Michael Katalinic works to keep security a part of MicroAge's profitability

Sep 1, 1997 12:00 PM, KATE DOHERTY

Michael Katalinic says successful security directors are visionaries. His vision: to create a world-class security organization at MicroAge Inc., Tempe, Ariz., where he is director of corporate security. "One of the greatest challenges facing security professionals is to realize we are part of the business and to conduct the security function as a part of the business. I always tell my officers to keep their eyes and ears open and to listen to what's being said. Invite yourself to meetings; it works."

MicroAge is a $41/2 billion distributor of computers and computer components to resellers and value-added resellers and a quality systems integrator.

It's easier to lead than to push someone

According to MicroAge administrative officer Cole Morris, Katalinic knows that the most innovative security hardware is only as good as the men and women who use it.

Katalinic has more than 20 years of experience in federal and local law enforcement, supplemented by more than 10 years in corporate security. He holds a B.S. in business administration and is a graduate of the U.S. Department of Defense special agents course. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Border Patrol Academy, the Southern Arizona Law Enforcement Institute and the Chicago Police Academy. He has been named to Who's Who in Law Enforcement.

Years ago, when Katalinic taught courses at the federal law enforcement training center in Glynco, Ga., he used the Socratic method, teaching by asking questions. "When someone asks me a question," says Katalinic, "I turn it around, rephrase it, and ask them to answer their own question. That's usually the way I manage the security function as well. I view my staff as working with me-not for me. I have found it's a lot easier to lead than to push someone."

In many ways, Katalinic exemplifies today's progressive security professional. He volunteers his time to his community. Every weekday morning before work he can be found volunteering at his church, and Saturdays find him there as well. He also serves as a literacy volunteer.

He encourages initiative. Officers on his staff have taken the bull by the horns and created computerized incident report programs, property removal and tracking procedures, increased storage space for security equipment, bomb threat checklists and enhanced key control procedures-all of which helps make the security function integral to the company's profitability.

Katalinic is also committed to "people programs." He developed a comprehensive training program for new security officers that includes not only technical functions of the position, but also awareness of current issues such as workplace violence and computer component theft. Periodic in-service training is also conducted and documented. Committed to professional development, Katalinic enrolled his uniformed officers in the Certified Protection Officer course sponsored by the International Foundation for Protection Officers. To date, 70 percent of his staff have taken the final examination required for that professional recognition.

This year, Katalinic successfully justified an across-the-board pay raise for his uniformed officers.

Staying ahead of the curve

In the face of phenomenal business growth such as MicroAge has experienced in recent years, new issues come up every day, and Katalinic says security must stay ahead of the curve.

"Every day I say the prayer, 'God, give me patience, but do it in a hurry," jokes Katalinic. "In security, change can happen slowly and sometimes we don't see things happening as quickly as we'd like. So as a manager and as someone with whom the buck stops, I think it's necessary to get the buy-in from your team, and the only way to get that is to communicate the importance of the security function effectively."

When increased warehouse space was needed to meet business needs, Katalinic avoided the use of a contract guard service to provide security for the remote storage location. He secured the location 24 hours a day using his proprietary security officers. "We did it on overtime," he says. "I convinced senior management to keep the business in-house. We had higher quality security, probably for less money, and our officers appreciated the extra income."

In another instance, MicroAge established new facilities in Reno and Las Vegas, Nev. Katalinic oversaw the installation of access control and CCTV at the locations and negotiated and monitored contracts with security service providers. He instituted a weekly presentation on security topics for new employees, a 1-800 hotline for employees to report theft and waste, a reward program, and several awareness programs, including a series of crime prevention presentations by the local police department.

But his initiative and leadership are perhaps best demonstrated by a "climate survey" taken at MicroAge in 1997. The survey results reflected employee satisfaction with, and management approval of, all security programs. The security department received the highest employee rating of all MicroAge business groups and departments, an accomplishment Kata-linic is proud of.

Of his contribution to the survey, he says: "I was concerned whether management knew what security was and whether they perceived us as part of the business. Security people were also surveyed. Where did they see themselves fitting in, and where should they fit in? And last, a company-wide survey was done."

Survey responses prompted changes in procedures and processes that helped the security department and saved the company money.

Katalinic says MicroAge is committed to quality and value-added technical solutions. "Our security officers reflect that corporate culture," he says. Realizing the vision

The key to Katalinic's professional success may be what he advises other security directors: Have patience, but do what you have to do to keep your finger firmly on the pulse of your business.

By combining the latest security technology with innovative "people programs," and by promoting his department as an integral part of the business, Katalinic is well on his way to achieving his vision of a world-class security organization.

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