The world is moving at a breakneck speed. For a private investigator, having the right team, cutting-edge technology, and resources are just a few critical pieces to not only keeping up with that pace, but also succeeding.
I began my career in 1998, employed by a private investigative agency until 2009. I acquired a lot of knowledge about being a private investigator and became licensed myself. I had a great mentor, Jeremiah “Jerry” P. McAward, who was gracious enough to take me under his wing. Eventually, I owned and operated my own agency from 2009 until 2020.
Owning and operating a private investigative agency and building it from a start-up to a functioning business for more than 10 years was extremely rewarding. I got to see firsthand how involved it is to own a small agency. You wear many hats (managing operations, administration, accounting, marketing, etc.), not just investigative work. Something always needs attention, and operations never cease.
I realize now that we were so consumed with the day-to-day responsibilities that we lost focus on improving critical components of the business, such as technology, learning and development, expanding network/resources, and diversifying our service offerings. We specialized in background screening and due diligence, which was approximately 95% of our business. I never saw this as a problem until it became one. Business was good, our clients were happy, and we were busy.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, hiring came to a screeching halt. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity was minimal. Most customers were not placing orders. Some even went belly-up. To avoid a similar situation, I knew I had to make a life-changing decision and potentially sell my business.
Fortunately, I was introduced to Forhad Razzaque through a mutual friend. It didn’t take me long to realize that Integras Intelligence was the right place. After several discussions, I had the opportunity to integrate my company (MCA) and clients into Integras. MCA would join a larger organization that would continue to give our clients the same white-glove treatment that we gave. In addition, Integras had the team, technology, resources and capabilities to offer a broader range of services. In May 2020, just a couple of months after the start of the pandemic, I finalized my agreement with Integras.
Fast-forward two years later, and I am now the Manager of Investigations for the firm. My previous experience gave me the foundation to succeed. Joining the Integras team has increased my knowledge exponentially and allowed me to interact with other experienced investigators and specialists. As part of a team of experienced investigators with decades of experience in law enforcement, private security, and other related fields, we have a “think tank” that can be applied to any investigation or security matter. We brainstorm ideas that lead to the best possible results for our clients.
Through this experience, I’ve learned—and been reminded of—many key lessons:
- Relationships are fundamental. There are many examples of how critical this has been in my life—our clients, the friend that introduced me to Integras, and my new colleagues today.
- Diversification in business creates resiliency.
- Don’t wait until you need work to start looking for it. That’s a bad formula.
- Change can be a very positive thing. Always keep your mind open to new ideas.
- An investigator should never stop learning or acquiring new skills, no matter how much experience they have, just as in any other profession. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind. As we learned in March 2020, the world can change quickly. If it does, will you be prepared to give yourself a fighting chance at winning? If the answer is no, change is required.
Through all this, I’ve also been reminded that clients are the most important piece of the puzzle. Without the opportunities my clients have given me over the years, I would not be in the position I am in today. Thank you for your trust and loyalty.
