DJ Gardner on Curiosity, Career Change and Building a Future in Security

When DJ Gardner describes his role as an embedded technician, it’s with a mix of precision and enthusiasm.

“I handle everything that the Chillicothe site has in terms of access control and camera systems,” he said. “It’s a little bit of everything. Programming, troubleshooting and finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned.”

DJ joined scDataCom in May 2024, bringing with him a diverse background that includes IT, locksmithing and a degree in psychology. His unique combination of technical and people skills makes him what his interviewer, Alaina Meyer, jokingly called “a unicorn.”

From Psychology to Physical Security

DJ didn’t start his career in security. “I actually went to college for psychology,” he said with a laugh. “But it was hard to find a job in that field because there were so many graduates at the time.”

He decided to explore the trades—and that’s when opportunity found him.

“I started walking into local lock shops, just talking to owners about the field. One of them invited me to tour the shop. We hit it off and by the next week, I was doing a ride-along with one of his technicians,” he said.

That conversation turned into a career. The shop had experienced technicians but needed someone who understood technology. “They were moving into smart locks and integrated systems,” DJ explained. “They wanted someone who could help bridge the gap between mechanical security and new tech—and that’s how I got my start.”

Why Security Clicked

For DJ, security work combined everything he enjoyed about technology and psychology: curiosity, critical thinking and constant problem-solving.

“I get bored doing repetitive tasks,” he said. “In security, no two days are the same. You’re always learning something new. You might be tracing wires one day and troubleshooting network configurations the next.”

He also appreciates the autonomy that comes with the role. “I like being able to prioritize my work and manage my time,” he said. “It’s satisfying to have that freedom and responsibility.”

Problem-Solving at Its Finest

When asked about the “weirdest problem” he’s encountered so far, DJ didn’t hesitate.

“There was a door that was eating me alive,” he laughed. “We have two access control systems running at once at this site. I spent hours troubleshooting before realizing that a powered board from an old system was still live—and running above the HVAC duct.”

Another memorable moment involved an offline camera. “We eventually found it unplugged in a storage room. Someone had disconnected it so they could sit in a massage chair without being on camera,” he said, laughing. “That one was memorable.”

For DJ, those odd challenges are what keep the job interesting. “Every day feels like solving a new puzzle,” he said.

Lessons From the Lock Shop

Before joining scDataCom, DJ worked as a locksmith—and once found himself unlocking a door during a police raid.

“I thought it was going to be a normal law enforcement call,” he recalled. “When I arrived, there were 40 police cars and three different agencies gearing up for a raid. They surrounded the house, guns drawn and I had to unlock the door with officers behind me.”

He laughs about it now, calling it his favorite locksmith story. But experiences like that gave him perspective on the critical role security plays in protecting people.

Certifications, Continuous Learning and Cutting-Edge Tech

In just over a year at scDataCom, DJ has earned multiple certifications and shows no signs of slowing down.

“I’m working on AMAG certifications right now and I want to take the advanced course when it’s available,” he said. “I’m also really interested in the Evolve weapons detection system. It’s cutting-edge technology and being part of something like that is exciting.”

When asked about his approach to learning, DJ emphasized self-initiative.

“Formal education is great for building a foundation,” he said, “but the most valuable learning I’ve done has been hands-on. Take your interests and turn them into projects. Employers want to see what you can do, not just what’s on your résumé.”

Where Psychology Meets Security

DJ credits his psychology background for giving him an edge in the field.

“People skills are huge,” he said. “You need to know how to communicate and de-escalate situations when people are stressed. Especially in healthcare environments where security issues can affect patient safety.”

He also applies his understanding of human behavior to system design.

“I think about how people might try to bypass security,” he said. “Understanding behavior helps you build systems that are stronger, smarter and harder to exploit.”

Looking Ahead: Goals and Growth

When asked about his future goals, DJ didn’t hesitate.

“I love what I’m doing and I want to keep growing here,” he said. “Eventually, I’d like to get into red teaming work like ethical hacking, basically. Testing systems to find vulnerabilities before the bad guys do. That’s where psychology and security come full circle for me.”

His next target? The Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification, an advanced credential in system design and risk assessment. “It sounds right up my alley,” DJ said. “It’s all about predicting how people might exploit security flaws—and preventing it before it happens.”

Why Security Matters

For DJ, security work is both meaningful and endlessly fascinating.

“Security is like a puzzle,” he said. “It’s about being smarter than the person trying to break it. It keeps me learning, thinking and growing.”

That passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement makes DJ an invaluable part of scDataCom’s mission to protect people, property and peace of mind.