The Blackstone Management Team

Phoenix:

Dan Swindall - President/CEO 

Leadership is the cornerstone of any organization’s image and success. At Blackstone Security Services, Inc., that leadership is provided by President  & CEO Dan Swindall.

Dan knew when he was 12 years old that he wanted to own his own company, but he had to wait until after a tour of military service in England before he developed the skills that determined the type of business he would own, and gained the historical perspective that gave the company its name.

The Arizona native has more than 25 years of security experience that began with a five-year stint as a security officer in the U.S. Air Force. After his honorable discharge in 1982, Dan signed on with the Tatt Companies, an international security firm that later became Pedus Services, Inc.

Dan’s first assignment with Tatt was as Nuclear Security Division Commander at the Palo Verde Nuclear Plant, the nation’s largest nuclear generating station, in Tonopah about 50 miles west of Phoenix. As division commander at Palo Verde, Dan was in charge of training, scheduling, coordination and compliance for 60 security personnel. It was Dan’s responsibility to make sure the plant’s security was up to standards set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. NRC inspectors found no security deficiencies on Dan’s watch.

His next position with Tatt was Field Supervisor, where Dan trained and managed security guards throughout the Phoenix metro area and conducted site inspections to ensure that security personnel followed company and client policies and procedures.

Dan’s next assignment with Tatt was Corporate Training Coordinator, responsible for all security personnel for regional offices companywide. He also oversaw the preparation of training materials for various sites as requested.

Dan eventually was promoted to Vice President of Sales & Marketing with Tatt/Pedus Services. Dan supervised all sales and marketing efforts in the western United States, including sales training and tracking the efforts of sales staff.

This progression of responsibilities gave Dan an inside look at the good, the bad and the ugly of operating a security company.

Then, using the experience and knowledge gained from his military service and 10 years with Tatt, Dan combined his entrepreneurial spirit with his marketing acumen in the early 1990’s. That’s when he determined there was a need for a full-service security company that provided quality services to clients and took care of its employees.

Dan put together a unique business model based on employees and service instead of bureaucracy.  True to his leadership style, Dan built a company that is casual, easygoing and very efficient. Dan specializes in recognizing quality employees and motivating them to exemplify Blackstone’s core values: honesty, integrity, dependability, compatibility and service. Employees have personalities and so do clients. Dan is astute enough to know that each employee assignment should mirror the client’s individual personality and needs. Blackstone caters to a diversified client base whose needs range from watching over high school students on an interstate field trip to securing resort properties and construction sites.

Dan takes none of his success for granted. He is constantly absorbing information from numerous national and international sources on developments, incidents and techniques to stay in the forefront of the security industry. He passes on this information to employees, with the client being the ultimate beneficiary. Dan also educates prospective clients who may not even realize they need security or the number of services a quality security company can provide.

According to Dan, education and supervision are paramount to customer satisfaction in the security industry. The secret to Blackstone’s success is in the people who work there.

You can depend on Dan to provide prompt, reliable service based on serious core values that are exemplified by Blackstone’s satisfied employees.

The name “Blackstone” was chosen by Dan to honor Sir William Blackstone, an eighteenth century judge who was the first to write down the law and who became the first law professor at England’s Oxford University.

Dan’s perspective is that no matter what the assignment, you want to know you are getting the utmost in professionalism and service from your security company, and that is the Blackstone Edge.

Blackstone Security Services was born.

Jeanne Croft - Vice President of Business Development 

Jeanne Croft’s colleagues at Blackstone Security Services, Inc. describe her as a Type A personality who is a problem-solver, conscientious, tenacious and very organized. She is the catalyst that keeps company representatives on task, on time and on the mark when it comes to fulfilling contract requirements in accordance with Blackstone’s quality standards.

Personalities at Blackstone are as varied as our client base. Jeanne unites these personalities behind the singular purpose of your satisfaction.

Jeanne is a perfect example of our willingness to go outside the security industry to strengthen our management team by recruiting someone with direct knowledge and insight into the security needs of potential clients while improving our overall operations.

Blackstone’s increase in business and client satisfaction is directly attributable to Jeanne’s work ethic and her attention to detail. It’s Jeanne’s job to ensure your satisfaction by conducting periodic audits of all your facilities regarding updates of post orders and quality assurance surveys. She also meticulously records all your requests and the resolution of those requests.

