Founded in 1963, Guardsmark is one of the world s leading security firms that serves clients in more than 400 cities through over 155 offices in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It is a privately held company that employs nearly 19,000 staff members. The company has achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification and caters to the security needs of the manufacturing, commercial, distribution, health care, petrochemical, and research and development industries. Guardsmark provides background screening, investigative, and facility design and consultation solutions. In addition, the company offers executive protection and risk assessment services. Guardsmark administers the Maximum Value Partnership program to save time and management, personnel and contracting costs. It publishes a monthly newsletter, The Lipman Report. Guardsmark operates a subsidiary, Mark Lipman Division, which specializes in corporate and industrial investigation activities.