Nelson Ramos on Family, Growth and Finding Purpose in Security
When you ask Nelson Ramos what keeps him motivated as a service technician, his answer is simple: purpose.
“I like helping the hospitals feel secure,” he said. “When I find and save video evidence for them or fix an issue that no one else could, I can see the difference it makes. That’s what I enjoy the most.”
Nelson currently manages over 450 cameras and 400 access control doors across two VA hospitals. It’s a role that demands technical expertise, reliability and independence. These are qualities Nelson has spent years developing.
Building a Career from the Ground Up
Nelson didn’t start in security. His early career was in cable contracting, a trade that gave him hands-on technical experience but left him wanting more.
“I have a communications degree,” he explained. “I wanted to do something beyond just cabling. In 2020, I made the decision to go into access control and cameras. That’s when everything changed.”
The transition wasn’t easy. “I was surprised by how much programming is involved,” Nelson said. “It’s not as simple as running a few wires and connecting them. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes that you have to understand.”
Despite the steep learning curve, Nelson dove in. Within a few years, he went from entry-level technician to traveling nationwide for high-security installations—including government and VA sites.
A Lesson in Self-Motivation
Nelson’s growth didn’t happen by chance. He credits his success to drive and discipline.
“You have to be self-driven,” he said. “Nobody’s going to make you take trainings or earn certifications. You have to want better for yourself.”
And Nelson did.
“In the last three or four years, I went from having no certifications to having a whole page of them,” he said proudly. “That’s what it takes in this field. You have to push yourself to keep learning.”
His advice for anyone interested in joining the industry?
“Go straight into the field. You’ll learn more on the job than in any classroom. But you have to work hard, be curious and take initiative. This job rewards effort.”
From Travel to Stability
After years on the road, Nelson was part of scDataCom’s “Dream Team” of travel technicians, handling installations across the country.
“We were in six cities in Colorado installing access control panels,” he said. “Then in Texas, we worked at a high-security diesel facility where we couldn’t even bring our phones on site. There were people watching us the whole time. That was a new level of security work for me.”
But when Nelson’s son was born, his priorities shifted.
“My baby was born three weeks before I started traveling,” he said. “For the first five months of his life, I was barely home. I loved the work, but it was hard on the family.”
When a position opened closer to home supporting the VA hospitals, Nelson saw a chance to balance both career and family.
“I came here to cover temporarily for three weeks,” he recalled. “After two weeks, I saw how meaningful the work was and how much potential there was. My wife and I talked about it and we decided to make the move.”
That decision led to a permanent role—one that fits his life today.
“I like the freedom this role gives me,” he said. “I manage my schedule, communicate directly with the site and take ownership of my work. It’s rewarding to have that trust and responsibility.”
Overcoming Challenges and Growing Confidence
When asked about his biggest professional challenge, Nelson didn’t hesitate.
“Speaking up,” he said. “I used to be shy and quiet. Now, I talk daily with lieutenants, deputy chiefs and other leaders about security issues. Five years ago, I couldn’t imagine doing that.”
That growth, he said, has been one of his proudest achievements.
“The version of myself five years ago would be proud of who I am today.”
And that mindset continues to drive him forward.
“In this job, you’re always learning,” Nelson said. “Even after five years, there are new technologies, new systems, new problems to solve. You never stop growing.”
Why Security Matters
For Nelson, security is personal.
“At home, everyone wants to feel safe,” he said. “In my job, I get to give that feeling to others. When a hospital knows their cameras and systems work, that sense of safety is real.”
That pride in purpose reflects the heart of scDataCom’s mission—to provide security solutions that protect people and property while empowering the professionals behind the systems.
Why scDataCom Feels Like Home
After working for several companies, Nelson says scDataCom stands out for one key reason: its people.
“From day one, it’s felt like family,” he said. “Everyone is supportive. You get recognized for your work. If you do a good job, people notice. You’re treated with respect.”
His advice to others in the industry?
“Find a place that values you. The best companies don’t just give you a job—they give you a reason to keep growing.”
Nelson’s story is one of growth, grit and gratitude. From cabling contractor to trusted embedded technician, he’s proof that with determination and self-motivation, you can build a career that’s both technically challenging and personally fulfilling.
At scDataCom, we’re proud to have Nelson on our team securing systems, empowering clients and helping us live out our mission every day.