition remains a cornerstone of our culture.

One of the highlights of this year’s survey results is the significant increase in employees feeling that ASP fosters an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are thrilled to announce an 8% rise in this category. This demonstrates that our ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive workplace are making a positive impact. However, we understand that there is still work to be done to ensure that every member of our team feels fully supported and included.

In our commitment to continuous improvement, our leadership team is not only looking at the overall survey results, but also taking a deep dive into the data specific to their individual teams. This personalized approach allows our leaders to gain insights into the unique dynamics and challenges within their respective departments. By carefully analyzing the comments and ratings received, they are identifying key areas of focus that will help address concerns and amplify strengths. This hands-on approach ensures that we are not only making company- wide improvements but also tailoring our efforts to the specific needs and aspirations of each team. Your leaders are actively engaging in this process because they recognize that your feedback is instrumental in shaping the future of our organization. We believe that this targeted approach will lead to more meaningful and impactful changes, ultimately enhancing the work experience for everyone at ASP.

what are people saying

Your feedback serves as our compass, guiding us toward initiatives and improvements that will enhance our workplace experience. We are committed to engaging in open dialogues, implementing necessary changes, and fostering a culture where every voice is heard and valued. Once again, thank you for your active participation in the survey. Together, we will continue to make ASP a place where each and every one of us can thrive.

If you have any questions or would like to share additional feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to asphr@security-asp.com


By Madison Griffin, Human Resources Coordinator

LifeSpeak is the leading platform for mental health and wellbeing, which offers whenever and wherever users need it specialized information and guidance on problems that affect their daily life.

LifeSpeak helps employees thrive so they can stay focused, healthy, and productive. For you to develop a stable, healthy mindset no matter what life throws at you, LifeSpeak has gathered its top mental health specialists to offer you useful resources, tactics, and tools.

Mobile

Access to all programming while also enabling users to download videos for offline viewing, stream podcasts, participate in live ‘Ask the Expert’ webchats and manage their account, right from their phone.

Computer

This web-based service offers anonymous access to hundreds of short videos. Our full range of formats includes videos, podcasts, tip sheets, quizzes, and more.

Tablet

LifeSpeak empowers people to take action before a life challenge or issue becomes critical. It’s a proactive approach to mental health and wellbeing. Download our app in the Appstore or GooglePlay.

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Scan to launch

asp.lifespeak.com

lifespeak

Michael Ferdinand

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Ferdinand and the Pickering Casino Resort community. He was tragically killed on Thanksgiving Day while on duty. We mourn his loss and pay tribute to him for protecting the community he served. As this is the worst possible scenario, this is a reminder of the risks we, as security professionals, protect against every day. We remind our security services family to remain vigilant and to report any public safety risks accordingly.

You can support Michael’s family via Go Fund Me:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-michael-mike-ferdinand


By Sean Gallagher, HR Recruitment Manager

This past year, we’ve seen the entire ASP organization worked very hard to onboard new teammates effectively and efficiently. We received over 90 referrals from current employees and 60 of those have qualified for a paid out so far. Remaining referral payouts are just waiting on the new employee, 3-month probation period to finish. In August 2022, the referral bonus was increased from $100 to $300 per referral! It doesn’t matter what position it is for; the referred employee just needs to complete their 90 days probation. We are consistently being asked questions about how to refer candidates and what we are looking for. Below is a break down for the questions:

1. How Do I Refer a Friend for a Position With ASP Incorporated?

There are a few different ways you can do this, the first is to give them the “refer a friend” cards that are with all recruiters and write your name on the back. The second, you can have them forward their resume to our two different recruitment e-mail addresses, Residential/ Commercial at: recruitment@security-asp.com or for Aviation airportrecruitment@security-asp.com just make sure they put your name on the e-mail or you can send their resume to us. The last one is if they visit our website www.security-asp.com they can click on “current opportunities” and apply for any position they feel they are qualified for and they can add your name under “How Did You Hear About This Position?”.

2. I Have Referred Someone, and They WereHired, When and How Do I Receive My Bonus?

Good question! If your referral was hired, they now must attend training and work with us for 90 days consecutively. As soon as they hit their 90 days, Sean Gallagher, the Recruitment Manager gets a notice and informs Accounting as to who is to be paid out. You would then receive the bonus on your next paystub.

3. My Referral Wasn’t Interviewed or Selected; Did I Do Something Wrong in the Process?

We have received hundreds of referrals over the last year or so which is amazing, but there were a good number that didn’t qualify for the positions they were interested in. Don’t get me wrong, we do offer other positions if we feel they are a fit for them but sometimes it doesn’t work out. I would suggest going off this rule of thumb:

Crossing Guard:

  • Outgoing personality!
  • Ability to travel throughout North York and/or Etobicoke
  • Availability for Monday-Friday 7am- 4pm weekly.

Access Control:

  • Customer service experience
  • Entry level security experience (valid Security license)
  • 3-4 days of open availability
  • Ability to work consistently overnights preferred Specialists/Supervisors:

Specialists/Supervisors:

  • 2-5 years of Tactical Security experience
  • Supervisory background/experience
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts

We appreciate all referrals candidates brought forward by our employees, and we try our best to find a fit in our company that matches each level of experience. We encourage even those who aren’t selected to try again in 6 months, and we will definitely re-evaluate at that time. Simply have them re-apply and have them add your name again.

*NOTE: If you are looking for a Supervisor position because it is labeled as a NOC B job, Specialists and Mobile positions do have Supervisory tasks/duties involved so they would be categorized the same way*