Meet David Rougely: CEO & Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with David Rougely and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi David, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process is centered on my personal vision. I’ve always wanted to be a job creator and impact my community by providing opportunities. I also have this belief that having multiple streams of income is critical in regards to building wealth. In my opinion there is no greater way to achieve this than to start a business.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’d love to tell you more about Pantera Security, LLC. Pantera Security is a service company, and through the use of its cybersecurity service offerings, small and midsize businesses can stay compliant with consumer data regulations and protect their digital assets. We offer cybersecurity posture assessment & mitigation through managed security services, secure electronic data disposal, and safe electronic recycling. Pantera’s overall goal is to be an ally to SMBs and government in cyber warfare. What sets me apart from others is that I firmly believe in the concept of Customer Intimacy. I listen to my clients and potential clients so that I can provide what they need. Not what I think they want. Cybersecurity policy and protection must be tailored to meet the needs of individual businesses and organizations. Doing this brings me great excitement. I get the opportunity to understand the needs of clients on an intimate level so that I can respond and educate to protect them from malicious actors that mean to do them and their bottom line harm. It is asked how did I get to where I am today in business and was it easy? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it is not easy but it can be rewarding. You must have a vision and be willing to see it through for the long haul. That doesn’t mean you won’t make some adjustments but staying engaged with your vision is crucial. One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned along the way is that you can’t quit. You will bump your head, you will get stuck, you will fail, however you must not quit. You must adapt, evolve and fight in order to succeed. This is also what I’d like the world to know about my brand and story, I won’t quit and I will fight for success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend visits me in Colorado for a week I would take him to several places, especially since we have a lot of the same interests. Those interests are fishing, camping, most things outdoors, and the occasional night out on the town. First I’d take him to breakfast at Coffee on the Point. At some point we’d enjoy lunch one of the days at Welton Street Café in Five Points. We’d cruise downtown Denver to check out Jazz at Jack’s on the 16th Street Mall for one night and maybe a few other bars/lounges. Afterwards we’d get a late night snack at Catfish Haven in Green Valley Ranch and pass by Apex Lounge in Aurora for a night cap. I’d take him to Sam’s Meats & Deli which is a specialty butcher in Aurora so we can grab meat for BBQ and seafood for a seafood boil. Once he’s adjusted to the altitude of being in the Mile High city there would 2-3 days of camping in the mountains near Eleven Mile State Park and Spinney Mountain Reservoir. While in the area we’d fly fish the area known as the Dream Stream. After that, a trip south towards Colorado Springs to check out Garden of the Gods and the Manitou Incline is a must for 2 more days. Lastly, I’d give him one day to chill and relax at the house to take it all in.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This is a good question. There are those that deserve a shout out in my success on this journey. I’d like to shout out to two individuals, an organization, and a book. The first person is my mother, Evelyn James of Houston, Texas. She raised me to be a critical thinker and to be independent. One of the most impactful things she’s said to me is that “for every door of success that you open, hold it open for someone to come in behind you”. This was her way of saying to always reach back, to give back which is why I’m heavily involved with community service. The second person is my mentor, Fred Norman of Denver, Colorado and the real estate firm Laton Limited Real Estate. The advice, guidance, and insight regarding life lessons that Fred has provided to me through mentorship has been invaluable. In regards to the organization, I’m a distinguished member of the Delta Psi Lambda chapter (Denver) of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. This fraternity is the oldest intercollegiate fraternity started for African American men that has highly active and engaged alumni. The encouragement and support that this Brotherhood has provided me is unmatched. Lastly, one of my favorite books is the Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko. There are so many nuggets of wisdom in that book and I’ve patterned my life off of many of the concepts within.

Website: https://www.panterasecurity.com/
Instagram: @PanteraSecurity
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/david-rougely
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PanteraSec
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PantSec/

Image Credits
@JoshLewin, Main Photo