Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Oshan.
Alright, thank you for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
I started doing security at bars and clubs in NYC in the 90s. And on the security company Integrated Security Solutions Group, which was started in 2017. I have always enjoyed being around people and events, concerts, and the energy you get from being involved. I have always been a people person, so it was a great match. One of the things I noticed (and still to this day) is that the security staff could have communicated more positively most of the time. There are times that discussion may not be an option, but for the most part, you can resolve a situation without physical intervention. I moved to Texas in 2003 and became the Director of Security for a major hospital organization in Austin. I truly enjoyed my job, but something was missing. I started working with several local companies that do events in Austin, which was eye-opening. I decided to research and create a security training program for event staff bodyguards and corporate security, which is still the foundation of ISSG’s contractor training requirements. I took that training passion and trained students for 4 years at Gary Job Corps in San Marcos, Texas. That was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life and paved the way for ISSG to be formed. Our clients want more than just bodies; they want ambassadors that represent their brand and let’s face it, security is usually the first impression of an event. My mantra for the company is “self-control is good for the soul,” and verbal de-escalation is one of the subjects that all staff must be trained in. You would be surprised at how much a calm voice and smile diffuse a situation. The success of ISSG comes from performing at a higher level, proper training, and constant communication with clients. My clients can contact me directly and never get lost in the shuffle. Communication is key, and ISSG is a company that believes in that.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Some of the obstacles faced were changing the public’s and staff’s mindset on what security was and what it could be. It was a challenge to shed the “Bouncer” image and create a more positive attitude on both sides of that fence. The training was another issue, as most of the staff out there when I started ISSG needed to be trained or licensed. That has since changed, with companies requiring mandatory training and licensing from the State of Texas. We helped break the ground on the training aspect.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ISSG is a full-service event security and personal protection company. We specialize in and are known for event security and the protection of musicians and celebrities. We handle everything from the venue’s full stage areas to advances, transportation, and protection for our clientele. What sets ISSG apart from other companies is our staff is never just a number to us. I know every one of our staff, and my door is always open. We keep our growth to be a middle-sized company, as once you get to be too big, you lose that personal touch that staff and clients depend on. We are expanding into the California, New York, and Nevada markets as the demand for our services in those locations has gained momentum. I am the proudest brand-wise of the fact that we do no advertising, and our business is strictly word of mouth and referrals from current clients. I am most proud of the staff that is on our team. Without them, ISSG wouldn’t exist. All of our services are on the website, including online training. www.issgllc.com
Who else deserves credit for your story?
ISSG’s clients also deserve credit as they have helped the company grow by telling others about our services and trusting us to perform to their high standards. My wife, Melissa Oshan, was truly the main supporter of ISSG. When doubts or things got rough during the start-up, she was the voice of reason.
Contact Info:
- Website: issgllc.com
- Instagram: @issg.llc
- Facebook: Integrated Security Solutions Group-ISSG
- Twitter: @ISSG_LLC
