Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Robert Jones. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Robert, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

One of the biggest risks I have taken was deciding to start my own security company while also returning to school to pursue my PhD. For many years, I worked in security and gained experience protecting people, property, and businesses, but I always had the goal of building something of my own. Starting a company meant leaving the comfort of steady work and stepping into uncertainty, where success depended on my own decisions and effort. At the same time, I chose to go back to school to continue my education because I believed knowledge and leadership go hand in hand. Balancing a new business with the demands of a doctoral program required long hours, discipline, and sacrifice. There were moments when the workload and financial pressure made the risk feel overwhelming. However, I believed that investing in both my professional growth and my education would create better opportunities in the long run. Over time, the business began to grow and I gained valuable experience as a leader and entrepreneur. My continued education also strengthened my understanding of management, strategy, and problem-solving. Looking back, taking that risk pushed me to grow in ways I never would have if I had stayed comfortable. In the end, the decision helped me build both a stronger career and a clearer vision for my future.

Robert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started my journey in the security field because I have always had a strong desire to protect people and help create safe environments. Over the years, I gained experience in safety, risk awareness, and security operations, which inspired me to start my own security company. My business focuses on providing professional security services that help businesses, events, and communities stay safe and well protected. We work to prevent problems before they happen by focusing on strong planning, trained personnel, and clear communication. One of the main problems we solve for our clients is helping them reduce risk and maintain a secure environment for employees, customers, and visitors. What sets my company apart is our commitment to professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail in every assignment we take on. We believe that good security is not just about presence, but about preparation, awareness, and service. I am especially proud of building something that protects others while also creating opportunities for people who want to work in the security field. My goal is to build a brand that people trust when they need dependable protection and safety support. I want clients and partners to know that our company stands for integrity, discipline, and a genuine commitment to keeping people safe. Through hard work and dedication, I hope to continue growing the company while making a positive impact in the communities we serve.

Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?

I started my own security company to provide reliable protection services to businesses and communities. Unlike companies that manufacture physical products, my business focuses on providing trained security personnel and professional safety services. When I first started, I already had experience in security and safety work, which helped me understand what clients needed. Instead of manufacturing a product, I built my company by developing strong training standards and professional procedures. I also worked with trusted vendors who provide uniforms, security equipment, and technology that our team uses in the field. Finding the right vendors took research, comparing quality, reliability, and pricing. I learned that building strong relationships with vendors is very important for running a smooth operation. Another lesson I learned is that quality and professionalism always matter more than cutting costs. I also learned that clear communication with both clients and suppliers helps prevent problems. Starting the company taught me that success comes from preparation, patience, and learning as you grow. Overall, the experience has helped me build a company focused on safety, trust, and professionalism.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Starting my own company while beginning my PhD at the same time was one of the biggest challenges I have faced. At first, I believed I could easily balance running a new business and keeping up with the heavy academic workload. However, after a few months, I realized that both required more time, focus, and energy than I originally expected. There were days when business responsibilities, meetings, and planning took up most of my time, leaving little room for studying and research. I had to make an important pivot in how I managed my time and priorities. Instead of trying to do everything at once, I created a structured schedule that separated my business responsibilities from my academic work. I also learned to delegate certain tasks in my company so the business could continue to grow while I focused on my studies. This shift helped me stay productive without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, I found a rhythm that allowed me to grow my company while continuing to move forward in my PhD program. That experience taught me the importance of flexibility, discipline, and knowing when to adjust your strategy in order to succeed.

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Robert Jones