Steve Jones began his career with Universal Services of America in 1996 after holding executive level and management positions within two Fortune 500 companies.
Under his leadership, Allied Universal has grown from $12 million in revenue to more than $7.25 billion with more than 215,000 employees. The company has acquired more than 60 companies from 2011 to 2019. His vision for Allied Universal is to be the leader in integrated security solutions, offering clients manned guarding and systems technology to create the best possible security solution.
“We took a small local company with revenues of $12 million and an employee base of 400 and turned that into the industry’s number one security organization. I’m honored to have built a company with the ultimate goal to serve, secure and care for the people and businesses in our communities,” he says.
Jones understands that his employees are the cornerstone behind the company’s continued success. Thus, Allied Universal uses a recruitment and stringent screening process, followed by orientation and initial and onsite training. Allied Universal is a five-time recipient of the Orange County Business Journal Best Places to Work award, which recognizes leading workplaces in Orange County, Calif.
Outside of Allied Universal, Jones works with the FBI and Homeland Security, offering guidance and support on trends within the security industry and how to implement advanced security initiatives.
Allied Universal supports various charities such as the Children’s Cancer Research Fund’s Annual Kids 4 Kids Run/Walk, the Starlight Children’s Foundation, HomeAid America, The Make a Wish Foundation and the SIERRA CLUB. Personally, he has spearheaded a variety of fundraising events that support Boys Town, Orangewood and VOALA’s Victim Assistance Sanctuary.
“The security industry offers so many opportunities in a variety of different avenues,” Jones says. “Regardless of the world’s economic conditions, security threats and opportunities are always present and the challenges we face never go away. I would encourage all security professionals in the public or private sector to educate themselves in general business and leadership courses. The more aligned corporate leaders of organizations/departments are with security leaders, the more influence security professionals will have in the overall strategy. When you create value for your business or your organization, you create value for yourself!”
