Cybersecurity company ReliaQuest is in the midst of an expansion in the Las Vegas Valley.
The Florida-based company, which opened its doors in Las Vegas in 2015, expanded its security operations center in the southwest valley from 3,000 square feet to more than 15,000 square feet this month.
The facility, open around the clock, is home to ReliaQuest’s technical operations, providing IT security for some of the largest businesses in the world — many in the Fortune 1000.
ReliaQuest’s staff increased as well, jumping from 10 employees two years ago to more than 50 this year. That number is expected to exceed 100 by the year’s end, with additional tech, sales and recruiting positions.
“Southern Nevada has been one of the fastest-growing areas for us,” said Brian Murphy, ReliaQuest’s chief executive officer, noting the company frequently hires former military personnel with the close proximity of Nellis Air Force Base and nearby military bases in California.
Murphy said Las Vegas sells itself when recruiting from out of the area.
“It’s an easier sales pitch when we talk about relocation out West,” he said. “It's an attractive place, and it’s easier for us to get people to relocate,” he said.
All employees must go through ReliaQuest University for at least three months before working with any clients. The company hired its own instructional designers to guide new employees through the latest IT programs.
ReliaQuest’s 24-hour nature allows students to work a variety of shifts that are flexible to their class schedule needs, Murphy said.
The IT security industry is short of qualified individuals, but ReliaQuest’s business model addresses the challenge, Murphy says.
“Because of our focus on training and development, it’s really not an issue for us,” he said. “People are really open to relocating. We all know what’s in Vegas commercially, but when you get outside the Strip, you see it’s a really great community.”
Companies often experience IT security employees being poached by competing businesses, drawing them away by offering more money.
“We know our staff is approached every day, but we put such a focus on training and development and give a clear career path,” Murphy said. “They’re already working in some of the most complex work environments, so they get access to the top technology. They’re working with other talented people, and they are paid above the industry average and treated very well.”
Murphy said that ReliaQuest has a 96 percent retention rate over the past 18 months.
“We like to believe it’s the investment we’re making in them that builds loyalty,“ he said. “We know that number is going to come down as we continue to grow … but we’re going to do everything we can to keep up that retention.”