We glamorize leadership today. You scroll past it daily—another guru in a fitted blazer, preaching hustle culture and passive income from the seat of a rented Lamborghini. But the truth? Most of us are leading all wrong.
If you want to see real leadership in action, meet John Heath, founder and CEO of Alpha Technologies and Alarm Systems in Bakersfield, California.
This isn’t your typical entrepreneur success story. This is about grit, humility, and the type of leadership that gets people to follow—not because they have to, but because they want to.
From Butcher to CEO: No MBA Required
John didn’t go to business school. He was a butcher straight out of high school. When repetitive strain left him with carpal tunnel in both hands, he was retrained as a pharmacy tech through a government program. But that job drained him emotionally.
Then came a so-called “menial” opportunity: driving for a subcontractor of a local security company. Most people would’ve written it off. John didn’t.
He listened, learned, and eventually climbed the ladder. When the company owner asked him, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” John, at 23, responded:
“In 5 years I’ll be the service manager. In 10 years, I’ll have your job.”
He did it in eight.
Starting a Business When It Made No Sense
By the time John decided to start his own company, Alpha Technologies, he had a mortgage, four kids, two car payments, and $50,000 in debt.
Most would have played it safe. John and his wife sat down, counted the cost—and said yes anyway.
He made a personal promise: until the business was sustainable, he’d wear nothing but Alpha-branded clothing. A symbol of total commitment. That’s leadership.
Why You’re Leading All Wrong
Today’s leaders throw pizza parties and call it culture. They buy ping pong tables instead of actually talking to their team. They are leading all wrong.
John’s approach? Build a culture people want to be part of.
The “Alpha Store” Incentive System
- Employees earn poker chips (“Alpha Dollars”) for things like good reviews or extra effort.
- Chips can be redeemed for tools, gift cards, or gear they actually want.
- Learning modules? They get rewarded for those too.
- Top learners and sellers are publicly recognized—with championship belts and custom rings.
This isn’t fluff. It’s intentional culture. It taps into pride, purpose, and progress.
You Think You’re Too Big for Small Work
The problem with most leadership is ego. You’re too busy managing spreadsheets and giving pep talks to do the real work—like actually talking to your customers.
John still meets with business owners face-to-face to design security systems. He doesn’t sell a product. He solves a problem. That’s why Alpha Technologies wins.
While national brands disappear after install, John’s team sticks around—with a walk-in office and a real phone number where someone local answers.
Technology Means Nothing Without Trust
DIY security systems may be cheaper, but they’re not safer. They’re not compliant with UL standards. And they don’t come with someone like John who will actually show up when something goes wrong.
Alpha’s systems scale with the customer’s growth—new buildings, new locations, new risks. One call. That’s it.
That’s what leadership looks like: anticipating needs before they become problems.
Want to Lead Better? Start With Branding and Belonging
John brands everything—down to cufflinks and poker chips. Not because it’s trendy, but because it makes people feel like they’re part of something bigger.
When employees wear Alpha gear at the gym or around town, they’re not just advertising the company. They’re living out the brand.
Leadership is about belonging. Most companies forget that.
Leadership That Pays It Forward
John’s not just building a business—he’s building a better community.
He sits on the board of the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation, helping provide scholarships and business education for the next generation.
He also serves as President of the MidCal Alarm Association, working to raise industry standards across California.
When you lead right, your business isn’t the only thing that grows—your whole community does.
The Hard Truth: You’re Leading All Wrong—But You Can Change
John didn’t start with a fancy title. He started with drive, humility, and a willingness to listen. If you’re struggling to lead a team, grow a business, or stay motivated—it’s not your product. It’s probably you.
Here’s John’s advice to business owners:
“Outwork everyone. Be the first in and last out. Don’t assume you’ve made it. Talent means nothing without consistency.”
If your leadership is about control, ego, or image—you’re already losing.
But if it’s about service, ownership, and real connection?
Then you just might be doing it right.
Stop leading all wrong. Start leading like John.
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Reach out to our guest’s website: Alpha Technologies