Friendship led Walker Mence to H&S Protection. A friend of Matt Hills since high school, Matt knew Walker had just left his previous job a little over a year ago and figured he’d be a good fit with H&S.

“After talking with Matt, I met with Mike (Horgan, H&S Co-owner) and Jeff (Lukasavige, Operations Manager) and they said I had the personality type they were looking for. I’ve been way happier here than any other job I’ve had,” Walker explained.

Previously, Mence had been driving a forklift for Capstone Logistics in their warehouse, also helping to train employees in facility setup. He was there 2-3 years, and before that had stints at Hobby Lobby, working in customer service and a grocery store.

“I really like the variety of the jobs I work on here at H&S. It’s never repetitive,” he said.

As an Alarm Technician at H&S, Mence installs and services camera, fire, burglar alarm and access control systems.

He’s also a new father, as his wife of 7 years, Alorah, gave birth to their daughter Liliana August 14.

“I’m a big gamer,” Mence said of his side interests. “I’m into video and board games and have hosted board game nights. I’m also diving into learning the piano. It’s an absolute joy.”

He used to be a rock climber, but with less time on his hands these days, he hopes to get back to that at some point in the future.

Walker describes H&S as “close knit.” Everyone gets along. It’s more like a family than any other job I’ve had. People know each other better here and are super nice. I felt like a number at some of my previous jobs.”

He finds his current position intellectually engaging. “Everyone works together to solve a problem – sales, technicians, customer service. We improve together.”

One of the advantages Walker sees in his position is the ability to go into different work environments on a regular basis. “We get to go into businesses, homes and meet people in the communities we serve and get to interact closely with them,” he observed.

He cited as one example an antique store where he’s worked on the install. The store peaked his curiosity and he took his wife there a few days later. “When you do work for a customer, you get to know them and what they do, so if you go back, they recognize you.”

Mence not only likes his job, but is excited to take what he’s learned in his position and apply it to his own home. “I want to personalize it for our house. Maybe put a camera in the baby’s room,” he said.

He’s also found that his family members are interested in what he does and look to him for answers on security and installation questions.

“This is the first job where I have no worries when I get up in the morning and get ready to go to work. It’s nice. I’ve worked in a meat packing plant and would sit in the parking lot and dread going into work.”

Giving his gaming personality, Mence sees advantages that gives him when installing a security system. “Gamers access problems differently. It’s a good fit for this job. New games have new rules and gamers have to learn them. If you go to an installation and there’s a new panel, you need to tackle it and figure it out. In both cases you’re have to take what you know and apply it in a new environment.”

If  you need to reach Walker at H&S Protection, you can email him at [email protected], or call him directly at 715-347-2332.