STEVE JONES
GLOBAL CHAIRMAN/CEO
ALLIED UNIVERSAL
WHY: Built the world’s biggest private security firm with $22B in annual sales and 800K employees; nearly 7.5K in OC.
IN THE NEWS: Irvine-based Allied is the largest private company in OC. Completed a half-dozen M&A deals this year, with aggregate annual revenues totaling well over $490M.
NOTABLE: Keynote speaker at Business Journal 2023 Innovator of the Year Awards. Over the last seven years, he and his wife, Stacy, have co-hosted Hot Summer Nights, an event that has raised more than $13M for Vera’s Sanctuary to support victims of human trafficking. Past headliners for OC event include En Vogue, Mickey Thomas, CeeLo Green, Kool & the Gang.
QUOTABLE: On Vera’s Sanctuary: “If someone in the U.S. is battling addiction, experiencing homelessness, or escaping domestic violence, they have access to nearly 30,000 residential care facilities. But for victims of human trafficking, there’s only one licensed residential drug treatment shelter in the entire country—and it happens to be just miles from our global headquarters in Orange County. That’s why Stacy and I are committed to shining a spotlight on this critical issue.”
On M&A activity: “Each acquisition strengthens our presence in key service sectors and regional markets, as well as reinforces our commitment to delivering world-class security services. As we continue to grow, Allied Universal remains focused on integrating these businesses seamlessly to drive innovation, elevate service and help create safer environments around the world.”
FUN FACT: Enjoys watching oldest son play for University of Arizona football team as a true freshman and watching youngest son ball out as quarterback for Crean Lutheran High School and as point guard for basketball.
