By: Rick Gombar, Markets4Life
Profit as a Prophet: Treating Your Business as Your Ministry
The Purpose
The purpose of my new monthly column is to provide a forum where readers can provide feedback and share experiences where they gave back unconditionally to the people they serve. More specifically, it’s an opportunity to share the true meaning of “profit as a prophet”.
Be it an act of kindness, financial or otherwise, shown to your employees, your employer, your customers or to anyone who is part of your daily business activities.
The goal is to demonstrate that “treating your business as your ministry” is a truly rewarding endeavor and should be an integral component of all business plans.
For me, as I enter retirement, my goal is to give back to the brave men and women who serve and protect security companies and their subscribers on a daily basis. Indeed, they are our true heroes.
Background
The ethos of this initiative traces back to when I entered the security industry in 1981. That’s when I co-founded the Los Angeles Alarm Association, now known as GLASSA. Once established, I served on the Executive Board of Directors as the Secretary and Treasurer.
Additionally, I chaired both the Insurance Committee and the Membership Committee.
Through those efforts, I created an insurance and member benefit program that resulted in a nationwide campaign serving virtually every state and local alarm association in the country, including the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, now known to us all as The Electronic Security Association.
The Campaign
You may have seen the front-page articles in the December issue of The Mirror or in the January issue of Global Electronic Security Forum announcing my nationwide campaign. It’s hard for me to believe but it’s taken me over two years to get it here.
In conducting my research, I consulted with numerous friends comprising a literal “Who’s Who” of the security industry.
Everone’s response has been both heartfelt and encouraging. In fact, to me it feels like the campaign is moving forward as if it has a life of its own.
I can’t thank everyone enough for their great advice and encouragement.
Leading By Example
When thinking about how I could give back to the security industry, I first wanted to create a win-win concept that would be effortless to join and mutually beneficial for those who choose to give back. In doing so, I envisioned all the heroes who risk their lives every day on behalf of the industry and their subscribers.
After researching countless charitable organizations, I landed on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They are a billion-dollar charity founded in 2001, soon after the attack on 9/11. Their twenty-five-year history shows that 93% of every dollar that is donated goes directly into their programs.
Their beneficiaries include the families of fallen first responders and our veterans nationwide. To be sure, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the security industry are a perfect match. Best of all, alarm companies can “profit as a prophet” and join in for only $11.00 a month.
After taxes, that breaks down to about 25 cents per day. The concept is strength in numbers and for only 25 cents a day, we can aspire to a 100% participation throughout the industry.
My Contribution
My retirement has enabled me to become a volunteer ambassador and fundraiser for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. As a volunteer ambassador, I am focused on introducing T2T to the security industry nationwide.
As a fundraiser, and to induce participation, I am personally matching every dollar donated, dollar-for-dollar. My “Matching Gift” and all expenses for travel, advertising, promotion and other costs incurred are funded through a twenty-year endowment I have arranged through my living trust.
The funds are generated from an income-producing real estate portfolio that has been carved-out and dedicated specifically for this campaign.
How To Join
It couldn’t be easier. Go to: GombarGift.com. There you will find an article from The Mirror, written by David Morgan, detailing how this all came about. Also, there is an article that appeared in SDM announcing my retirement. As a matter of fact, don’t believe it. I’m working harder to give my money away than I did to earn it.
There is also information on how dealers can promote their own business and help close sales using a patent-pending medical and emergency information kit as a brand builder for your company. To donate, follow the header titled “How to Donate” at the top of the page. Simply follow the prompts.
Stay tuned in the upcoming months as I will continue to provide information on the various programs provided through the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. However, please contact me immediately if you or someone you know might qualify for one of the numerous programs provided through the Foundation.
I am happy to present any and all cases for consideration directly to the Tunnel to Towers Funding Board.
For more information on the T2T programs or to comment on the “How to Profit as a Prophet Forum,” please contact: RickGombar@yahoo.com. Remember, generosity is giving unconditionally with you as the true recipient.
Rick Gombar spent over 40 years in the security industry providing innovative insurance and risk management services, where he gained a gold standard reputation with alarm installing companies around the country. Rick was crucial in the early development of the LABFAA (now GLASSA), where he pioneered General Liability and E&O programs on behalf of the Association and its members, which principles went on to be adopted industry wide. A Security Sales & Integration Hall of Fame inductee in 2022, Rick now spends his time working toward charitable causes to benefit first responder agencies and their families.
Internal Links URLs
https://security.world/business-ethics-security
External Links URLs
https://t2t.org
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does “Profit as a Prophet” mean?
It refers to using business success as a platform to give back unconditionally and make a meaningful impact on others.
2. Why treat business as a ministry?
Because it encourages purpose-driven leadership, generosity, and stronger relationships with employees and customers.
3. What organization is highlighted in this initiative?
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which supports first responders and veterans.
4. How can businesses participate?
By contributing small, consistent donations and integrating charitable efforts into their operations.
5. What is the main goal of this campaign?
To inspire widespread participation in giving back and supporting heroes within the security industry and beyond.