Women in Security - Liz Thomas

Liz Thomas

Vice President of Sales, Northwest Region/Allied Universal

Liz Thomas joined Allied Universal® because she wanted the chance to work with a company that would do whatever it took to exceed customer’s expectations.  Starting out as a Sales & Marketing Manager in San Francisco in 2001, she was one of the original sales team members before the company even had a sales organization. 

As the only sales representative in Northern California for several years, she signed many new accounts in the Bay Area, Sacramento and San Jose. Liz helped grow her region one account at a time out of San Francisco, which now services over 100,000 hours per week of security services in addition to expanding eleven branches throughout Northern California. Liz was promoted to Regional Sales & Marketing Manager in 2007 and to Vice President of Business Development for the Northwest Region in 2016 which includes Northern California, Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington and Wyoming.

She was asked what the benefits are in working in the security industry.  “Our ever-changing industry, which combines the evolution of technology and physical security, provides an opportunity for continual learning and growth,” says Liz.  “We are able to not only positively impact our clients, but also our world at large.  Having the opportunity to work at Allied Universal®, who serves so many different vertical markets, has opened the door to connect with diverse groups of people and create incredible relationships and long-term friendships with customers and employees, which is the greatest benefit of all.”

What advice does Liz have for those who are about to start a career at Allied Universal? 

“Invest early,” advises Liz.  “The investment of your time and energy in learning our business at every level of the organization – from the Security Professionals to the Region Presidents – is critical to your success.  Never stop asking questions.  Have empathy. Be genuine.  The relationships that you develop and cultivate with clients are built on trust and mutual respect and can last a lifetime.  Use every opportunity, no matter how trivial it may seem to others, to set yourself and your organization apart.  Always be the hardest working person on the team and never make excuses.”

In her spare time, Liz is an active member of her church’s Outreach Committee, which is focused on feeding the homeless in her community, as well as providing winter sanctuaries for the homeless over the holiday season.

Liz is a current member of the following industry organizations: ASIS International, Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), Community Associations Institute (CAI), Commercial Real Estate Women Network (CREW), International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM).