2020 Ones to Watch: Ian Dahlberg, Dahlcore Security Guard Services

Name: Ian Dahlberg

Company: Dahlcore Security Guard Services 

Title: Owner/CEO

Education: BA Sociology, Minor Psychology

Which project, deal, or transaction was the “game-changer” in the advancement of your career?
Winter Lantern Festival in Staten Island. We had only four employees and were six months old. We hired 20 security officers for the event in two weeks and it ran for six weeks. The festival ended up being the biggest festival in Staten Island history. It put us on the map.

How do you contribute to your community or your profession?
Going from active duty military to security guard to security manager to security company owner, I have a broad view on most aspects of security services. I can relate to the Security Guards as well as understanding the client’s expectations. 

What do you like most about your job?
It gives me a sense of purpose I used to feel when I was in the Coast Guard. We’re not just a business, we are the team responsible for the safety of our clients. There is always room for improvement and creative solutions to exceed security goals and meet the client’s budget. As well as making this a place that people want to work at. For example, Ford Mustangs as security patrol vehicles and free classes for our officer that need to renew their security license.

What led you to your current profession?
After the Coast Guard, I explored opportunities as a civilian. Nothing appealed to me until I took a job as a security officer during college. I felt a comforting sense of familiarity from my time in the Coast Guard and decided to pursue a career in security. Since then, I became a security manager trainee at the Waldorf Astoria and held management positions with two of the largest security companies in the world. I managed accounts responsible for more than 300 security officers and 10,000 hours of security coverage a week. I saw room for improvement so I started Dahlcore.

What can our political leaders do to increase equality in the workplace?
Find a way to inspire young people to pursue education for the sake of knowledge and not financial gain. 

Who or what inspires you?
My wife and kids, Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Alexander the Great, Hannibal Barca, and Batman.

If your life were made into a movie, what actor would you want to portray you?
Clark Gable or Jon Hamm

What social media platform do you use the most professionally?
Linkedin