Today we’d like to introduce you to Bobby Israel.
Hi Bobby, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I actually started my career in the real estate world, spending over 20 years in property and asset management. I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, and during that time I founded my own management company—one built on a people-focused, forward-thinking approach. Real estate has always been a passion of mine because it’s about more than just buildings. These are the spaces that hold our families, our businesses, and our communities.
In 2023, I took a new path and founded DEFEND48 out of a deep sense of duty to protect the community that raised me. Born and raised in San Diego, I’ve spent my whole life here—going to school, building my career, and raising my own family. Becoming a father gave me a new perspective on the world and the importance of safety in our everyday lives. I started asking: who is protecting our schools, our places of worship, and our local businesses? That question became the spark for DEFEND48.
Today, our team is made up of highly trained professionals from military, law enforcement, and high-threat protection backgrounds. Whether in uniform or behind the scenes, our mission is to provide peace of mind so families and businesses can thrive without fear. For me, this isn’t just a business—it’s a calling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? I’d say, like any new business, there have definitely been bumps along the way. In the early stages, my main focus was on finding the best guards and personnel I could—building the right team for DEFEND48 has taken time, but I’m incredibly proud of the staff we’ve assembled and the communities we serve.
Starting a business also naturally takes time away from family, but I’m really lucky to have a supportive family. It’s actually pretty fun seeing my kids wear their DEFEND48 shirts to school and camp—it’s a small reminder of why I do what I do.
Beyond staffing and family balance, I also wanted to get the word out about DEFEND48 in a really organic way, building credibility through proof of concept rather than just marketing. That kind of approach takes time, but I knew if we could show San Diego the real value we bring to the community, everything else would follow. Sometimes a slower rollout actually pays greater dividends in the long run.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At DEFEND48, we provide comprehensive security solutions that go far beyond protecting properties—we safeguard peace of mind, community, and everything that matters most to our clients. Our services include armed security personnel, executive protection, event security, drone operations and aerial surveillance, and event first aid services. We offer custom security consulting and risk assessments to address unique challenges.
What sets DEFEND48 apart is our personal investment in the communities we serve. As parents raising families here in Southern California, every assignment is approached with the same care we would want for our own children’s schools, neighborhoods, and community spaces. Our team is made up of highly trained professionals with backgrounds in military service, law enforcement, and specialized security operations, and we invest in their development to ensure motivated, skilled, and reliable service.
Ultimately, we view our clients not just as customers but as neighbors and extended family. With DEFEND48, you get a dedicated security partner who treats your safety as personally as you do, combining professional expertise, innovative technology, and a community-focused approach to provide truly exceptional service.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually really shy. I had a small group of close friends, played baseball, and did karate—pretty typical stuff. It wasn’t until college that I really came out of my shell. At San Diego State University, I found an amazing group of friends and really discovered my true – self.
Right after college, I got my first real estate job, which was such a formative experience. I was fortunate to work with incredible mentors who guided me and helped me grow into the professional I am today.
Entrepreneurship and hustle have always been a part of me, and I know a lot of that came from my dad. Growing up, I watched him work tirelessly running several retail stores throughout San Diego. From a young age, I was helping out—standing on a step stool to reach the register, and as soon as I could drive, I was behind the wheel of 24′ trucks heading to Los Angeles to pick up inventory. Those early experiences definitely shaped my work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://defend48.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/defend48_security/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defend48/posts/?feedView=all
