Axis Vero Incorporated is a fully functional broad-based international private investigations firm. We have been actively involved in thousands of investigations, catering to a diverse clientele, including private individuals, businesses of all sizes, law firms covering all areas of the law, financial institutions, transportation companies, law enforcement agencies, government entities, and other private investigation and security firms from around the world. Our expertise also extends to digital forensics, technical surveillance countermeasures, and electronic surveillance, serving highly sophisticated clients in recovering, preserving, and restoring data in secure and sensitive environments.
How did you get into this field? What made you decide this was the right career for you?
My journey into this field was driven by a natural curiosity to find answers to questions. From an early age, I had a knack for understanding how things worked by deconstructing things and exploring their individual components. This inclination led me to explore computer hardware, electronics, software, programming, and various computer sciences. I have always been frustrated with answers that lacked proper explanation or context.
Solving problems for others has always been a passion of mine. I have been fortunate to garner appreciation from clients for my reliability and diligence even before establishing my own firm. In fact, it was common for my employers to “loan me out” to their competitors, and high-end clients often specifically requested my involvement in their case files due to my commitment to delivering the best possible results, regardless of who I was working for.
Over the years, I have observed the deficiencies in my industry and have worked diligently to improve them. This career is immensely rewarding as it continuously challenges me and provides opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
I noticed that you don’t seem to compare your firm to your competition. Can you elaborate on that?
It’s true, I don’t view other Security & Investigations agencies as direct competitors. While there are numerous agencies operating in this industry, none of them offer precisely what Axis Vero Incorporated does, nor do they operate at the same level of excellence. Instead of perceiving them as rivals, I have always maintained honest and respectful relationships with my counterparts. In fact, I often collaborate with them, sharing knowledge and innovative approaches to enhance the quality of our services for our respective clients. I have gained many friends and valuable contacts within the industry, and their support has been invaluable.
Over the years, there have been a few agencies that have been disrespectful or exhibited reluctance to collaborate with our firm, but their actions typically hinder their own progress more than ours. Reactions like that stem from a lack of understanding of the marketplace or accumulated years of mistreatment in the field, leading to insecurity. Traditionally speaking, our field was dominated by isolated parties that felt a need to protect their market share by viewing each other as threats instead of allies. We pride ourselves on our reputation, which is highly inclusive and has cultivated a strong network of experienced talent. When an agency chooses to isolate themselves, they inadvertently limit their own potential.
What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to make a significant impact in their industries?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to prioritize being good to your clients, staff, and even your “competition.” Fostering positive relationships and avoiding ego-driven conflicts will benefit you in the long run. People tend to remember those who have treated them poorly, often over minor disputes or attempts to secure a particular client. However, there will always be another opportunity, another client, and another day. Supporting and collaborating with others will yield favorable outcomes in the long game.
Your firm has experienced substantial growth, as evidenced by the social media posts showcasing your travels and developments. What can we expect on the horizon?
You are correct! Prior to the pandemic, our operations were primarily based in Ontario, Canada, our current headquarters. Our firm has always operated very differently for the traditional models and during the pandemic, we learned that our investigative processes and organizational structure allowed us to remain operational while the overall investigations industry faced temporary or permanent closures. Larger agencies, heavily reliant on surveillance-based work, found themselves unable to offer their clients alternative solutions during lockdowns, which led to their closures. In contrast, our firm never missed a day of work and experienced exponential growth.
Our firm has always experienced growth from three (3) avenues: a strong and reliable word of mouth recommendation from law firms and corporate clients that have been serviced by our firm; a stream of opposing law firms that have faced our clients in court and learned the hard way that they had not hired the best team available the first time around; and lastly from private parties that have been exposed to our social media or have taken the time to research us and/or contact some of our clients for referral. During the pandemic, this growth happened quickly as law firms continued to approach us (often discreetly), benefiting from our comprehensive and documented investigations in court, while the opposing counsel had nothing substantial to present and took note of our firm for future matters.
However, our expansion was fuelled by our various government clients who appreciate our consistency in pricing, accuracy, and reporting and requested that we open offices in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. While there are plans to expand further across Canada as per their request, growth must be managed effectively, considering the unique dynamics of each province. Additionally, we have been exploring opportunities in Europe due to our existing European clientele. The future is indeed promising, but the timeline for expansion is dictated by our clients’ needs and adaptation to the investigative landscape.
Lawyers refer to you as “007.” Is that true?
Yes, that is true! Although, given my technological background, one might expect them to call me “Q” instead, ha-ha. This trend started with a wonderful client become friend in Kansas, who bestowed the nickname upon me due to the consistently successful missions I embarked on throughout Canada for him and his various clients. In return, I playfully referred to him as “M.” Surprisingly, I began receiving emails from international lawyers that I previously had no knowledge of, introducing themselves by email with “Hello 007. You don’t know me, but “M” sent me and told me that you would only deal with me if I started my email this way.” True story. It’s a light-hearted anecdote, and I am grateful for his ongoing support and the remarkable clients he has introduced me to.
Is there any type of investigation that your firm doesn’t undertake?
For many years, I purposely avoided domestic investigations (associated with family law matters) due to the dubious reputation that plagued our industry during that time. Countless private investigators were known for exclusively pursuing cases involving cheating spouses, often resorting to illegal means to achieve results that aligned with their clients’ expectations, rather than the facts before them. This portrayal is pervasive in movies and television shows featuring private investigators. However, a few years ago, a family law lawyer approached me with integrity and requested that I write articles for his website, specifically addressing family law investigations and related topics. Initially hesitant, I eventually agreed and found myself inundated with inquiries from family law lawyers seeking accurate information through legal means.
Today, Axis Vero Incorporated undertakes all types of investigations, including those pertaining to family law and I have personally written and co-written over a hundred articles that can be found on the Shulman & Partners LLP Free Online Knowledge Base (https://shulman.ca/author/axis-geffen/). Our collaboration with countless Family Law lawyers has led to successful resolutions for their clients and in turn, we have actively reshaped the narrative surrounding private investigators in this area of law, emphasizing our professionalism, skills, and dedication to uncovering the truth.
The first thing strangers say when they find out I own a Private Investigation Firm is still, “oh, like following cheating spouses?” but they are often amazed by the depth of our offerings in this and other areas of law. Education is a process.
Can you share an example of a project or initiative that you’re particularly proud of and explain why it stands out?
I am proud of our work with various Police and government agencies around the world to solve cases and provide insight or training as needed and throughout the years, I have been offered various investigations involving cold cases, missing family members, and complex financial crimes (known as Fraud). However, I only accept such cases when I genuinely believe my firm can be effective to providing the answers sought. Recently, I accepted a cold case that is nearing its 40th anniversary, and I am tremendously proud of the progress we have made thus far. While it is not prudent to delve into the details at this time, you may witness the results of this investigation when reported. Stay tuned.
