Andrew joined the team in September 2020. He brings 16 years of security background to ASP. During his time with ASP, he always goes above and beyond. Whether it’s supporting the operation or providing office support, Andrew is eager to support his team in any way he can. Andrew consistently shows his dedication and work ethic. Recently Andrew took on a more administrative support role, and that is when we got to see him as a swiss army knife. He adapted, learned, and gained new skills. Andrew is a staple to the ASP team, and we are happy to have him on our team.

Get to Know Andrew

1. What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far? Everyday you will learn something new. And be accountable.
2. If you were a wrestler what would be your entrance theme song? Bad Boyz theme song
3. What is a fun fact about you many people may not know? I am terrified of heights

Crossing Guards are a very important part of the ASP family. At the end of the last year, the City of Toronto asked ASP to stop providing CG services because of schools’ closure. This closure of Crossing Guard Services remained in effect till 15th February 2021. This was definitely a difficult time for all of us. We resumed crossing guard services on 16th February 2021.

It is very important for us to use every opportunity to recognize our crossing guards. Therefore, we have created the STAR program. The STAR Program is created to improve crossing guard morale and engagement, by providing on the spot recognition to those who are “caught” going above and beyond. The program is designed around 4 categories: Following Proper Procedures, Customer Care, Attendance and Public Appreciation that directly impact the overall customer experience and Crossing Guard efficiency & effectiveness.

Each Crossing Guard with an active crosswalk will receive an ASP Lanyard with the Star Program tracking card attached. Delivery will be via site visits from our Mobile Supervisors. Whenever a guard is observed going above & beyond, they will be issued a color-coded sticker to attach to their card. Stars will be awarded on the spot daily by Managers, Supervisors, and on receipt of Public, City and Other Crossing Guard’s positive feedback. The guards with the most stars in each of the categories at the end of every term will be rewarded with gift cards of their choice. With recent COVID-19 shutdowns, our Crossing Guard services are currently on hold. We look forward to welcoming back our guards in the fall.

We started the crossing guard contract in 2019 and since then, there are so many of crossing guard team members who work every day to ensure every child crossing the Crosswalk is safe.

Even in extreme cold weather and during this pandemic, our crossing guards made sure to show their dependability in keeping kids out of harm’s way in their communities.

I want to take this opportunity to recognize the crossing guard team. You all have made a big difference at our organization. You are not only active at your crosswalks, but also involved in providing your valuable feedback to your organization which led us to improve us immensely. Thank you for helping ASP reach its 2020 goals! Thanks for the hard work from all of you; we look forward to seeing what else we can accomplish together.

We usually know high performers when we see them, because their stars shine bright in the workplace. High performers know more than just the procedures their job requires. They know the reason their job exists, and that knowledge lets them suggest tweaks and innovations that let them work more effectively. We have so many high performers in our crossing guard team, but today, I want to acknowledge two of shining stars: Anastasia Maltezos and Amy Strachan.

Anastasia Maltezosis currently working as crossing guard since 7^th August 2019. She always gives 100 % in her job. Her desire for improvement and her commitment to provide excellent customer care led to a lot of praise from not only the crossing guard team, but also from the client and public. On multiple occassions, City of Toronto has shared compliments forwarded by the public for Anastasia. On 16^th November, one of the members of public called the city and shared her admiring comments, which I want to share with all of you.

“Anastasia is an excellent crossing guard. She has done an excellent job, prompt, always smiles, always positive, even when others are rude to her”.

She not only makes sure all her tasks get completed on time, but also makes herself available whenever any team members need help. She was instrumental in arranging holiday gift packages for crossing guards.

Amy, I appreciate the commitment and follow-through you’ve shown during your first month here. You’re a quick learner who always asks the right questions, which is leading to give our crossing guards the better experience. It is an absolute privilege to have you on my team. It’s hard to express just how much you’re valued at ASP

Thank You for Making Us Better Each Day!

Many exciting new things have been happening with the Residential Commercial Training Department.

As part of our Differentiated Learning Initiative, we have uploaded voice recordings to all our quiz questions.  Now learners can have the question read to them with the tap of a button through our tablets.  This is a game changer in allowing auditory learners the ability to truly understand what is being asked of them during quizzing.  It also helps learners where English is their second language, as more understand English better when hearing it, as opposed to reading it.  The training department has also recently launched “Stay Safe Instructional Programs” as their training module for Use of Force.  Stay Safe puts a huge emphasis on non-violent de-escalation techniques.  Guards learn about the different stages of a person in crisis and how to manage those stages.  The feedback from our learners has been phenomenal.

Over the past number of months, the Security portfolio in our RES/CIC division has experienced an enormous amount of growth.

Our increase in the number of Respite Centres we provide security services for, as well as the screening guard requirements that we have added with our TTC clients, have all contributed to this expansion. Understanding and identifying the management and maintenance needed to meet the demands, A.S.P Security has always been at the forefront of heavily investing in the infrastructure of the company and utilizing various forms of operational support, which enables the team to cater to our guards and clients.

I have the absolute pleasure working daily with our two Service Delivery Managers, Rachel Raposo and Josh Holowatenko. With both being fairly new to their roles, they have taken on the challenges of providing high-quality and efficient services to be an integral part of our operations, as we meet the demands and challenges of our guards and clients. Both have extensive security experience, with a diverse range of knowledge and skill set that allow them to make significant contributions to the team. I thought this was a great opportunity for many of our readers to really get to know both individuals on a more personal level by spotlighting them in a Question & Answer feature. I hope many of you enjoy getting to know both Rachel and Josh; I anticipate many of you will really see why I am so proud to work alongside these two colleagues.

