Anil (Atmaram) Desai hails from the charming village of Pernem in North Goa. A law graduate from Salgaonkar College of Law, Anil has carved a niche for himself by establishing one of the most successful security agencies in Goa. His father relocated to the capital city, leaving behind their 400-year-old ancestral home, in pursuit of better opportunities and a brighter future for his family.
Despite his father’s service-oriented background, Anil ventured into the business world and found tremendous success. His story is one of determination and vision, as he built Goa’s leading professional security agency, leaving an indelible mark on the state. Anil Desai’s journey from a small village to becoming a prominent business figure in Goa is truly inspiring.
Anil Desai originally pursued a law degree with aspirations of a legal career. “Soon after finishing my degree, I joined the Chamber of Mahesh Sonak, who is now a judge of the honourable high court of Goa,” shared Anil. He also practised alongside Advocate Devidas Pangam, currently the Advocate General of Goa.
“Coming from a service-oriented family, my first choice was steady employment, and I was fortunate to secure a position with GSIDC,” Anil recalled. GSIDC, a new corporation initiated by the late Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar, appointed Anil as the Manager Legal Head. “In just a year and a half, the organization built more than fifty bridges across Goa, significantly advancing the state’s infrastructure. However, after Mr. Parrikar moved to Delhi, the organization lost its direction, prompting me to move on to my next role as Corporate Legal Head at Dempo Group of Companies.”
At Dempo Group of Companies, Anil Desai had his longest stint, spanning 12 years, before venturing into the security industry. When asked about what influenced his decision, he shared an intriguing story: “My uncle, who was the Superintendent of Police and later the Chief of Police at Daman, Diu, and Silvasa in 1995, started his own security services business in 1998. He quickly grew his company, leveraging the industrial hub of Silvasa, and now runs one of the top security services in India. He inspired me to leave my job and enter the so-called ‘risky business’ of entrepreneurship.”
Despite the reluctance and fear of losing a steady income, Anil decided to take the plunge. “I couldn’t take the jump immediately, so I studied the market thoroughly. I travelled to Daman to understand the security business and its workings. It was a blue-collar job, completely different from the corporate world. I had to deal with various situations faced by security guards. I wasn’t cut out for it initially, and age was a factor—I was no longer a 20-year-old willing to take risks. I had a family to support. However, after four to five months of research, I decided to dive into my venture.”
Anil’s journey, marked by careful planning and unwavering determination, eventually led him to establish a successful security agency, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic entrepreneur.
When Anil Desai entered the security business, he quickly began to observe both its strengths and weaknesses. As a highly educated law graduate, he realized he had a significant advantage over others who lacked professional or educational backgrounds. “When I started the security business, the first thing I did was obtain a PSARA (Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act) license, which regulates the functioning of private security agencies. This initiative, introduced by Honorable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, ensures the authenticity and training of security professionals who guard your home and office in your absence,” Anil explained.
He continued, “We established our training center in Miramar and a training ground in Raibandar to provide essential training to our security guards. Each guard is trained according to their specific placement. For instance, guards working in resorts are trained to be polite and hospitable, understanding the importance of professionalism. In contrast, guards placed in housing societies are trained for a different set of responsibilities. All our guards are also trained in using firefighting equipment.”
Anil further added, “The next step was to set up an upmarket office. I had seen the kind of offices most security companies had, and I wanted something better. Our office includes a fully equipped meeting room, a conference room, a pantry, and all the necessary facilities. This professional environment not only sets us apart but also ensures we provide the best service to our clients.”
Through his meticulous planning and dedication, Anil Desai has transformed his venture into a leading security agency in Goa, demonstrating that professionalism and proper training are key to success in the industry.
Today, Anil Desai boasts an impressive portfolio of over 130 clients, a testament to his dedication to trust and exceptional service. “I believe in building relationships rather than just accumulating clients,” Anil emphasized. When he first ventured into the security business, many doubted his capabilities. He then chose to grow his client base through friends and family, allowing the business to flourish. “Joining BNI was a game-changer. It significantly boosted our growth, and there was no turning back. In just four and a half years, we expanded to a large office and now employ a force of more than four hundred guards.”
Anil also spoke about the importance of creating a recognizable brand. “It started with the color of our security guards’ uniforms, which is crucial. After surveying the market, I chose Maroon & Black, inspired by the Japanese Police. Next, we created a trademark for Squad Security, incorporating an ‘A’ in the design, naming it A-Squad Security Company. This branding made our business stand out,” he explained.
Anil Desai sees crises as opportunities. “We launched our security agency in 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While many businesses were downsizing, I focused on employment generation. As others were laying off staff, I hired more, taking advantage of the availability of affordable labour. By the time the pandemic receded, I had built a substantial team, having taken care of them for six months—it was a calculated risk,” he explained.
Anil also navigated the challenges of placing his security guards during the pandemic. “With most businesses shut down, the food sector was one of the few operating. I secured contracts with supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants, and later expanded into clubs.”
Today, the demand for security services is vast, spanning government and private organizations. “The trend of private security for the wealthy and famous is growing, and we hold a significant share in this sector. We also provide security for major events like IFFI, the World Table Tennis Tournament, temples, and banks. We are everywhere, and I’m here to paint the town in Maroon and Black,” Anil proudly stated.
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