What Does Guardsmark Do?

Total employees1368
HeadquartersMemphis
Founded

Guardsmark, LLC was a prominent American security services company founded in 1963 by Ira A. Lipman. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, it provided uniformed security officers and security solutions to a diverse range of clients across various industries. Known for its stringent hiring and training standards, Guardsmark established a reputation for quality and professionalism. In 2015, the company was acquired by Universal Services of America (now Allied Universal), integrating its operations and legacy into one of the largest security companies globally. This page provides historical information about Guardsmark prior to its acquisition.

Where Is Guardsmark's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Served as the central command for all national and international operations, strategic planning, administrative functions, and executive leadership for Guardsmark's security services.

Notable Features:

The historic downtown Memphis building, known as the Guardsmark Building, was a significant local landmark. The company was also recognized for its extensive art collection displayed in its corporate offices.

Work Culture:

Guardsmark was known for a disciplined and professional work culture, emphasizing rigorous recruitment, comprehensive training, high standards of conduct for its officers, and a strong commitment to client service. Ethical practices and a serious, detailed approach to security were core tenets.

HQ Significance:

The Memphis headquarters was the heart of a major national security firm, symbolizing its growth from a small agency founded by Ira Lipman into a significant player in the industry, known for its quality-focused approach.

Values Reflected in HQ: The choice of a prominent, well-maintained headquarters, coupled with its internal art collection, likely reflected the company's values of stability, professionalism, commitment to quality, and an appreciation for culture and detail.

Location:

Prior to its acquisition in 2015, Guardsmark operated extensively across the United States with over 130 branch offices. While primarily U.S.-focused, it also maintained operations or service capabilities in Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United Kingdom. Its global functions included providing uniformed security personnel, specialized security services, investigations, and security consulting to multinational corporations and organizations.

Street Address:

22 South Second Street

City:

Memphis

State/Province:

Tennessee

Country:

USA

Where Else Does Guardsmark Operate Around the World?

New York, New York/USA

Address: 10 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10020 (Historical Executive Office)

To provide comprehensive, high-quality security solutions, including uniformed officers, risk assessments, consulting, and investigations, tailored to the unique and demanding needs of a major global financial and commercial center. It was also vital for national account management and business development.

Buying Intent Signals for Guardsmark

Highperformr Signals uncover buying intent and give you clear insights to target the right accounts at the right time — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams close more deals, faster.

Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading Guardsmark? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, Guardsmark' leadership includes:

Ira A. Lipman - Founder, Chairman, President & CEO
Don DrieLinger - Executive Vice President
Gustave K. Lipman - Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Craig Carrow - Senior Vice President, Administration

Who's Investing in Guardsmark?

Guardsmark has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

Guardsmark was privately owned by its founder Ira A. Lipman until its acquisition in 2015 by Universal Services of America (which was backed by Warburg Pincus and Partners Group at the time). Universal Services of America subsequently merged with AlliedBarton Security Services to become Allied Universal.

What Leadership Changes Has Guardsmark Seen Recently?

Hire0
Exits0

Guardsmark was acquired by Universal Services of America (now Allied Universal) in September 2015 and ceased to operate as an independent entity. Therefore, there have been no executive hires or exits specifically for Guardsmark in the last 12 months. Significant leadership transitions occurred at the time of the acquisition and integration into the new parent company.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byGuardsmark?

Discover the tools Guardsmark uses. Highperformr reveals the technologies powering your target accounts — helping your sales, marketing, and GTM teams prioritize smarter and close faster.

Guardsmark Email Formats and Examples

Prior to its acquisition in 2015, Guardsmark, LLC likely used standard corporate email formats, such as [first_initial][last]@guardsmark.com or [first].[last]@guardsmark.com. Specific details on their primary historical email structure are not readily available in public records. Following the acquisition, official communications transitioned to the email systems of the acquiring entity (now Allied Universal).

[first_initial][last]@guardsmark.com (e.g., jdoe@guardsmark.com) or [first].[last]@guardsmark.com (e.g., jane.doe@guardsmark.com) were plausible common formats.

Format

jdoe@guardsmark.com (example historical format, not active)

Example

0%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About Guardsmark?

The New York Times (DealBook)September 29, 2015

Guardsmark Sold to Universal Services of America for Reported $607 Million

Universal Services of America announced its agreement to acquire Guardsmark for approximately $607 million. This strategic acquisition significantly expanded Universal Services' national footprint and diversified its client portfolio, combining two major U.S. security service providers....more

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis)November 9, 2019

Ira A. Lipman, Guardsmark Founder and Philanthropist, Dies at 78

Ira A. Lipman, the founder of Guardsmark and a prominent Memphis businessman, philanthropist, and civic leader, passed away at the age of 78. He built Guardsmark from a small agency in 1963 into one of the world's largest security services companies, known for its high standards and quality....more

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