Brian Bertacini is the founder of AppSec Consulting, a cybersecurity consulting firm based in San Jose, CA and recently acquired by BSI (British Standards Institution). The company built a reputation as a trusted security partner that goes beyond compliance and checking boxes. It also provides comprehensive solutions for organizations that are serious about real security. "Merging with BSI is the natural next step for AppSec Consulting, providing a huge opportunity for both our clients and employees alike. We are delighted to benefit from BSI's global reach and a broader range of services, which – when combined with our proven cybersecurity expertise – will allow us to further expand and flourish." Since 2005, Brian has built and grown his company around a remote work model that gives his employees work-life balance and the ability to work from anywhere. AppSec specializes in security testing, strategic consulting, and helps its clients build the right cybersecurity model for their businesses. I invited Brian onto my tech podcast to talk about the state of security consulting, how he’s grown his business leading up to this acquisition, how to successfully implement a remote work culture and how BSI is looking to grow in the Americas. With over 20 years experience in information technology including positions in software and application development, systems engineering, large-scale application integration, project management, IT governance, information security, and compliance, I wanted to learn more about Brian's journey. We talk about how he co-founded and built an IT services company that delivers security testing services, security solutions and technology integration, education and training, and compliance assessment and validation services. I also ask Brian what advice he would give to other startup founders and discuss what lessons he learned on his journey.