In this episode of I Am Lakeland, host Don Burns sits down with Cyle Rickner, a native Floridian, Army veteran, and the owner of Rickner Smart Solutions, a Lakeland-based security company. Cyle shares his fascinating journey, from growing up in Fort Myers and serving as a wheeled vehicle mechanic in the Army to his transition into the private sector. He recounts several humorous and unexpected stories about his move to Lakeland in 2023, including his initial struggle with a poorly managed apartment complex and a chance encounter with Mayor Bill Mutz that led to fixing a long-standing traffic light issue near South Florida Avenue.
The conversation dives deep into Cyle’s career path, which saw him transition from retail sales at LensCrafters to the solar industry, and eventually into corporate security with ADT. Cyle reflects on the frustrations he faced within large corporate structures, particularly the lack of personalized customer service and the rigid, often punitive, contracts common in the security industry. These experiences fueled his passion for starting Rickner Smart Solutions, where he prioritizes ethics, transparency, and a customer-first approach.
Cyle explains what sets his business apart: no long-term predatory contracts, a focus on selling only what a customer truly needs, and the reliability of a local, veteran-owned operation. He also provides valuable insights into modern security technology, explaining the importance of “dual-path” communication (using both Wi-Fi and LTE) to prevent systems from being easily bypassed or “jammed.” Whether you’re looking for professional camera installations, access control, or a monitored security system you can control from your Apple Watch, this episode highlights why local expertise and integrity matter in home and business protection. 153
