The Arrow 11, December 2024: With Craig Schwab

Welcome to “The Arrow 11” – our monthly feature where we highlight our best and brightest through 11 thought-provoking questions.

This month we spoke with: Craig Schwab, Chief Operating Officer

1.      How did you come to work in security?

a. When I graduated college with a degree in Criminal Justice, I was planning to start taking tests and interviewing for various law enforcement agencies.  Because of the time it takes between taking a test and being contacted (6+ months) I accepted a job managing a small security guard company in Midtown, Manhattan.  I really enjoyed working with both the security officers and the clients and when I was finally contacted by the NYPD I decided to continue doing what I was doing in the private sector.  I never looked back after making this decision and it turned out to be a good one!

2.           What makes you feel safe and secure?

a.           Being surrounded by people I trust.

3. What are you most passionate about outside of work?

a.  I enjoy spending time with my family either at home or doing something fun (watching sporting events, Broadway shows, having dinner somewhere, etc.)

4.           What is your favorite activity or hobby?

a.           Cheering for The New York City Football Club (MLS soccer team😊).

5.           How would you describe the perfect day off?

a.           Most people will say ‘somewhere sunny’….for me I love accomplishing personal tasks that seem to always be put off due to not having time like changing oil in the car or picking up dry cleaning…haha.

6.           What is your favorite quote, motto, or mantra?

a.           ‘There’s nothing worse than wasted talent’

7.           What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

a.           Be present, work hard and raise your hand to take on responsibility when presented, it will all pay off at some point!

8.           What person or event do you believe has had the greatest influence on your life, and why?

a.           Throughout my 25-year career I have had several mentors who have been pivotal in my development and growth. Without naming names (they know who they are) I would give a shout out to these folks for seeing something in me where they made an investment in my career.  I always look for opportunities to pay this forward by investing my time in others who are new in business or the security industry.  It’s what makes our community resilient and strong (it’s also fun and rewarding)!

9.           Is there a personal challenge you’ve overcome, and what did you learn from it?

a.           My father passed away at 57 years old when I was 22.  It was very difficult time for my family and I but we all learned a valuable lesson that life cannot be taken for granted.  We shouldn’t be reckless and live each day like it’s our last, but we also can’t live our lives like tomorrow is guaranteed.

10.        What does success mean to you, both personally and professionally?

a.           Being happy and living a fulfilled life surrounded by family and friends.  That is all someone can ask for in life.

11.        What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

a.           I have completed 15 marathons.

About Craig Schwab:

Craig is a seasoned security leader with over 25 years of experience in corporate security and risk management. At Arrow Security, he oversees all corporate security operations as COO. His strategic and methodical approach ensures that security operations align with business objectives and rigorously meet and anticipate client needs.

Before joining Arrow, he served as Global Head of Corporate Security at BlackRock, which is the world’s largest asset manager with $10 trillion in assets under management. Prior, he served as Vice President of Corporate Security of Americas Region at Deutsche Bank and has held several leadership roles at a private security service provider over a period of more than 10 years.