Focused on Omaha
Published:
June 7, 2005
June Small Business of the Month Armored Knights, Inc. is the only armored car company to construct its own facility in Omaha. “We’ve invested in Omaha by building it,” said Armored Knights founder and president Dick Knight.
Knight began the company in 1988 with an extensive background in law enforcement, including experience as a police officer, chief of police, state trooper and reserve deputy for Douglas County. He also served 25 years as a safety supervisor and district manager for Pacific Intermountain Express.
With just one employee and one truck, Armored Knights began at 136th and C streets. As the company grew – adding trucks, personnel and additional services – Knight began searching for a new location. He saw great opportunity in North Omaha, and specifically in the tax increment financing program, which led Armor Knights to a new home on North 18th Street in the early 90s.
By 2003, continued expansion made it possible for Armored Knights to build its current facility at 23rd and Paul streets, in the North Omaha Business Park.
Today, the company operates 15 trucks, employs 25 full-time and 30 part-time workers and offers a full line of security services, including guard special event protection and private investigation. Knight credits the success of the company its emphasis on customer satisfaction and its quality staff.
“A business is only as good as the people it hires and that’s what we’ve tried to do,” he said.
In addition expansion, Knight has supported Omaha’s business community through Chamber membership since 2001.
“Any business needs to be an active part of Omaha, and the Chamber is a big factor in making the city grow,” he said.
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