Douglas Dreher: From Military to Data Centre Security

Douglas Dreher's path to becoming Director of Data Center Development at Gibraltar Perimeter Security began in classrooms across the United States and evolved through military service. 

"I completed 60 semester hours at Eastern Connecticut State University and then joined the active US Army," Douglas says. "I then attended 5-6 other universities during my time in the US Army and US Navy internationally. I am a voracious reader and try to learn something new every day."

His military background provided exposure to diverse leadership models and security environments from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to various US Army and US Navy installations overseas.

Leadership philosophy and professional pride

Douglas's leadership style draws from military experience. "I learned and studied many different leadership styles while in the military," he explains. 

"I supervised US and International personnel as well as full time civilian employees and contractors. I believe you should start from a servant leadership approach and use this as the basis for my current leadership and management baseline."

He emphasises adaptability, noting cultural awareness and situational flexibility remain essential. 

"Sometimes the 'hammer' needs to be dropped and it is important that this is done privately," Douglas says. "One of my mentors instilled this mantra in me when I was a new team leader: 'Praise in public, chastise in private and never, ever forget where you came from.'"

Douglas points to the success of those he has personally mentored as his greatest source of professional pride. 

"I am constantly encouraged and proud when those whom I have led/managed move on to bigger and better things," he says. "I retired from the US Navy as a Chief Petty Officer and every year am excited to see who was selected for initiation into the Chief Petty Officer's mess. 

“I send congratulations and further encouragement when they are selected (only the top 5% get the opportunity) and additionally encourage those who were not selected to drive on and determine what was missed along the way."

Navigating industry challenges

At Gibraltar Perimeter Security, Douglas faces the challenge of positioning his company in a competitive marketplace. 

"The biggest challenge I face, daily, is simply to put Gibraltar into a position to win," he explains. "There are many manufacturers and vendors who make similar products, so it is imperative we (Gibraltar) are positioned within the designer's and within the customer's specification."

His approach involves proactive engagement with designers and customers, including participation on social media when new data centre or energy sector builds are announced globally. 

"The second greatest challenge I have is to never be the last person with the secret," Douglas says. "General knowledge should not be hoarded – it should be shared for the betterment of our industry overall."

His involvement with committees from the International Data Centre Authority, the Security Industry Association and Secure Building Council reflects this.

Drawing inspiration

Douglas takes inspiration from historical figures in the security field, including Bell, Pinkerton, Turing and Holmes. 

He has also found value in Elon Musk's approach to problem-solving. 

"His no nonsense and grounded approaches to solving problems is refreshing and cuts through the 'traditional' corporate speak," Douglas says. "He is not afraid to ask the most dangerous question in the security space: 'WHY?' It is an approach I use consistently to drive the root cause. 

“If you cannot answer the 'WHY?' question, then you have not done the appropriate amount of research into the issue and/or solution as presented."