Happy Friday, everyone.
This week, I’ve been reflecting on one of the most essential yet fragile elements in leadership and business: trust. It is a word we use often, but building real trust takes time, consistency, and a daily commitment to integrity and presence.
These reflections were inspired by a powerful webinar hosted by the Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF), sponsored by Metro One. The session featured insights from Frank Camerino, Bob Carew, and Jonathan Novak from H&M. Their conversation about building long-term partnerships in the security industry offered lessons that strongly align with the values we are working to cultivate at AdmiralBridge.
Trust is Earned Over Time
Frank Camerino shared a quote that hit home:
“Trust takes years to build, seconds to break, and forever to repair.”
Those who have worked in high-stakes industries understand how true this is. Trust is earned through consistent actions, honest communication, and the ability to show up for others, especially when it matters most.
At AdmiralBridge, we know that we are not just providing software. We are building relationships. That means listening deeply, solving the right problems, being honest about our limitations, and staying reliable through every challenge. Over time, these small, intentional actions form the basis of meaningful partnerships. When building the foundation for our core values we knew trust needed to be #1.
The Human Touch Still Matters
One of the most resonant messages came from Bob Caruso, who shared a quote attributed to Tim Decastro, CEO of Erie:
“The Golden Rule: never lose the human touch. Be above all in service.”
In a world that often prioritizes speed, automation, and efficiency, the value of real human connection stands out more than ever. Frank Camerino emphasized the importance of simply answering the phone when a client needs help. Jonathan Novak described how Metro One leaders show up in person, attend key events, and engage in collaborative planning. These small actions are what elevate relationships from transactional to personal.
At AdmiralBridge, we are learning to embrace the same mindset. We respond quickly and personally. We check in without an agenda. We treat every client not just as a user of our product, but as a partner in a shared mission. That personal attention is not just good service, it is the foundation of trust.
Honesty and Collaboration Build Resilience
Bob Carew reminded us that trust grows stronger when we are willing to be honest, even when it is difficult. Saying “we don’t know yet” or “this may take longer than expected” shows maturity and builds credibility over time.
And just as importantly, trust thrives through collaboration. The best partnerships are not one-sided. They are built when we bring clients into the problem-solving process and invite them to shape the solutions with us.
At AdmiralBridge, we are working to live this out by involving clients early in product feedback, co-creating features, and holding space for real conversations, not just polished presentations.
Living These Lessons at AdmiralBridge
As a growing company, we have an opportunity to bake these values into everything we do. Trust is not a side project. It is the way we operate, from our documentation and onboarding, to our customer support and product roadmap.
- We set clear expectations and follow through.
- We admit when we fall short and make it right.
- We keep communication open, honest, and human.
These are simple practices, but they make all the difference in building trust that truly lasts.
Thank You to LPF and the Speakers
A heartfelt thank you to the Loss Prevention Foundation for hosting this valuable session, and to Frank Camerino, Bob Carew, and Jonathan Novak for generously sharing your experiences. Your insights offered a timely and important reminder that no matter how much technology evolves, it is our human integrity and relationships that ultimately determine our success.