According to Essam Choudhary, founder and chief operating officer of Perimeter Security Solutions, keeping his passion alive in the fast-paced world of business often comes down to investing in his team. “By genuinely understanding their needs, challenges, and strengths, I tap into their energy, and their dedication and drive, in turn, reignite my own motivation,” he said. “When I can match my team’s enthusiasm, I find myself as inspired by them as I hope they are by me.”
Choudhary, a two-time Titan 100, has dedicated his career to safeguarding America’s critical infrastructure since his company’s inception in 1999. Under his leadership, Perimeter Security Solutions has become a trusted name in the defense and space industry, known for its commitment to making high-security solutions more accessible, affordable and innovative.
Over the past three years, Choudhary has guided Perimeter Security Solutions through significant growth by expanding its footprint in Illinois and Wisconsin. His efforts have focused on enhancing public safety and corporate security during major national events, such as the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. By building robust public-private partnerships, Choudhary ensured that businesses, entertainment venues, and corporations not only remained secure but also thrived under heightened security demands.
A hallmark of this growth was the company’s integration of advanced robotics into its operations. This innovation, fueled by revenue growth, doubled Perimeter’s size and capabilities, creating new manufacturing jobs while maintaining its focus on community resilience.
Among Choudhary’s most notable achievements is the launch of the nation’s first incubator, accelerator and co-working hub for physical and digital security. This groundbreaking initiative addresses critical issues such as school gun violence, community terrorism threats and vulnerabilities in the national power grid.
Choudhary’s efforts extend to securing major political events, including the DNC and RNC, and serving on the board of Zero Now, an organization dedicated to eliminating gun violence in schools.
Additionally, Choudhary has championed a workplace culture that values work-life balance, introducing initiatives like flexible hours and wellness programs to combat burnout. “We are placing a strong emphasis on improving work-life balance to combat the prevalent burnout culture,” said Choudhary. “By fostering a supportive workplace culture that encourages flexibility and mental well-being, we aim to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.”
Choudhary actively mentors future leaders through programs like SIA Rise and committees within the Illinois Road Builders Association and the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. He also serves on the advisory board of Chi-Care and ICNA Relief, organizations dedicated to addressing community needs such as hunger and disaster response.
“My involvement in community service plays a crucial role in keeping me connected to a deeper purpose,” he said.