Ten years ago, Bedel Security was nothing more than an idea—a vision for how we could help community banks and credit unions address a critical gap in cybersecurity leadership. At the time, the concept of a virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) was virtually unheard of. It was an uphill climb to convince an industry rooted in tradition to take a chance on something new.
Looking back, I can’t help but feel humbled by how far we’ve come. This isn’t just a celebration of what Bedel Security has achieved; it’s a moment to reflect on the people who believed in this vision and helped turn it into reality.
Starting a business from scratch is never easy, but building something in a brand-new space comes with unique challenges. When we launched in 2015, our first hurdle was convincing community banks and credit unions that a vCISO service could work. It was a bit of a bold idea, and we were fortunate to find early customers who trusted us enough to give it a chance.
Those early days were defined by long hours, relentless focus, and plenty of sacrifices. My family—my wife Mandy and our four kids—gave up more than I can ever repay. I missed birthdays, sporting events, and family dinners while I poured everything into growing this business. Their unwavering belief in me was my foundation, and without it, Bedel Security would not exist today.
Every step of this journey has been marked by milestones, both big and small, that remind me how far we’ve come:
These milestones are more than just numbers—they represent the trust, effort, and relationships that have fueled our growth.
Bedel Security is more than a company; it’s a collective effort of people united by a shared purpose. Our customers, who trusted us when we were just starting out, have been our partners in shaping what we do. Their candid feedback and unwavering belief in our services have made us better.
Our employees are the heartbeat of this company. Watching team members grow—from specialists to senior advisors to leaders—has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. Their dedication, excellence, and commitment to our mission inspire me every day.
We’ve also been fortunate to have incredible industry partners—friends who’ve referred our services, offered valuable suggestions to improve our offerings, and cheered us on from the sidelines. Their support has played a vital role in helping us grow and evolve.
And then there’s my family. Mandy, you took a chance on me before Bedel Security even had a name. Your faith and sacrifices have been my anchor, and I’m forever grateful.
Ten years of leading this business has taught me lessons that extend far beyond the workplace:
As we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains the same: to become the market leader in vCISO services for community financial institutions. We’ll continue to refine our services, innovate with tools like CySPOT™, and expand our team with people who share our passion for making a difference.
The next ten years will be about building on the foundation we’ve created—one defined by trust, hard work, and a relentless commitment to excellence.
To everyone who has been part of this journey—our customers, employees, partners, mentors, and my family—thank you. Your belief in this vision has made all of this possible.
Here’s to the next decade of growth, impact, and shared success. Together, we’re building something truly special.