Cy Oatridge currently serves as the CEO and President of Oatridge Security Group, a security company based in Tacoma, WA. The group was recently recognized as the 2020 SBA Pacific Northwest Region 8(a) Graduate of the Year. The SBA 8(a) Graduate of the Year award is granted to the best graduates of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program who have grown their business through contracts with the federal government. The program is a nine-year government contracting certification, and it was originally created to provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities.
When Oatridge Security Group first entered the program in 2010, they had less than a million dollars in revenue. They graduated the program in 2019, and went on to close out the year with 100 employees and over 1000% growth in revenue from 2010. They’ve also expanded their office: when they started the program in 2010, they were working from an office of about 250 square feet. Today they operate from a 1,600 square foot office and have built out their management team through promoting employees from within.
Oatridge Security Group now employs over 200 people, and they expect to end the year with over $15 million in revenue. They’re grateful for the guidance and support they received during their time in the Business Development Program and look forward to continuing to expand and improve their business.
Oatridge continues to play an active role in security, especially during the current pandemic. Over the last few months, they’ve seen a large increase in demand for security officers in businesses, medical centers, and other locations, especially those in busy downtown areas throughout the region. In fact, Oatridge Security Group has created a new recruitment department to meet the current demand for additional security. They now require masks and gloves for all employees both in and out of the office, as well as testing.
OSG also participated in the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program. Through this program, they were able to expand business operations to more states: California, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, and Massachusetts. The security group is widely known for their fantastic service. They consistently receive strong ratings for their contracts. At 95% in 2019, their client retention rate speaks for itself. Oatridge Security Group and Colby Oatrige are excited to continue to expand their security offerings and protect people throughout the region during COVID and beyond.
Our Interview with Cy Oatridge
Question: What’s the most important thing we should know about you?
Cy Oatridge: I have served in the security industry for over 25 years. I started Oatridge Security Group almost 20 years ago.
Question: Name the most impactful lesson you learned from failure.
Cy Oatridge: There are no guarantees in life and life can be unfair. However, if you are persistent in your work, good things will happen.
Question: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Cy Oatridge: I am most proud of building Oatridge Security Group and that it has continued to thrive for 17 years.
Question: What did you waste the most time on when you were first starting your career?
Cy Oatridge: I was a little hyper so hopefully I haven’t wasted a lot of time.
Question: Name a tool you use for work that you can’t live without.
Cy Oatridge: My laptop; Microsoft Word, Excel, email
Question: What is your favorite hobby and why?
Cy Oatridge: Golf because of the mental and physical aspects.
Question: What excites you the most about your industry right now?
Cy Oatridge: I am also trying to keep up with the constant changes.
Question: What concerns you most about your industry right now?
Cy Oatridge: The thing that concerns me the most is that the security industry does not adapt quick enough to changes.
Question: What’s the greatest risk you’ve ever taken?
Cy Oatridge: Starting my own business.
Question: Name one small habit that positively impacts your productivity.
Cy Oatridge: I am extremely detail oriented to the annoyance of many.
Question: What tips do you have for getting a seat at the table?
Cy Oatridge: Relationships are the most important thing in business.
Question: What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
Cy Oatridge: The Bible.
Question: Do you value intelligence or common sense more? Why?
Cy Oatridge: Both are important. However, I know plenty of people that are intelligent, but can’t get anything done. I would say that common sense is the most important.
Question: What would you consider to be the perfect day?
Cy Oatridge: A day at work with a happy and successful team, then going golfing.
