PROGRAM SUCCESS – NOVEMBER 2008 PAGE 25
PRINTELLA BANKHEAD
PRESIDENT / CEO
EBS SECURITY , INC .
Printella Bankhead EBS Security How I Got Started Jacksonville , Florida November 2008
When people ask , how did you get your own business ? My first response is always , God . He is good and has brought me from a mighty long way . My Grandmother taught me how to pray and my Grandfather taught me to stay humble with quotes like “ you only go through this life but once , so treat people like you want to be treated ”.
I grew up in a four room shack with a tin roof and no running water , in rural Alabama , my parents got divorced and went their separate ways , leaving two of the children behind , me and my brother . My father ’ s parents adopted us , and my brother is now a well known Pastor .
I remember standing next to a wood burning stove feeling cold on one side and hot on the other . I recall being able to look through the floor and see the chickens under the house . Every year during spring cleaning , we would find snake skins throughout the house . My grandparents were bootleggers and our home-all of four rooms was similar to the Color Purple ’ s Harpos . According to modern day scientific studies , children from abusive homes and dysfunctional families are likely to become products of their environment , but God had plans for me and my brother .
I got started in the security industry over 20 years ago , after getting divorced and struggling to make ends meet by working two jobs , and remember saying to myself , there has got to be a better way to make a living . At that time I did not totally understand the spiritual laws of God . I began to realize that God had a purpose for me and all I had to do was to seek him and walk in his perfect plan . I realized that I had to forgive and let go of the past so that I could progress into the future for my life . I continued to work hard and stay focus and continued to treat people like I wanted to be treated .
One day back in 2002 my hard work and humbleness paid off . It got the attention of my Pastor , “ who asked me have you ever thought of owning your own business ”? I had never thought about it , but wanted more than just getting by in life . I told my Pastor that I considered my job at the church working as a Security Officer very serious and that for me it was like working for God protecting His flock . This small seed planted in my spirit developed into EBS Security , Inc . providing armed security , body guard , and all other protective services throughout Florida .
Security can be very trying , there are times that you ’ re in the cold , rain , heat , constantly standing and last but not least dealing with all kinds of people . We don ’ t know what to expect , but you have to keep a cool head . God has taught me how to deal with all kinds of people no matter how difficult or different .
Since EBS Security Inc . was started we have strived to provide quality service and I believe because of our faith , God has really blessed us . It is a good feeling to be able to help my aging parents and not worry about making it until payday . Don ’ t get me wrong it has not been an easy road , but God has given me a vision and determination to make a difference .
It is a blessing to bless others who need a service and to provide jobs in the community . We care about every employee and believe that it takes all of the employees to make the company great . My goal is to continue to provide quality service to our customers and let our employees know that they ’ re important as well . It is not all about making money and becoming rich . However , I feel that when we do the right thing and work hard to be honest spiritual and monetary riches will come .
EBS Security Inc . is a member of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce , The Better Business Bureau , Jacksonville ’ s Small and Emerging Minority Businesses , Duns and Bradstreet , The American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens and nominated for the Strathmore ’ s and Cambridge Who ’ s Who among business leaders in America . We also support our youth by donating to education and community programs that help the children of Jacksonville . In closing , I believe to which much is given , much is required , and It ’ s God who gives the increase .
EBS SECURITY INC .
“ QUALITY SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST ”
8110-3 Lem Turner Road , Jacksonville , Florida 32208 ( 904 ) 766-8330 866-640-0003