Putting People First in Security
In 2010, while most security companies were focused on scaling operations and standardizing procedures, Derek Oldham and Dan Wachtler saw a fundamental flaw in the industry. Having worked for large security corporations, they experienced firsthand how the “one-size-fits-all” approach was failing both clients and security officers.
“We came from large security companies where we felt small and unheard,” explains Derek Oldham, President of IPSA Security Services. “The traditional model prioritized expansion over excellence, treating security officers as interchangeable assets rather than valued team members.”
This realization sparked the founding of IPSA Security Services with a revolutionary premise: put the officers first, and exceptional client service would naturally follow. This philosophy emerged from a critical gap they identified in the Phoenix market—businesses needed security partners who truly understood their unique challenges, not just generic solutions.
“No two properties are exactly alike. We build custom security programs for each client for a reason,” Oldham explains. This foundational belief has guided IPSA’s approach since day one.
From Local Startup to Industry Leader
IPSA’s journey from startup to industry leader features several pivotal moments that defined the company’s trajectory.
2012: Landing the City of Phoenix Contract
Just two years after opening their doors, IPSA secured a contract with the City of Phoenix—a watershed moment that established their credibility in a competitive market.
“That city contract put us on the map,” recalls Oldham. “It validated our approach and demonstrated that our emphasis on personalized service and officer development could win against larger, more established competitors.”
The contract required IPSA to scale their operations while maintaining their commitment to customized security solutions—a challenge they embraced by developing their proprietary five-step process that would later become a hallmark of their service model.
2018: Expansion to Austin
By 2018, IPSA’s reputation for excellence had grown so substantially that expansion beyond Arizona became not just possible, but necessary. The company opened its Austin, Texas office, bringing their unique approach to security services to a new market.
“Expanding to Austin wasn’t just about growth—it was about proving our model could succeed in different environments with different security challenges,” explains Oldham. “We didn’t want to simply replicate our Phoenix operation; we wanted to adapt our core principles to serve another community’s specific needs.”
2020: Refining Operations During Crisis
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, businesses across the country faced unprecedented security challenges. While many security firms struggled to adapt, IPSA used this period to fine-tune their operational procedures.
“The pandemic forced everyone to rethink security,” Oldham notes. “For us, it was an opportunity to prove the flexibility of our approach. When protocols changed weekly, our community-centered model allowed us to respond much faster than companies with rigid, top-down structures.”
The crisis highlighted the value of IPSA’s technological integration—especially their proprietary reporting app that allowed clients to stay informed about security operations without being physically present on-site.
The IPSA Difference: Technology Meets Human Touch
What truly distinguishes IPSA from competitors is their seamless integration of technology and personalized service. Every security plan includes access to IPSA’s proprietary technology as a service offering, providing clients with up-to-date reporting on daily activities and patrols.
Community Manager Jolene Brown of Orpheum Lofts explains:
“IPSA’s app has given the community a more consistent level of service. It has also improved the flow of information between the property, administration, and the board of directors. We’re all on the same page, even if we’re not in the same room—and we know our property is in good hands.”
This technological edge complements rather than replaces the human element of security. IPSA’s officers undergo comprehensive training that exceeds industry standards, with specialized programs tailored to specific client environments—whether office buildings, residential communities, or industrial complexes.
The Challenge: Overcoming “Bigger is Better”
Perhaps the greatest challenge IPSA has faced throughout its growth is countering the “bigger is better” mentality that dominates the security industry.
“We constantly need to overcome the perception that ‘bigger is better,'” admits Oldham. “Many potential clients initially believe that national firms with thousands of officers provide superior security simply due to their size.”
IPSA has addressed this challenge through education and demonstrated results. By highlighting their local expertise, rapid response capabilities, and officer retention rates, they’ve shown that a focused, community-rooted security partner often delivers more value than a distant corporate entity.
“When clients compare our officers’ knowledge of their specific property with what they’ve experienced from larger companies, the difference becomes obvious,” says Oldham. “Our officers know the buildings, the tenants, the unique vulnerabilities—because we’ve taken the time to learn them.”
This commitment to local expertise has allowed IPSA to win contracts from national competitors, proving that sometimes smaller truly is better when it comes to security services.
The IPSA Approach: Why “One Size Fits One” Works
IPSA’s success stems from their recognition that effective security isn’t just about deploying uniformed officers—it’s about understanding each client’s distinct needs and developing solutions that address those specific challenges.
“Each client is different, so we can’t just have one security program for all clients,” explains Oldham. “We work with each client, learning about their property and constantly evaluating how we can do everything better. Having a true partner helps the security program thrive.”
This philosophy manifests in IPSA’s proprietary five-step process:
- Administrative Roll Out: Creating the foundation for a successful security program
- Build a Custom Team: Selecting officers whose skills match the specific client needs
- Facility Tour & Safety Audit: Identifying unique vulnerabilities and opportunities
- Comprehensive Training: Preparing officers for the specific environment
- Hit the Ground Running: Implementing the program with ongoing evaluation
This methodical approach ensures that every security solution is built from the ground up to address the client’s unique challenges—whether that’s access control, tenant safety, asset protection, or emergency response.
The Future of Local Security
As IPSA continues to grow, they remain committed to their founding principles of officer development, technological innovation, and customized security solutions. Their success challenges conventional wisdom about the security industry, demonstrating that a local focus can deliver superior results.
“We don’t just say we care about our clients—we demonstrate it at every opportunity,” Oldham emphasizes. “It’s not about our bottom line; it’s about making sure clients meet their goals. Having a trusted security team on the job means clients can focus on their core business.”
This client-centered approach has earned IPSA exceptional loyalty from both clients and officers—a testament to their belief that security services should strengthen rather than burden the communities they serve.
In an industry often defined by standardization, IPSA Security Services continues to prove that personalization isn’t just possible—it’s preferable. Their journey from a small local operation to a trusted industry leader demonstrates the power of putting people first and recognizing that in security, one size definitely does not fit all.
IPSA Security Services provides unarmed security solutions in Phoenix, AZ, Austin, TX, and surrounding areas. With services ranging from access control and asset protection to concierge reception and emergency response, IPSA delivers customized security programs that allow clients to focus on their core business while ensuring their properties and people remain safe and secure. Contact us at info@ipsasecurityservices.com or call (602) 889-1626 to learn more.
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