Jeanne’s success in building new business and retaining satisfied clients is the result of 20 years experience working in industries that need on-site security services, arming the South Dakota native with inside knowledge concerning your security needs before she contacts you. She brought with her an awareness of the security needs and issues of clients, such as commercial property management companies, when she joined Blackstone in 2004.

Jeanne’s wealth of experience began as Assistant Property Manager for Tower Realty. Her problem solving and client relation skills developed rapidly after she assumed responsibility for tenant improvement build-outs. This assignment required Jeanne to satisfy the needs of tenants, contractors and vendors. She also tracked construction budgets, handled accounts receivables and payables, and prepared annual property budgets.

Her early success with Tower Realty soon landed her a promotion to Renovation and Construction Coordinator where she managed $10 million in construction renovations while handling public relations and client relations throughout the construction phase.

Just prior to joining Blackstone, Jeanne worked for Carter Companies, a commercial real estate development firm in Arizona, where her duties went far beyond her title of Office Manager. At Carter Companies, Jeanne further honed her client relations skills by dealing with contractors involved in the construction and development of office buildings. She also prepared project bid specifications and was the primary communication link for leasing agents, the developer and tenants.

Jeanne is a big reason why the secret to Blackstone’s success is in its people.

William “Bill” Richards - Quality Control & Customer Service

William “Bill” Richards brings a distinguished career in business development and management to Blackstone. His four decades of management expertise covers the spectrum of corporate operations, including human resources, employee relations, supervision, contract accuracy and overseeing compliance with governmental rules and regulations. The Wisconsin native’s experiences in the public and private sectors make him an excellent fit for cultivating business with government agencies and developing commercial accounts. Bill’s business acumen is a definite plus in driving the company’s sales and marketing efforts, proposal preparation and presentations. Bill also oversees procedures on proper client contact and ensuring customer satisfaction for the company’s operations throughout Arizona.

Bill’s extensive experience is a key ingredient in Blackstone’s successful contractual relationships with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, the Industrial Commission of Arizona and a number of commercial clients. His expertise keeps Blackstone on track in client relationships while navigating the maze of legal issues associated with contracts. Bill’s scrutiny of contracts enhances client relations because he ensures that you, the client, and Blackstone are protected, and that services are delivered appropriately and according to contract provisions.

The U.S. Navy veteran rated a top-secret military clearance during his active duty because of his cryptology and radar military assignments. Bill used his awareness of the connection of security with Federal Aviation Administration regulations while serving as Vice President & General Manager for DynAir Technical Services for 12 years. During that time, Bill managed more than 1,100 mechanics and avionics personnel in Arizona, Texas and Florida. Their presence on airport flight lines required strict observance of security procedures. Bill has extensive experience validating security background checks of prospective employees, including drug screens.

Security, as it relates to covering all the bases by following regulations, was paramount throughout Bill’s career in an industry where the smallest oversight or bending of the rules could result in unwanted consequences.

Bill’s management background and understanding of the complex operational issues that can undermine a company’s commitment to excellence keep Blackstone in the upper echelon of Arizona’s security industry.

Hugh Hall - Director of Security Operations 

The secret to Blackstone’s success is in its people and Hugh Hall is the guardian of that secret. As the Director of Security Operations, the former U.S. Army sergeant oversees the daily operations of the security force, including scheduling, site-specific training and payroll input. In this role, Hugh maintains close contact with customers and security staff to make sure the client receives quality service.

Hugh’s instructional regimen exposes trainees to the most current practices and developments in the security business, including anti-terror security measures.  He instills trainees with a conscientious professionalism and the real-world need for constant alertness. Hugh’s credentials speak for themselves.

Hugh’s resume spans more than three decades in the security business and includes supervising the security operations for just about everything from a county social services department in New York to casinos and directing airport security checkpoints.

A North Carolina native who grew up in New York, Hugh’s diverse geographic and professional venues impressed the importance of compatible assignments on his approach to security. Hugh trains and assigns personnel for specific assignments, a key characteristic of Blackstone’s business model.

Clients get a feeling of confident relief when they learn about Hugh’s qualifications. He holds a Federal Aviation Administration certification in Homeland Security and is certified by the Federal Transportation and Safety Administration as a trainer of security supervisors who become trainers.

Hugh has a top-secret clearance from the U.S. Department of Defense and is a certified technician for the Berringer Trace Detection Unit, a device used by airports to detect explosives.

