Titles never meant much to Jane Casey.
Professional Security Services has been a solidly successful family business since her husband, Richard Casey, started it 30 years ago. Her son, Richard Casey Jr., and her son-in-law, Louis Ranieri, also held up a lion’s share of the business for many years.
Jane Casey has worked full time at the family’s Cranston-based company for more than 20 years, mostly in operations. But now she has a position and a title she never planned on – president.
She’s leading 150 employees in a 24/7 business that offers security officers, armed guards and mobile patrols. The company also operates shuttle services for housing communities, a hospital, a state agency and two colleges.
Casey took on the president’s role in May 2011 after life dealt her a double tragedy with the death of her husband, followed shortly afterward by the death of her son at age 52. Then in August 2012, a third loss struck – the death of her sister, Judy O’Neill. All three of them had been with the family business for 30 years.
“I want to keep the business going, because I feel it honors their hard work for 30 years,” said Casey. “I want people to know Professional Security is alive and well.”
The owner of Hallmark Properties Inc., Joe DiBattista, can vouch for Professional Security’s impeccable service.
“Everything they’ve done has always been just right. They’re excellent people to work with and they take good care of our properties,” said DiBattista, who manages commercial-office buildings, a parking garage and a parking lot in Providence.
One thing that doesn’t change from day to day is the company’s commitment to making its staff available in person.
“There are no long telephone waits, no menus to choose from,” Casey said.
For the shuttle services, a fast, personal response means people don’t end up standing on the sidewalk in the cold or the dark.
Casey and her son-in-law, Ranieri, have worked together in operations most of the time, while her husband and son worked mostly in finance and administration.
Casey’s daughter, Erin Casey, is the company attorney. Jane Casey said with five children, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, she knows some of the younger family members are willing to help out when needed.
It’s all in the family, but then, again, many of the employees tend to become part of an extended family. It’s the way the family runs the business.
“We know who has a baby. We know whose wife is sick. We send food baskets, cards and spiritual bouquets,” Casey said.
While reputation, well-trained guards and personalized service have resulted in Professional Security keeping clients for many years, Casey said sometimes big companies want guards over a wider territory. Larger security companies may be able to offer broader geographical coverage and underbid a smaller company like Professional Security Services, which focuses its business in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, she said. The company has a satellite office in Fall River.
“It’s the same as any of the big stores competing with small, local businesses,” said Casey. “We keep our prices as low as we can, and we know we give the best service.” •
