Shaun Castillo, President, Preferred Technologies: Best Advice

Today’s entry in the Best Advice Q&A series comes from Shaun Castillo, president of Preferred Technologies. He shares the best piece of advice he’s ever heard, how he helps young people navigate the security industry waters and who offers him the strongest inspiration.

Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Shaun Castillo: A great friend, Wes Dellinger, distilled leadership into a simple yet profound phrase: “Leaders are inwardly sound and others focused.” That wisdom shapes my entire approach to leadership.

Being inwardly sound means cultivating physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health—an ongoing journey that demands self-awareness, discipline and trusted relationships that hold you accountable. Being others-focused means leading with humility and service, which often requires confronting our own pride, ego and competitiveness. It’s not easy—but it’s worth it.

If more of us embraced this kind of leadership, I believe our businesses, families and communities would become places where people truly flourish.

SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?

Castillo: Build relationships relentlessly. The security industry is filled with generous, experienced professionals who are eager to help—if you’re willing to reach out. But don’t just network for the sake of it. Look for ways to add value to others, even in small ways. When you lead with service and curiosity, meaningful connections follow—and so does success.

SSI: If you could point to one person in the security industry and tell up-and-comers, “Make sure to listen to what they have to say,” whom would you pick and why?

Castillo: Trevor Stewart, president of Security Control Integrators and a PSA board member, is someone I deeply admire. Over the years, I’ve come to know him not just as a colleague, but also as a friend. His ability to cut through noise and get to the truth—quickly and precisely—is remarkable.

Beneath his tough East Coast exterior is a heart of gold. He’s generous with his time, eager to share hard-earned lessons, and genuinely committed to helping others grow. If you ever get the chance to meet him, listen closely—and give him a big hug from me.

Click here to check out the entire Best Advice series!

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