Showing Up for the Frontline
Around the world, CEO and owners of large companies are often remote figures we know through their intermittent tweets or as the primary voice on a quarterly earnings call. But occasionally, the curtain is lifted, and we have the opportunity to meet someone like Frank A. Argenbright, Jr.
As demonstrated by his ever-increasing list of professional accomplishments, Frank has a natural ability to grow successful companies — a talent strengthened by his humble origins. Once a frontline employee himself, Frank expertly navigates his relationships with frontline employees and Wall Street executives alike.
Roots grow deep
Born and raised in the small town of Madison, FL, (average population 3,500) near the Georgia state line, Frank describes his younger self as “not a good student.” Initially hindered by undiagnosed learning disabilities, Frank developed an unfettered determination and drive that facilitated his career trajectory. Now, with a career to be proud of, Frank has founded several companies that have created personal and professional opportunities for others. He continues to funnel the lessons from his modest start into the customer-focused, boots-on-the-ground organizations that have built his legacy.
Loyalty stands strong
Each of the companies that Frank has founded have grown substantially over the course of its operating life. Without investing large capital in marketing and advertising, each company has grown incrementally.
This growth has been made possible by the high-quality service and dedication of the frontline teams who show up for their customers every day. These are frontline teams who feel heard, appreciated and valued by their leadership – teams who show up for their customers because their leadership shows up for them.
And taking care of these team members has always been a top focus for Frank, which is why it’s no surprise that many have worked for him across multiple companies and moved up through the ranks. Treated with dignity and respect, frontline employees remain dedicated to Frank and his vision.
Furthermore, Frank, through his parent company Argenbright Group, has focused on growing alongside large customers who have taken them around the world — brands like Delta Air Lines, FedEx, United Airlines and Southern Company. These customers have also remained loyal to Frank, spanning large contracts across the U.S. and around the world for anywhere between 20-40 years. His relentless customer focus and proactive approach to understanding and being responsive to their needs has set Frank and his team apart in a very competitive landscape.​
Growth through persistence​
Managing to stay connected with frontline employees while leading large corporations through multi-million-dollar revenue years is not a task for the faint-hearted. Frank has led human capital-intensive services businesses based in North America and Europe, enhancing their growth through mergers and acquisitions with tremendous success (acquiring 50+ companies through the course of his career).
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Over the past 43 years, Frank has started, scaled and exited three companies, each of which were leading organizations within their respective industries. AHL Services was close to a billion-dollar company with more than 50,000 employees, operating in security and aviation services across North America and Europe.
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Frank then went on to build AirServ in 2002. With 30,000 employees, AirServ quickly became the leading provider of facility services for aviation, transportation and commercial markets throughout the U.S. and Europe. The company’s revenue climbed to $350 million+ between 2001-2012, primarily driven by organic growth. ABM Industries acquired AirServ in November 2012.
Frank's next venture, SecurAmerica — a commercial security provider in the U.S. — grew to approximately $0.5 billion in revenue with 30,500 employees before Frank sold the company to AUS in January 2021.
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Today, multiple companies sit within the Argenbright Holdings group. Unifi (formerly Delta Global Services) was founded in 2008, is now the largest provider of aviation services in North America, delivering expertise and first-rate customer service to an expansive network of over 220 airports. Velociti Services, founded in 2021, is a facilities services company specializing in integrated facility management. Argenbright Innovation Lab (abrightlab), founded in 2022, focuses on bringing the latest technology innovation to improve the lives of the hourly wage workforce. Argenbright Master Holdings Services (AMH Services), a Gurgaon based global service center, aims to be a world-class delivery center that will lead to transformational growth and sustained value to the group companies. The newest addition, ASEL, is already a cutting-edge supplier of intelligent electronic security and manned guarding service solutions in the UK and Europe.
As Argenbright Group continues to grow, Frank navigates the complexities of managing large mergers and acquisitions with ease. His small-town roots and experiences established a deep, strong foundation that Frank builds on every day. Every voice and pair of hands play a role in his decisions, for it was the voices and hands of his community that got him where he is today.
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An everyman for the people
At this stage of his career, Frank Argenbright still has a tremendous passion for business and for his employees — and that keeps him energized and eager. As he seeks out new and innovative ideas, Frank remains fully committed to showing up for every employee and customer. And with his eyes firmly set on the future, he holds fast to the people, places and situations that made him into who he is, for his vision is to create a difference in the life of frontline employees and help them realize their American Dream!