Hugh’s training served him well as Terminal Manager for Globe Aviation at Sky Harbor International Airport. Hugh supervised security checkpoints at Sky Harbor and made sure various airlines complied with FAA regulations. He also trained and scheduled security screeners. On Hugh’s watch, airport security checkpoints had a failure rate of less than one percent during surprise FAA inspections.

Before joining Blackstone, Hugh was a Casino Security Specialist at Ft. McDowell Casino, where he was in charge of the security of casino property on the floor, patron welfare and the transfer of large amounts of cash. He also enforced proper gaming procedures by overseeing the monitoring of casino surveillance equipment.

Hugh’s training methods and Blackstone’s employee relations are a natural fit: Treat employees with respect and that same respect will be passed along to clients. To Hugh, respect is the cornerstone of employee loyalty. He believes employees are the real ambassadors of Blackstone and he prepares them to serve as such.

After spending much of his career with large companies, Hugh is happy to be with Blackstone because everyone knows their job and have common goals. When you know Hugh Hall, you know the Blackstone Edge.

Mitzi Hagan - Human Resources Manager 

Human Resources Manager Mitzi Hagan is the microscope under which all aspiring Blackstone employees must pass. Her ability to recognize candidates with the “right stuff” stems from 18 years of service in the security industry, during which time she has screened thousands of security personnel while managing the human resources and administrative operations for regional and international security companies.

Mitzi’s hands-on approach to her job includes interviewing, orientation, training scheduling and assisting with site placement. She helps employees maintain high levels of effectiveness with counseling, promotions, pay raises and disciplinary actions. She is adept at performing thorough background investigations of all applicants to verify their compliance with federal and state regulations.

Mitzi’s comprehensive knowledge of the nuts-and-bolts of security operations has made her an invaluable member of Blackstone’s management team since she joined the company in 2004.

The security business is such a specialized industry in Arizona that good people follow good people, and previous employees constantly seek out Mitzi because they know the organizations she represents deliver great client services and provide positive, structured work environments.

Under Mitzi’s guidance, Blackstone security personnel receive training that is interactive and exceeds the curriculum content set forth in guidelines established by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. She is able to initiate these levels of quality because of the flexibility allowed by Blackstone. Unlike the cattle calls issued by corporate giants in assigning personnel, Blackstone’s compatibility policy allows Mitzi to select training programs and recommend assignments on a personalized basis.

Mitzi’s career began in 1988 with international security giant Pedus Services, Inc., where she handled all company communications and supervised the deployment of personnel. She also served as the company liaison with clients and law enforcement agencies.

She then moved on to Burns International Security/Securitas as administrative manager in 1994, where she handled payroll and billing and coordinated the maintenance of all equipment and vehicles. Worker’s compensation and unemployment claims also were Mitzi’s responsibility, as were yearly audits of all contract employee contracts and files. She also arranged training programs to keep employees current on policies, procedures and system upgrades.

The Virginia native performed similar services for Vigilant Integrated Services in 2001. Behind every good company, there are unseen people who are dedicated to that company’s efficient operation. At Blackstone Security Services, Mitzi Hagan is one of those people.

New Mexico:

Shana Kohlman - Branch Manager 

When Blackstone Security decided to expand across state lines into New Mexico, Shana Kohlman rose to the top of the candidate list as a leader with the pioneering spirit and insight that would help the company establish new territory in the security industry.

Demographically, it made great sense for Blackstone to expand into New Mexico. Large domestic and foreign companies are moving into New Mexico to take advantage of comparatively inexpensive land. Movie studios have also increased filming there. Add to that the fact that New Mexico ranks third in the nation in crime, including property crimes and identity theft; it is an ideal time for Blackstone to extend its operations there and grow with other corporations.

As the Branch Manager based in Albuquerque, Shana is responsible for the full spectrum of managerial responsibilities including hiring, training, client relations, community outreach, billing, payroll and even some public relations.

The New Mexico native brings a solid background in law enforcement and corrections to Blackstone. Shana’s work in the security industry dates back to her days as a student at Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) where she earned extra money working part-time for campus security.

Shana worked as a police officer in Trinidad, Colorado before moving on to the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), a private prison company specializing in housing prisoners from various states. As a lieutenant with CCA, Shana transferred to Arizona and served as an Assistant Shift Supervisor and Trainer responsible for more than 60 employees and more than 1,000 inmates. Her areas of training included chemical and inflammatory agents, policy, procedures and Arizona Law.

