Abraham Kiswani

Find what you want to do as early in life as possible and focus on it. Surround yourself with good people who know what your goals are and encourage them to be the best at what they do.

 

Abraham Kiswani is the President of WSA. He partnered with his brother, and together they built a business providing security guard services. The business has stood the test of time. With over twenty years of experience, Abraham enhanced his knowledge to expand the business. In 2013 he earned his Master Instructor Certification which enables him to train others in the use of conducted energy weapons, better known as tasers. Security guards that are trained with the proper use of (CEW)/tasers add another layer to the service the business can provide.

Abraham operates his business with diplomacy and ease. He has surrounded himself with a strong staff and gives them credit for being well in sync with the goals he has set for the office. He believes in keeping an open-door policy with his employees to keep the environment running smoothly. He also believes in staying in touch with his clients regularly to make sure that his clients are happy with their service.

Abraham Kiswani is a devoted father. He enjoys spending time with his family. He is an avid fan of Chicago sports teams and likes to travel when time permits.

Where did the idea for your company come from?

My brother was a partner in a security firm which I worked at as well. It came to light that his partner did not own the license that they had initially partnered under. The license belonged to his partner’s father. We did not want to be in a vicarious position. We decided that it would be prudent to search for other alternatives. That is when we decided to open our own business. We opened in 2004, and it has been the best decision we could have made.

What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?

I start my day out early. I like to go for a run in the morning or work out before I get to my office. I check in with my managers and sales staff to make sure that everything is running smoothly. I follow up with my clients to make sure that we are providing excellent service and they are satisfied. It is a full day of addressing clients and staff communications. I have to make sure that everyone has what they need to perform their jobs well. I have a great staff. We work well together. I think my admin knows what I am thinking before I do. She can finish my sentences before me. She is great! When I leave the office, I enjoy spending time with my children.

How do you bring ideas to life?

When I come up with an idea, the first thing that I have to know is that the concept is going to work for everybody. I will begin by sharing the idea with my staff. We discuss it and if it is something that sounds like it will work for everyone, we will roll it out in phases. We observe the outcome, and if it goes well, we bring it to fruition.

What’s one trend that excites you?

One trend that excites me is that the economy is going great right now. It is much better for business when it is going well. I like this trend. I hope it keeps it up.

What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?

One habit of mine that makes me productive is that I am very driven. I have a significant amount of experience in the industry, so I am very confident. I make sure my clients hear my voice at least once a week. I make sure to stay on top of my salespeople to make sure that they are speaking with their clients. I follow up with managers consistently. I speak with my employees to make sure everything is running smoothly. I spend time out in the field several times a week. I always keep an open line of communication. I think that having an open dialogue is very productive for any business.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would tell my younger self not to be foolish. I would say to myself: find what you want to do as early in life as possible and focus on it. Surround yourself with good people who know what your goals are and encourage them to be the best at what they do.

Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.

I know it all. I like to think that people think that I know it all. So, I know it all! This holds true at least when it comes to certain things.

As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?

I would recommend that everyone should think before they act or speak. Make sure you practice this especially when you’re upset. If you don’t, it will always come back to haunt you. I have gotten much better at practicing this myself, but there was a time that I was not as wise. Now, I do it over and over and recommend that everyone else follows that practice.

What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?

Staying positive in the face of hardship. When starting a business there are always going to be tough times, it is important to believe in yourself and remain positive during these times in order to come out successful on the other side. A positive outlook can do wonders for your mental, and physical health and has been a main component in the success of my law firm.

What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?

There was a time when I lost a client over a disagreement. I know my business too well, and the conflict came from the positioning of a guard. Instead of explaining why our plan for security should be followed, I ended up being forceful, and I ended up losing the client needlessly. What I have done to overcome it is that now I make sure that I explain to our clients how and why we secure each location. I give them clarity as to why the plan is in their best interest.

What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?

The business idea that I think is great is an automated car wash. I think they should be on every corner.

What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?

One of the best ways that I have spent at the very least a hundred dollars is when I gave the money to a charity that helps to feed disadvantaged families over the holidays. We gave away five thousand turkeys to families. That made me feel excellent.

What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?

I use Quick Books to help me run my office. I use it for invoices, estimates, banking, payroll, and credit cards. It keeps all of my accounting in order.

What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. He was an amazing individual. He was a visionary.

What is your favorite quote?

Do not judge my life by the chapter you watch. Unknown author.

Key Learnings:

• Find what I want to do as early in life as possible and focus on it.
• Surround yourself with good people who know what your goals are and encourage them to be the best at what they do.
• Open communication is very productive for any business.

Connect:

http://abraham-kiswani.com/