Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of living in the modern world is the constant need to play catch-up with regards to security welfare. Constant changes in laws and regulations, advancements in AI technology, and the evolving landscape of local and international crime make it seemingly impossible to be truly prepared for the day we find ourselves buried under the pressure of such risks.

Nevertheless, it has become my mission to ensure the safety and well-being of my clients. Although I did not see it in my youth, looking back, I now see the events that led me to this career choice. When I was sixteen, I spent a great deal of my time in the then-abandoned Bidwill Shopping Centre.

It was there that I met Kurene Luafalealo, a family friend of my neighbors, who was a security guard patrolling the site during its uncertain years. The center would open and then shut down quickly afterward; it never really got the support needed to stay open, but it did provide regular income for the local security guards.

Recognizing my disillusionment with the education system, Kurene counseled me on the importance of knowing what kind of career I wanted would help me avoid many pitfalls that undecided youth fall victim to. During this time, he gave me minor patrolling tasks and paid me for my work,. This gave me a real sense of accomplishment, something I had been lacking at the time.

Eventually, the shopping center closed down again (and would re-open and close again and again over the years), and Kurene's security job there would be more seasonal. Our talks set me on the path that led to my ten-year experience in the security and protection industry.

While pursuing my interest in security, I enrolled at TAFE to study Shopfitting during the day, while working at a maritime security company during the night. My duties included managing work slips, general office tasks, and cleaning equipment. Occasionally, I was allowed on the cargo ships our company protected to participate in safety drills, giving me a real feel for the job.

The drills were exhilarating; however, watching footage of cargo guards engaging in pirate defense highlighted the seriousness of fast response and the inherent violence in such a career. My time with them was short-lived due to a buyout, but I made lasting friendships and continued my journey in the security industry.

I built a reputation as a problem solver. Whenever a security risk was detected or high-profile clients needed someone trustworthy, my name and contact details were passed along with the phrase, “Call David Borgen, he’ll save your ass.”

As my reputation grew, I provided security for high-profile businesses, organizations, and clients such as AFLW, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, TEG Dainty, Interscope Records, and Universal Pictures. Even after ten years in the industry, I am not slowing down.

Providing talent protection for AFLW umpires, players and personnel (As seen on Fox Sports Live)

Unfortunately, the standards within the security industry have greatly decreased. Many previous clients of old associates have been reaching out, prompting me to officially open my own protection firm and focus solely on serving clients I've worked with in the past.

For the most part, I do not need or desire to expand my business further than the clients I am already engaging with. I've seen many security firms expand beyond their capabilities, focusing on gaining more contracts rather than prioritizing the well-being of their existing clients.

To understand the unique governance framework of Borgen S.Y.A., it's essential to examine the prevalent structure within the Australian security industry, a sector valued at approximately nine billion dollars.

Practices within the security industry

Large corporations often employ subcontractors rather than direct hires, creating a buffer that allows companies to deflect legal responsibilities in liability issues. This practice shields them from accountability for inadequate governance and oversight.

Subcontractors, or "middlemen," are tasked with rapidly and cost-effectively recruiting large numbers of employees, often referred to as "shoe fillers." This allows the primary company to focus on securing additional contracts, often beyond their operational capacity, leading to a cascading subcontracting system where service quality is significantly diluted.

Employees are frequently recruited through platforms like Gumtree, WhatsApp, and other social media without formal interviews or training, raising concerns about personnel reliability and quality. Companies might change names to evade detection by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), and often pay security guards and concierges in cash, bypassing ATO regulations and depriving them of benefits like superannuation, sick leave, and penalty rates mandated by the Fair Work Ombudsman.

It's common for security companies to exploit international students who might be unaware of local regulations. The operational model for securing contracts with residential buildings involves:

Introducing an "A-Team" to impress potential clients and win contracts, with the building strata paying high rates per guard.
After securing the contract, the security company replaces the "A-Team" with lower-quality staff so that the “A-Team” can go on to impress the next client.
Due to an excess of contracts and insufficient personnel, the security company subcontracts to smaller firms, paying staff very low wages while retaining a significant portion of the fee, and paying off the books in cash.

These smaller firms might subcontract further, leading to employees being paid as little as $20 per hour or less, depending on the subcontracting layers. This multi-layered subcontracting severely impacts wages, working conditions, and service quality. Addressing these practices is crucial for ensuring safety, security, and client satisfaction.

Borgen S.Y.A practices & principles

Borgen S.Y.A is currently registered as a sole trader business. As a sole trader, I benefit from numerous advantages, one of the most significant being total control over all my business assets and decisions. This structure provides the flexibility and freedom to enhance my business practices according to my vision.

The simplicity of this business structure is a major advantage. It is straightforward to manage, and the ability to change the legal structure if the needs of the business evolve over time is simple. Managing these processes is uncomplicated, especially with the assistance of a qualified tax specialist. This makes operating as a sole trader significantly less stressful compared to other business setups. This structure will allow me to focus on successfully achieving the best interests of my clients.

Those of us who are paying attention see exactly the direction the world is heading. Now, more than ever, there is a need for vigilance and trustworthy protective services. I look forward to facing all coming obstacles with my courageous team and longtime clients who have believed in me throughout my security career journey.

With that being said, if you believe that you or your facility is in need of high-quality security protection, feel free to reach out to me. You can follow me on most social media platforms. Soon, the official Borgen SYA podcast will be available, where I discuss all matters relating to the security industry, protection, world events, and blockchain technologies.

I look forward to playing a small role in informing my audience of the coming risks society will face, along with the measures we can take to protect ourselves and our communities.

Until next time, exercise patience with one another, and stay safe.

Welcome to Borgen SYA

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