Shana is a survivor and earned her spurs the hard way. While employed with CCA, she and a fellow corrections officer suffered serious injuries in one of the worst riots in Arizona corrections history. Shana’s ability to bounce back from that horrific experience is indicative of the resilience and drive that make her the ideal candidate to lead Blackstone’s New Mexico operations. Her experience in New Mexico also gives her the understanding of local attitudes and social issues. The owner of an Associate’s Degree from Trinidad Junior College in Colorado and a Bachelor’s Degree from ENMU, Shana’s communication skills are critical to establishing trust with potential clients. She regularly attends local meetings and networking opportunities.

Attention to detail, thoroughness, a vigorous training regimen, ethical behavior and communication skills are qualities that Shana lives by, and she personifies the very qualities that distinguish Blackstone from the competition.

            The addition of Deborah Lucas to our New Mexico office is further proof of Blackstone’s intent to establish a solid regional presence in the security industry. The New Mexico native studied business from the University of New Mexico and has a work history that reflects an extensive knowledge of the state’s corporate landscape, which makes her a custom fit for the position of Regional Manager, Business Development in our Albuquerque office.

            Deborah’s professional background includes several national corporations and spans the medical, service and nonprofit industries where she excelled in sales and new business development. Deborah enjoys meeting new people, and has worked with a variety of customer bases range from private individuals to large corporations. After 15 years in sales, Deborah sought a more challenging arena and gravitated to the security industry in 2005. As a Regional Sales Manager for a large national security company, Deborah was responsible for expanding customer bases in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and El Paso, TX. In addition to her professional responses to Requests for Proposal, Deborah capitalized on her interpersonal skills by meeting with clients to develop site-specific security plans.

            Armed with this experience, Deborah literally hit the ground running after she signed on with Blackstone. She helped acquire a major account with the Albuquerque-based North American Office of an international solar products company after only three weeks on the job.  Joining Blackstone was a natural progression for Deborah after she became aware of Blackstone’s commitment to establishing a regional presence in the Southwest. Deborah said the professional growth potential coupled with the opportunity to work with a company with transparent operations and well-established lines of communication made Blackstone the logical choice.  Deborah’s familiarity with New Mexico lifestyle, the security needs of its corporate culture and the security industry at-large make her a valuable addition to the Blackstone family.

Tucson:

Tony Browe - Branch Manager

Tony Browe brings an international perspective to a veteran Blackstone management team. His experience in the security arena includes personal protection work for foreign dignitaries, politicians and celebrities as well as owning his own security company in Dublin, Ireland. Tony’s enthusiasm and drive make him an excellent candidate to manage Blackstone’s operations in Tucson, Arizona, where he will have the responsibility for hiring, training, background checks, sales, contract management, client liaison and the budget. The Michigan native has 23 years experience in the security field, 16 of those years in management.

A former combat engineer, Tony became involved in the security business after his discharge from the U.S. Army when one of his former army officers hired him to oversee his security company’s Supervisor Training Program in Michigan. His duties included training and overseeing approximately 80 field supervisors on properties owned by various municipal governments and the Ford Motor Company.

Tony gained his international perspective by working for three different security companies in Ireland over a 15-year period, providing site security at public facilities, retail outlets, restaurants and nightclubs.

Eventually, Tony and a partner founded BSI Security, Ltd. In Dublin. They specialized in government contracts and providing site security for a variety of venues. A recipient of the highest certificate level from the Security Institute of Ireland, Tony also earned the highest security clearance available in that country.

Tony’s dedication to client satisfaction and his attention to detail are complemented by his willingness to take responsibility for the performance of the personnel he trains and supervises. His active, straightforward, hands-on approach to management leaves little room for misunderstandings with staff or clients. He believes very strongly in being accessible to customers and is only a phone call away from addressing customer needs directly.

He is licensed by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) as a private investigator and is certified by Arizona DPS in fingerprinting and performing background checks.

Tony’s management style combines a mix of problem solving skills with a positive “get it done” attitude. He firmly believes in a “team first, individual second” philosophy and conveys that to his staffers. He possesses the qualities and professionalism that are enhancing Blackstone’s emergence as a leader in the security industry enabling the company to continue to expand in other state and regional markets.