As a former U.S. Army Ranger and security contractor who worked in the Middle East, Mike Daly is no stranger to challenges and stressful situations.

But the 28-year-old New Tampa resident said starting your own business is no easy task.

“It’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve done, and that’s saying a lot,” said the owner of a Signal 88 Security franchise in New Tampa. “It takes a lot of work and it’s a huge commitment. It’s like playing poker and going all in." 

Daly’s gamble is paying off. Although he only started his business six months ago, Daly has two branded security vehicles, four officers he employs and 10 contract clients. He provides mobile patrolling, common area security and on-site response services mainly to residential complexes in the New Tampa and University of South Florida areas. His business is headquartered at 17427 Bridge Hill Court in the Tampa Palms Professional Center. 

“I couldn’t be happier,” he said. “To get 10 contracts immediately – it’s all gone so quick.”

Daly is often out patrolling at night while taking care of administrative work during the day. That has meant little opportunity for a full night’s rest.

“I drink a lot of coffee and Red Bull,” he said.

Originally from Marion County, Daly served in the U.S. military for eight years, seeing lots of active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq. Daly signed on in 2008 with DynCorp International, a global government services provider for U.S. security and foreign policy matters. Returning to civilian life and launching a security company seemed a logical next step given his background.

“When I was overseas, I always knew I wanted my own company,” he said. “I had been looking at a lot of franchising. I wanted something that was set up so I could just jump in the saddle.”

Daly learned about the Nebraska-based Signal 88 Security company, which was founded in 2003 and means "situation secure" in Nebraska police code. It was a cost-effective franchise, Daly said, adding many people don’t realize having your own company is such a significant investment.

“I would say my initial investment was $25,000, but then I put another $30,000-$40,000 into it,” he said.

What sets Signal 88 apart from the competition, Daly said, is its state-of-the-art technology and personal attention. He said his vehicles’ on-board computers allow officers to provide detailed reports during every single sweep through a complex – even if an individual contract demands up to 15 patrols in one night.

“The property manager can see this online,” he said, adding officers look at everything that pertains to safety, including lighting and trash assessments.

Officers can either be armed or not armed, depending on what a client wants. With its spinning amber light, Signal 88 isn’t sneaking up on anyone.

“We’re a deterrent,” Daly said, adding Signal 88 also provides unlimited responses. “Sometimes we’re just enforcing the rules: making sure people are out of the pool after closing time, addressing loud noises.”

Things are going so well that Daly said he has actually had to turn down some work because he is so busy. But expansion is on the radar.

“In five years I hope to have 10 vehicles swarming the Tampa Bay area and just continue on,” he said.

More Information

Address: 17427 Bridge Hill Court
Website: www.signal88.com
Email: mdaly@signal88.com
Phone: (813) 476-1083