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After a payroll crisis that nearly cost him his company, Paladin Security president and CEO Ashley Cooper took it upon himself to dramatically improve cash flow management. “It was a tremendous learning experience,” he says in Bryan Borzykowski's article for The Turning Point. “It all comes down to discipline."

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Ashley Cooper, president and CEO of Paladin Security, at the company's office in Burnaby, B.C., on Wednesday April 10, 2013. In The Turning Point, Mr. Cooper acknowledges that a payroll mistake nearly cost him is business nearly 20 years ago.Darryl Dyck/The Globe and Mail

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While an incredible stroke of luck saved the day, Mr. Cooper, seen on a security camera monitor at the company's office in this photo, says he started making changes to cash flow management right away.Darryl Dyck/The Globe and Mail

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Paladin Security main operations in Burnaby, B.C. The three main changes he implemented were speeding up the invoice process, working more closely with the bank and hiring a chief financial officer.Handout

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In 2005, Pamela Anderson was the Grey Cup parade marshall. Chief operating officer Leo Knight (front right), Vancouver client service manager Igor Antonenko and VP Northern Alberta Greg Swecera (left) provided the security escort for the duration of the parade.Handout

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At the 2005 Grey Cup finals, the Montreal Alouettes square off against the Edmonton Eskimos at BC Place Stadium. Leo Knight is the security adviser for the BC Lions and Paladin provides security at Field Level to all home game.Kim Stallknecht

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Now, with 6000 employees, the company’s one of the largest security firms in Canada and it’s still growing. In this photo three Paladin Security patrol officers are seen in Toronto, Ont.Handout

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A Paladin Security patrol officer stands next to his bike. Responsibilities of this job include regular patrols by foot and on bicycle, access control, asset protection, Occupational First Aid services, and any other services specific to the needs of the client.Handout

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