Rachel Raposo

What does your job entail?

My job entails consistent communication with all guards, day in and day out, resolving any issues that may arise, coordinating with multiple departments to find a corrective plan.

What do you like most about your job? 

What I like most about my job is my constant interactions with the guards in the field, ensuring them they are taken care of

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

Make connecting with others a priority.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I hate flying, but love to globetrot the world. I don’t like heights and any turbulence makes me think the plane is about to crash. Not a good flier at all. (Considering how often I fly)

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Elvis Presley, because he had a major impact on pop culture during the mid-1950s with the younger generation. He knew his music could change America, which it did. His music still influences today’s music. Cool dude. And handsome.

What’s the best thing about ASP

Team dynamic.

Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?

“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”

– Betty Reese

Josh Holowatenko

What does your job entail?

Working with colleagues to better service all accounts within ASP, by having direct conversations with both clients and security personnel, visiting sites, meeting a variety of people, working in a fast-paced environment, and coaching/counselling to provide room for growth and advancement.

What do you like most about your job?

Using my critical and creative thinking to solve issues that arise in a fast-paced and ever-growing environment. As an SDM, you have your hands in everything, so to speak, and quick thinking is crucial for success.

What is the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

No one person can complete everything alone. Teamwork is extremely vital in any role you are being placed in and trusting the members you work with to assist you is imperative.

What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?

I overcame a very serious injury several years ago. I was once an actor who attempted his own stunts and failed landing on a crash pad during one of these stunts. This left me hospital ridden with a broken back and shattered heel. Instead of being defeated and seeing this as a tragic incident, I liked to see this as a challenge to better myself.

This incident ultimately led me to where I am today, an SDM with ASP, a Team Canada dodgeball player, and a more patient person.

If you could meet anyone in the world, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I would like to meet one of two people.

1. “Myself in five years – I would like to see where my success has brought me and ask for advice from myself.

2. I would like to meet Vince Lombardi. Not only was he a very successful coach for my favourite NFL team (Green Bay Packers), but the Super Bowl trophy is named after him. He was clearly a very influential, smart, and great leader. This is a trait I would like to hone and better myself on; Vince would be the perfect person to have his brain picked regarding being a better leader.”

What’s the best thing about ASP?

“I enjoy coming to work in the morning. At the office, I feel like part of a family. It sounds cheesy, but it’s true. We joke around and have fun in our office, all while we buckle down and get our work done (all while keeping a safe distance). Any person in this office is willing to come in after hours to help; it may sound small, but to me that is a very big deal. I can rely on my “family” to help me at any time and they can rely on me.”

Words of wisdom for your fellow professionals?

“Find a workplace you enjoy coming to. Find colleagues who will fight just as hard as you will to complete not only their own tasks, but to help you complete yours. Create a work environment of both fun and hard work.”

We started our muchly anticipated School Crossing Guard contract in 2019. We undertook the enormous task and responsibility of keeping the children of Toronto safe on their way to local schools.

Our crossing guards play a vital role in this very rewarding endeavor. We started the development process of X-Guard app in 2019. Faced with many challenges upon commencing the contract, through the hard work and dedication or our front-line crossing guards, along with the assistance of our technical support team, we have effectively and efficiently been able to streamline the daily reporting and operations of our ever growing crossing guard division. I’d like to thank every single one of our crossing guards, who’s patience and commitment were crucial in making all of this possible.

I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize two amazing team members for their passion, hard work and great initiative.

Numbers guide behaviors. Just as your bank account balance influences your spending habits, careful monitoring of your key health metrics can help you make better decisions about your health.

When your numbers fall outside the recommended target ranges, you are more likely to bemotivated to take actions that help reduce your risks for developing chronic health conditions, like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

For that reason, knowing your numbers is the first step toward better health. Here are some health numbers youshould know and why.

Blood Pressure

Higher than normal blood pressure values are associated with a higher risk for chronic health conditions, like stroke and dementia. Regularly monitoring can help alert you to take immediate action and seek guidance from your doctor.

Cholesterol

Elevated lipids place added strain on your cardiovascular system, so if your numbers have been creeping up over time, it may be helpful to take a closer look at your eating and exercise habits.

Blood Sugar

High blood sugar (sometimes called glucose) may indicate that your body is not managing or using insulin properly. Periodic monitoring of your blood sugar values can help you make better decisions about your daily choices.

Avtar Bhamra

An employee’s motivation is a direct result of the sum of interactions with his or her manager.–Bob Nelson

Avtarhas worked with ASPfor oneyearandsixmonths. He has been a guard at our TTCgatehousefrom the start.Avtarhas transitionedinto our Respite contract,as he is looking to advance his career into Corrections. He has shown he is able to adapt to change effortlessly and has a can-do attitude. Thank you,Avtar, for your continued service at ASP!

Karen Swanston

Take time to appreciate employees and they will reciprocate in a thousand ways.–Simon Sinek

Karen is our administrator, whowas a crossing guard for ASP Karen, to me is kind of like a utility player in baseball… always ready to support the divisions. As the school year kicked off, she has provided great support to the Crossing Guard groupduring start-up,all the while learning RES/CICdivision as growth continues. I have known Karen for two months and I see that she shows great pride in her work and always brings a smile to the workplace. Thank you fromall of us at ASPKaren. Keep up the great work!

How does ASPmake you feel valued as an employee? I go home and know the work I did that day matters our clients and to my team. Fun fact:She has retired 3 times