VBE Spotlight: Diligence Security Group

Diligence Security Group provides comprehensive security and protective services to public agencies, businesses, institutions and event organizations throughout California. Our core services include armed and unarmed security officers, mobile patrol, event security and crowd management, access control, emergency and rapid-response staffing, executive protection, secure transportation and armored services and customized security programs. We also provide security technology solutions, including CCTV, electronic access control, remote monitoring and integrated security systems, as well as fire and life-safety services.

Our customers include government agencies, school districts and higher-education institutions, healthcare organizations, construction companies, corporate and commercial clients, community organizations and major event and entertainment partners.

Our experience includes work supporting the Oakland Unified School District, Peralta Community College District, Alameda County, California Department of Education, California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, healthcare organizations and major event and venue operations throughout California. We have also supported large-scale events and venues, including work associated with Super Bowl events, Coachella, Oakland Pride, Oakland Arena, Oakland Coliseum, Stanford Stadium and Sacramento State.

I founded Diligence Security Group in Oakland, California, in 2020 with a vision of creating a security company that combined professionalism, accountability, strong leadership and genuine service to the community. I wanted to build more than a traditional security company. My goal was to create an organization that clients could trust while also creating meaningful employment and advancement opportunities for the people we hire. What began in Oakland has grown into an organization serving clients and communities throughout California, including the Greater Bay Area, Sacramento and Los Angeles.

Like many small businesses, one of my greatest challenges was establishing credibility and competing for opportunities against much larger, established security companies with greater financial resources, longstanding relationships and extensive past-performance histories. As a Veteran, Black woman and LGBTQ business owner, I also entered an industry and contracting environment where businesses like mine have historically been underrepresented. There were times when I had to work harder to gain access to opportunities, build the right relationships and demonstrate that Diligence Security Group had the experience, professionalism and capacity to perform at the same level as larger competitors.

Access to capital was another significant challenge. In the security industry, payroll and other operating expenses often must be covered well before a client pays an invoice. As we began winning larger contracts, managing that cash-flow gap while continuing to recruit, train, equip and pay employees became increasingly important.

At the same time, I had to navigate licensing, insurance, government procurement, certifications, compliance requirements and contracting while building a workforce and developing relationships with clients and community partners. Those disadvantages and challenges did not define what we could accomplish. They made me more resourceful and intentional about building Diligence Security Group. They also strengthened my commitment to creating opportunities for Veterans, minorities, women, LGBTQ individuals and others who may face similar barriers to opportunity.

The key to our success is diligence and living up to our name every day. For us, that means being accountable, responding when our clients need us, investing in our people, maintaining strong operational standards and never becoming complacent. Security is ultimately a people business, so relationships and trust are extremely important. Our success has also come from remaining connected to the communities we serve. We believe a security company can protect people and property while also creating employment opportunities, developing future leaders and contributing positively to the community.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that growth requires both courage and structure. Be willing to pursue opportunities that may initially seem larger than your company, but make sure you are building the operational foundation necessary to deliver when the opportunity arrives. Relationships also matter. Build genuine relationships before you need something, listen to your clients, surround yourself with people who bring strengths you may not have and never stop learning.

I would also tell other Veteran entrepreneurs to take advantage of certifications, supplier-diversity programs, mentorship and organizations such as NaVOBA. Your Veteran experience is valuable, but you still have to communicate your capabilities, build relationships and consistently demonstrate what your company can deliver.

Do not grow faster than your infrastructure can support. Winning business is exciting, but every new contract brings additional responsibilities involving staffing, payroll, compliance, insurance, training, supervision and cash flow. I would also caution business owners against trying to do everything themselves. Build a capable team, establish processes early, document what works, understand your contracts before signing them and know your numbers. Most importantly, do not compromise your company's reputation for short-term growth. One opportunity is never worth sacrificing your standards or integrity.

I am proud that Diligence Security Group has grown from an Oakland-based company into a security organization capable of supporting government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, businesses, community organizations and major events throughout California. As a Veteran-Owned business, our mission extends beyond providing security. We believe in creating opportunities for Veterans and members of the communities in which we operate, developing our employees into leaders and demonstrating that diverse small businesses can successfully compete for and perform significant contracts. Diligence Security Group is continuing to expand its capabilities across security services, event security, security technology, fire and life safety, armored services and emergency response. I am excited about our next chapter and about continuing to build relationships within the NaVOBA community.