William Seagraves plots a course for the 21st century at Navistar International

Sep 1, 1999 12:00 PM, Kate Henry

William Seagraves has devoted tireless effort to readying security operations at Navistar International, Indianapolis, for the 21st century. As team leader for loss prevention services at the leading diesel-engine manufacturer, he has brought his motivational expertise to bear, invigorating outmoded security protocol and imbuing the security work force with professionalism and pride.

HITTING THE HEIGHTS Seagraves now has his two feet planted firmly in the private sector on terra firma, but for 20 years, he was airborne, serving the United States of America in the Marine Corps. After graduating from Indiana University, he joined the Marines, but says at the time, he had no idea he would ever fly.

After completing basic training, he enrolled in flight school where he earned his first set of wings as a naval flight officer, working as a radar intercept officer, or RIO, in the back seat of an F-4. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, he studied for three years to pilot jet fighters, and ended up in the front seat of the F-4. With more than 3,000 hours as a jet fighter pilot to his credit, Seagraves has taught air combat maneuvering and commanded numerous squadrons. "I have quite an extensive background in safety," he explains. "Being in the Marines, you are necessarily security conscious, as everything you do depends on it."

Seagraves says that while most Marines are reserves, he was one of the 3 to 5 percent of the Corps that "augmented" to 20 years of service. After flying all over the world and living in places such as Japan, Korea, Norway, Denmark and Germany, he decided it was time to see the world from a non-military perspective. "When I got out," he says, "I was not looking to work for the government anymore, but ironically, the state government of Indiana offered me a job as director of its Public Safety Training Institute."

After five years in that role, Seagraves came to Navistar. "I enjoy my work with Navistar so much, I am sorry I did not come here first," he admits.

OVERHAULING PHYSICAL SECURITY MEASURES Seagraves describes his first task upon joining Navistar as upgrading the security function, through a combination of technology and effective training. "When I came into the position, the systems in place were rudimentary," he explains. As the loss prevention services team leader, Seagraves oversees loss prevention, security and fire functions. His department coordinates emergency medical response and oversees OSHA safety requirements. Loss prevention is the final checkpoint for all departing diesel engines, most of which are headed for Ford manufacturing plants.

Previously, many security functions were handled by a less-than-foolproof system of people using pen and paper, according to Seagraves. "We have now purchased a sophisticated security system, complete with turnstiles, proximity access control, and video cameras strategically located around the perimeter of the building, and in some areas, inside. We are in the process of designating access levels."

He says the system will be especially helpful to visitors and contractors who visit the facility regularly. It will also have clear benefits in emergency situations, he adds, as monitoring from a central control center will enable his department to know exactly who is where, when. "Eventually, all systems, including fire, will be integrated and monitored from the control center," he says.

A MATTER OF PERCEPTION Seagraves knows technology cannot completely replace the human factor in security vigilance. "It seems as if every day some disgruntled employee is coming forward and doing harm to people and companies. But at least people are starting to recognize the need to be security-conscious. Too often, people think that bad things happen to the other person."

Michael Blanchard, second shift supervisor for loss prevention at Navistar, says Seagraves has been instrumental in changing the attitudes of loss prevention officers there. "Bill's management style is firm but fair," says Blanchard. "He does not ask us to do anything he would not do. He definitely walks the talk and leads by example. When Bill sees someone without their safety glasses on, for example, all he has to do is tap his glasses, and that person knows right then and there they had better get those glasses on!"

Blanchard adds that loss prevention officers know they are valued by Seagraves. "As a former Marine pilot, Bill has strict discipline, and looks out for the company and his people first. He asks his supervisors for input on everything, so you feel like you are part of the decision. His way is not 'my way is always right.' He does a lot of research and really thinks things through."

Seagraves has upgraded the appearance of loss prevention officers, and instituted monthly training on procedures and directives. Training emphasizes the importance of courtesy and professionalism in public relations. He also asked Blanchard, a former police officer, to develop a workplace violence contingency plan. Seagraves places strong emphasis on consistency. "I firmly believe that you are only as good as you train to be," he says.

"Bill is the ideal supervisor," says Blanchard. "He expects the best out of people because he gives his best. I try to draw on his considerable experience."

AN ALL-AMERICAN Seagraves does not have much free time. After an average 12-hour day at Navistar and on weekends, he can be found locksmithing for his privately owned locksmith business. "It is another example of something I really enjoy that I could not do flying all over the world all the time," he explains. He makes it policy to perform pro bono work for customers who cannot afford to pay for his services. "It is gratifying to me to help people who may need it."

Blanchard adds that he regards Seagraves as the all-American guy, and admires his devotion to family. "He is devoted to his wife, and has a son who followed in his footsteps as a marine pilot, and a daughter who is a teacher. He also remains close with, and is very helpful to, his parents." Seagraves believes in charting a steady professional course. "Determine your needs, set a course of action, and stick with it," he says. "In the long run, it will pan out." In the future, he looks forward to ensuring his security operation is what you would expect of a world-class company and will be ready to meet the 21st century. That, and...learning to fly helicopters!

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