Glenn Yanovak

If you really want something never stop trying, because you will achieve it. Sometimes it may require that you take a step back and assess the situation more thoroughly, but never give up.

 

Glenn Yanovak was born and raised in Morris County, NJ. Mr. Yanovak attended Morris Knolls High school and graduated from the County College of Morris with a degree in Criminal justice. He followed in his father’s footsteps as a police officer.

At age 24 Mr. Yanovak was hired by the Hanover Twp. Police Department where he excelled. Mr. Yanovak served as a community policing, crime prevention and neighborhood watch officer. Mr. Yanovak in his law enforcement career taught 1st-3rd graders the importance of pedestrian, school bus and bicycle safety.

Mr. Yanovak lectured the local High School students and faculty on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Mr. Yanovak was a frequents guest to the High School law classes where he made himself available for questions and Answers as to the current laws and crime trends.

In 2006, Mr. Yanovak worked with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit on major cases in Morris County and Northern New Jersey. In 2007, Mr. Yanovak was promoted to the rank of detective where he handled many high-profile investigations. Mr. Yanovak was recognized throughout his career as an exceptional interviewer with the ability to relate with the community he served. In 2017, Mr. Yanovak turned his focus to the private sector as a private investigator.

Where did the idea for your career come from?

My father served as a Police Officer for 30 years with the Morris Twp. Police Dept. While growing up I had great pride in my father for what he did, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps and serve in law enforcement.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

When in law enforcement, my typical day starts with arriving early. I begin by reviewing the activities from the previous shifts and assessing where to focus my efforts for the day. I believe that in order to be productive, you need to arrive prepared and earlier than required.

How do you bring ideas to life?

Throughout my career I would analysis the daily activities of our members and see if there were ways in which I could improve on our processes and tasks as an agency. An example of this was when I had the opportunity to implement the first law enforcement and school district emergency response plan to a violent intruder or active shooter. This plan known as the V.I.P.E.R. program works to help bring a sense of safety and empowerment to the local school district.

What’s one trend that excites you?

I am currently very excited about the growing use of technology in law enforcement. The expanded use of computers and cameras has made the law enforcement profession safer and more productive for both our dedicated officers and the community. The more we embrace this trend of growing technology the more confidence our citizens will have in us and the services we provide.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One habit of mine is that I am determined to remain focused and keep up on the latest trends. The job of a law enforcement professional is ever changing but will always come full circle to the primary focus on the needs of the citizens we serve.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell a younger me to stay in school. My one regret was that after I obtained my Associate’s Degree, I did not go back to complete my bachelor’s degree. Time goes by quicker than we all think it will and using the time you have available to learn is never a poor decision.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I believe that everyone deserves a second chance. In our modern society we are slow to praise, but very quick to place judgement. We have all had successes and failures in life. We need to celebrate our successes more and dwell on our failures less.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I never quit. If you really want something never stop trying, because you will achieve it. Sometimes it may require that you take a step back and assess the situation more thoroughly, but never give up.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

One strategy I have always used is to remain diligent and never stop learning. Trends and expectations are always changing in law enforcement. To stay ahead of the game, you need to stay current on what others are doing and understand how these changes will affect you.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

When I first tried to pursue a career in law enforcement, I took many entrance tests and filled out countless applications unsuccessfully. I took a step back and created a plan of action on how to increase my chances of a job offer. Once I developed this plan and I completely understood the process I started to receive job offers. I signed up for several study courses, and I trained physically for the specific activities I knew I would be tested on. This resulted in three job offers within a short period of time. What I learned from this is that it is important to know what you want, but without a plan to meet your goals you will fail.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

Improve your business network. Having a strong network in your field will always be helpful no matter what industry you are in. The person who realizes there is more than one answer to a question, realizes the importance of a peer’s opinion.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

I recently invested in smart home technology that allows me to connect my doorbell, lights, and cameras so that they work together to protect my home. I now receive mobile updates when motion is detected at my door, and I am able to adjust settings via my phone.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

One piece of software that I couldn’t live without is Microsoft Office. Frankly, I use it for most day to day operations and I would say that there isn’t a day I don’t use Word. I find Excel a useful tool for keeping my accounts and activities straight. I also use Outlook daily as a means to manage my calendar and commitments.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Lexus Nexus case law books. For law enforcement professionals they are your do’s and don’ts. Every agency has their own policies. Lexus Nexus case law books will educate you on court decision and how the courts came to these rationales.

What is your favorite quote?

“It ain’t over till it’s over” by Yogi Berra. It not only applies to sports, but also life. Everyone gets knocked down at times. What I take from Yogi’s quote is there is always hope.

Key Learnings:

• Never give up on yourself.
• All law enforcement professionals need to be reading Lexus Nexus case books.
• Investing in yourself through continued education and learning is never a bad decision.

Connect:

glennyanovak.com