Leading with purpose: Ashley Johnson’s journey in security

An unexpected path to security

Ashley Johnson never planned on a career in physical security. Her focus was on building stability for her family, not climbing the corporate ladder. College took a backseat when she became a young mother, and after spending over a year at home with her daughter, she realized she needed something more.

The search for work led to a part-time administrator role at M2. At the time, M2 was a small four-person operation running out of a garage. The job involved answering phones, filing paperwork, and keeping things organized. But it was also an opportunity to learn, and she quickly became indispensable.

“I was not thinking about the future,” Ashley recalls. “I just wanted to get out of the house for a few hours a day. But as I spent more time in the business, I started noticing ways to improve things. I saw gaps that needed to be filled and wanted to help make things run better.”

A willingness to take initiative led to new opportunities within the company. She took on more responsibility, learning the business from the ground up. One promotion followed another as she transitioned from administrative work to overseeing operations, managing projects, and driving business growth.

Grit, growth, and glass ceilings

Ashley’s rise at M2 was not just about climbing the ranks. It was about persistence and a willingness to take on anything that needed to be done. She managed sales, finance, and operations, learning the business from the ground up.

“Back then, we were making about $400,000 on the top line…we were incredibly small, but there was so much growth, opportunity, and there was so much to build, and that was really exciting to me.”

That determination pushed M2 beyond its early days in a garage. Moving into their first commercial space was a daunting step, filled with moments of uncertainty about whether they could afford it.

Now, they have expanded into a second office, and it is already starting to feel small. “The fear of growth never really goes away, but you learn to trust the process.”

But growing a business wasn’t her only challenge. As a woman in the security industry, she often found (and continues to find) herself in male-dominated spaces.

“I was lucky to have a team that valued my voice, but I won’t say I didn’t notice the lack of women in leadership roles.” Instead of seeing it as a disadvantage, she used it as an edge. “My leadership style brings a mix of directness and empathy. That balance is what’s helped me succeed.”

Bridging the gap between technology and tradition

As the conversation progressed, we explored the striking contrast between the advanced security technology available today and the outdated processes many companies still rely on.

Despite innovations in physical security technology and advanced tools, many companies still manage security infrastructure using spreadsheets, paper records, and disconnected legacy systems.

For Ashley, closing this gap is an opportunity to give M2 an edge over its competition. “Our job is not just about installing systems. It is about helping clients transition to smarter, more efficient ways of managing security.”

She believes real progress happens when organizations move beyond old habits and adopt technology that makes their work easier.

At M2, success is not measured by a single sale but by lasting relationships. “Anyone can sell a camera,” Ashley says. “But we make sure our clients get the right solutions for the next five to ten years.”

A commitment to long-term impact has shaped M2’s approach to service and support. While winning large projects is exciting, Ashley knows that real growth comes from trust and consistency.

This mindset has driven their shift toward service and support. While lucrative projects are exciting, it’s the ongoing relationships that fuel growth. “A project is great, but if we’re not thinking about long-term sustainability for our clients, we’re not doing our job right.”

Building a high-performance team

Finding and retaining skilled professionals is one of the biggest challenges in the security industry today. A recent report shows that nearly 40 percent of organizations are facing physical security labor shortages, making it increasingly difficult to meet the growing demand for security services.

The gap between rising security needs and the available workforce has forced companies to rethink their approach to hiring and retention.

Ashley understands these challenges firsthand. Instead of focusing solely on experience, she prioritizes mindset when bringing new people onto her team. “We don’t just hire for skills. We hire for mindset,” she explains.

The right attitude, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities are just as important as technical expertise. By focusing on these qualities, M2 has been able to build a team that is not only highly skilled but also committed to long-term success.

“If you give people too much to focus on, they never truly become experts at anything,” Ashley says. “We want our team to feel like they are the best at what they do.”

Investing in people for long-term success

Rather than training employees across dozens of different products, M2 hones in on a select few. This approach allows team members to develop deep expertise rather than surface-level knowledge across multiple platforms.

However, hiring the right people is only part of the equation. Retention is just as critical. Ashley believes employees stay where they feel valued, supported, and see a path forward. “People need to see a future with your company. If they’re ambitious, you have to make sure they know there is room to grow.”

For M2, that means creating real opportunities for employees to expand their skill sets, take on leadership roles, and feel invested in the company’s future. “You cannot expect people to stay if they do not feel invested in where the company is going,” Ashley explains. “It is not just about what they can do for us, but what we can do for them.”

Leadership and the future of security

Looking ahead, Ashley sees big shifts in the industry. Cloud-based security is gaining traction, AI-driven analytics are becoming more prevalent, and automation is becoming a necessity. “Five years from now, the companies that succeed will be the ones that embrace innovation and efficiency.”

Outside of work, Ashley is a dedicated mom, an avid weightlifter, and an unapologetic book lover. “Lifting is my thing,” she says. “There’s something about pushing yourself physically that translates into every other area of life.”

That discipline of showing up, pushing through challenges, and staying consistent has shaped the way she leads at M2. Whether in the gym or the boardroom, she believes success comes from perseverance and a willingness to take on difficult tasks.

“Security was never something I set out to do,” Ashley reflects. “But looking back, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything.”

The best careers are not always mapped out in advance. Sometimes, they begin with an open mind, a strong work ethic, and the courage to step into something new. Ashley’s was no different.

At SiteOwl, we’re fortunate to work with leaders like Ashley, who not only drive innovation in security but also bring a relentless commitment to progress and long-term thinking. Her ability to build high-performing teams, challenge outdated industry norms, and prioritize strong client relationships makes her an invaluable voice in the industry.