Johnson Security Bureau: Building Multigenerational Success

Jessica Johnson-Cope, CEO of Johnson Security Bureau (JSB), pondered options for scaling the firm. JSB was the oldest Black-owned security firm in New York, and among the oldest Black-owned security firms in the United States. It provided mostly unarmed security guards to locations such as banks, public works, hospitals, and others. Johnson-Cope could deepen her business in New York; engage in partnerships or joint ventures with other security firms outside of New York; develop a new line of business in cybersecurity; or some combination. If she joined forces with other firms, Johnson-Cope would have to consider whether to prioritize retaining JSB’s status as a woman-owned, minority-owned firm, a crucial aspect of JSB’s competitive strategy.