November 7, 2024

Thrive Insider

Exclusive stories of successful entrepreneurs

Carrie Pasquarello CEO & Co-Founder Global Secure Resources Inc.

Who are you and what business did you start?

I love to travel, cook and learn languages I also am a victim advocate helping others navigate the world in a safer way. Global Secure Resources Inc. (GSR) keeps our clients’ loved ones safe with strategies including the Individual Travel Assessment Plan (ITAP) and the Safe Student Abroad Assessment (SSA), which covers 15 critical things you should know before you travel

What’s your backstory and how did you come up with the idea?

I planned on moving to Europe for one year in my early 20s. While playing golf in France, I received a job offer in Italy. A few weeks later, I was working in Milan. Safety and security were top of mind for my family and me. As a risk mitigation strategy, I was introduced to a connection at the U.S. Consulate if I had an emergency. That connection led to my my overseas experience working with the private sector and the State Department. I turned this experience into a platform to help others navigate safe travel. I spent over a decade throughout Europe and Asia developing my business strategy based on risk mitigation involved with my travel to over 35 countries. In the process, I refined the security protocols in place used to keep Diplomats safe in their travel and integrated these techniques for clients to ensure their business continuity, and most importantly, the safety of their loved ones.

Describe the process of launching the business.

After moving back to the states in 2011, I started strategizing the launch. We launched in 2014. Our mission is to increase people and organizations’ safety, security, and efficiency while reducing costs from preventable victimization and overall threat exposure. Our vision is to educate, inspire, and enhance safety. Our offerings have grown from our Individual Threat Assessment Plans (ITAP) to include litigation support, workplace violence training, and more. We are certified Women-Owned.

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?

Word of mouth and speaking opportunities have helped in finding and retaining customers.

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

Safety is more important than ever. The pandemic, disasters, and an uptick in crime have families and businesses looking to improve safety and security. We will continue to help prevent victimization with strategies, tools, and techniques to keep individuals and communities safer.

Through starting the business, have you learned anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

Self-motivation, along with the SEEK model, Safety, Empathy, Empowerment, and Knowledge, are crucial ingredients in my business and have helped push me to learn more while keeping me grounded in my mission of helping others.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

Squarespace, Medium, GoDaddy, MobileMonkey

What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources?

The most influential book that I have read is The Gift of Fear by Gavin De Becker. He is an expert on predicting violent behavior. His clients include the FBI, CIA, and DIA. He notes in his book, “One of the most amazing gifts we all have is the ability to predict violent behavior. Another book is The Ostrich Paradox Why we underprepare for disasters.

Advice for other entrepreneurs who want to get started or are just starting out?

Collaborate with others and refine your communication skills.

Where can we go to learn more?

www.globalsecureresources.com & www.globalsecurestudent.com