November 15, 2018

Meet John Griffin Jr. of AGB Investigative Services in Beverly

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to John Griffin Jr..

John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Entrepreneurship isn’t a straight and paved road, however, AGB has found success by giving back to our community. That’s our ‘secret sauce’, we are servant leaders that provide protection, job training, and life skills to the communities we service.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
“In the beginning the man upholds the vision, but later on the vision upholds the man.” AGB Investigative Services opened its doors on April 13th, 2001. AGB began in the area of Investigation only, which involved subpoenas, lawyer support, and investigations. Two years later, AGB evolved into a full-service security firm that secures people, property, and data. AGB was initially funded by John H. Griffin and his wife. Personally, financing the dream of entrepreneurship was the greatest sacrifice for John and his wife Dr. Griffin in the early years of AGB. This took a toll on them personally, as they were in the midst of raising four small children. However, John and Dr. Griffin’s motivation was driven by providing an economic legacy for their children, as well as the community. They were faced with no access to capital, and a crashing economy through 2008.

Despite the lack of access to capital, AGB did not lay off any employees and they recovered well. In 2014, AGB was awarded the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Growth Award. In 2015, John was awarded with the Small Business Person of the Year (Illinois Business District). Business has continued to grow for AGB as we are now with over 800 employees in 8 states.

The low barrier to entry aspect of security has been the most difficult obstacle for the industry. Professionalism is new to some employees, however, AGB has addressed and succeeded by launching an Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) Certified, Educational Institute. AGB is committed to developing men and women through the vehicle of security. Always Giving Back is true to its name, as it consists of an Educational Institute, a 501(c)3 foundation dedicated to workforce development & scholastic scholarships for Chicago’s youth, and a for-profit which is built on the principle of ‘giving’. The institution’s tuition and fees for employees, is initially funded by AGB Investigative Services.

Do you feel like our city is a good place for businesses like yours? If someone was just starting out, would you recommend them starting out here? If not, what can our city do to improve?
It’s a tough political climate in the city of Chicago, however we’ve collaborated with partners in the city that has helped us succeed in business. I highly recommend entrepreneurs to begin businesses in Chicago. By opening up your business’ doors, you have an opportunity to build the local economy and employ members of your community.