Looking at Starting a Security Company

SPC Mikki Ekanger — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 02:16:37 -0400

I've been looking into either starting a security company or buying a franchise. I'm curious to find out the important things I would need to ask if I pursue a franchise.

Response by SGT William B. made Mar 24 at 2014 2:33 AM

SGT William B. — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 02:33:34 -0400

If you find any insight into how security contracting works, let us know! I'd love to see more discussions about veterans transitioning to civilian life and starting their own businesses, instead of seeing 5 gajillion discussions about SHARP and 670-1.

Response by SGT Doug Cordova made Mar 25 at 2014 12:41 PM

SGT Doug Cordova — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 12:41:45 -0400

Don't forget, Mickey, there's a ton of competition in larger markets, like Seattle (which I know you're aware of). As far as where you live now, you also need to consider if there's even a market for it.

Response by SGT Joseph Lesher made Apr 9 at 2014 4:50 PM

SGT Joseph Lesher — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 16:50:55 -0400

Mickey,

Have you given any though to a home-based business? I currently operate a home based business part-time and I'm actually looking to expand. If you're interested in more info, message me or email at [login to see]

Response by SPC Mikki Ekanger made Apr 9 at 2014 5:39 PM

SPC Mikki Ekanger — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:39:39 -0400

I have about 3 different ideas I'm toying with. Two of them obviously require a much larger amount of revenue on hand whereas the other is more affordable to start up and run. Even with cost cutting I'm looking at operating in South Dakota since there are no state licensing requirements. Of the two I'm on the fence about franchising or starting from scratch. My other option is Private Investigations specifically in the area of verifying backgrounds and military service. I do know there is a market for the third one and it could literally be run out of "the house" to start with. I am aware of organizations like Stolen Valor that investigate specifically cases that have to do with people embellishing for financial gain, but there is a bigger market for places like VSOs, Veteran Service Providers (provide assistance to veterans) as well as government and private citizens. The third seems a bit easier to me with a much smaller financial infrastructure required at start up.

Response by SPC Mikki Ekanger made Apr 9 at 2014 5:44 PM

SPC Mikki Ekanger — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 17:44:08 -0400

I'm on the fence about franchising or starting my own. I'm also toying with another idea that would be more in the "Private Investigations" category performing verification of military service. There are a few organizations that do such as Stolen Valor though they seem to focus on the fraud aspect. I would likely do it for multiple markets. Since there are a lot of impostors, embellishers and posers that claim to have served to get various benefits or to impress the girl at a bar, and many of the competitors only focus on the "fraud" aspect this could generate a much larger market for me.