SIA Member Profile: Allied Universal

Security Industry Association (SIA) member Allied Universal provides security solutions that protect against threats and enable organizations to make better, more informed decisions about their security operations. Allied Universal has corporate headquarters in Santa Ana, California, and Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, and offices located throughout the nation and internationally in Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom.

SIA spoke with Allied Universal Vice President of Marketing Barbara Moreno about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

BM: Steve Jones began his security career with Universal Services of America in 1996 after holding executive-level and management positions within two Fortune 500 companies. In December 1999, he and his partner acquired the sale of equity from Universal’s original founders. He then led several subsequent transitions of equity transfers, culminating with the final management buyout of the firm. In 2016, Allied Universal merged with AlliedBarton to create Allied Universal, the largest security services company in North America. Today, Allied Universal has grown from $12 million in revenue to more than $8.4 billion with more than 235,000 employees. The company has acquired over 70 companies from 2011 to 2019. Allied Universal provides unparalleled service, systems and solutions to serve, secure and care for the people and businesses of our communities.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings/company unique?

BM: Allied Universal offers a full suite of superior end-to-end security solutions that are customizable, flexible and scalable. In addition to manned guarding services, the company offers intelligent and seamless technology solutions from access control and video surveillance to threat monitoring services through the Allied Universal Technology Services division. In addition, through Allied UniversalRisk Advisory and Consulting Services, we offer four decades of risk management experience specializing in security consulting; investigations; executive protection; and threat, disaster and emergency response.

What’s something we might not know about your company – or something new you’re doing in security?

BM: Last year, Allied Universal launched HELIAUS, an advanced artificial intelligence platform designed to improve safety and reduce risk by enhancing on-site guarding services. Unique to the industry, HELIAUS delivers better results through advanced workflow automation, robust data capture and visualization and artificial intelligence that understands not only what’s likely to happen, but what to do to drive better outcomes.

What are your goals for the security industry?

BM: To continue to evolve and provide innovative solutions for our clients that encompasses manned guarding, technology and risk advisory.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

BM: The two biggest opportunities in the security industry right now are as follows: the evolution of highly advanced technology and the increase in demand for ancillary services such as data security, security consulting and training, executive protection and systems integration.

What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long term?

BM: The United States will remain the largest market for security services and guard services will continue to be the leader in terms of revenue gains.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company?

BM: Thought leadership articles/advice, including vast security resources.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association (SIA).