Humility and authenticity can be rare virtues in this world. Lucas Ingala, the down-to-earth founder and CEO of Watchmen Security Services, has a leadership story that exemplifies both.

Raised on a farm in De Soto, Kansas, Lucas’s upbringing instilled him with a strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. His grandfather came over from Italy alone at the age of 13 before setting up a produce stall—“So you could say that drive towards entrepreneurship was in my blood,” he laughs. After working for his father as a bricklayer, Lucas decided to go to school for ministry and found himself in need of a night job. With no prior experience in security, Lucas stumbled into the industry by chance when he answered an ad for a national competitor in residential security systems. He jumped into the hard work of door-to-door sales, eventually rising to become a top performer and sales manager. As he dove deeper into the work, he was blown away by the amount of money generated by the business, and got a sense of the impact he could have with his skills. “I remember thinking, ‘I could do something better with what’s been entrusted to them, if it were entrusted to me,’” he shares.

Driven by his vision of a different kind of company—one driven by purpose and impact, rather than profit—Lucas and his wife Megan took a leap of faith and founded Watchmen Security Services. Starting out of their apartment and a trusty Honda Civic packed with wires and cameras, they laid the foundation for what would become a thriving business.

The driving force

Lucas’s faith is the primary, most powerful factor in his work, personal life, and leadership. “I’m passionate about bringing honor to the Lord,” he shares, “and I saw an opportunity to do something with my life that was for Him.” Lucas views his leadership role as a stewardship, a responsibility to use his talents and resources for the greater good. From cultivating a God-centered culture within his company to leveraging his position and assets for positive impact in his community, Lucas strives to honor God in all things. That was, after all, the main reason he and his wife Megan started their company at all!

“My passion is Jesus… and what drives me and jazzes me up is being involved in the things he’s involved in. The eternal impact is my why.”

The community

In his search for growth and connection, Lucas struck gold in the Acumen community. Seeking fellowship with like-hearted business leaders, he values the chance to be surrounded and sharpened by individuals who share his Christ-centered moral compass and commitment to making a difference in their communities and world. “As believers, we’re supposed to build God’s world around us,” he remarks. “I love being with other leaders at Acumen who agree that if we have any power at all, we need to use that power for good.”

Watchmen Security: today and beyond

 As Watchmen Security Services continues to evolve, Lucas remains focused on integrity, innovation, and customer service. Recent initiatives, such as the launch of a nationwide multifamily practice, reflect Lucas’s vision for expanding the company’s reach while staying true to its humble roots.

Beyond business

Outside of the office, Lucas finds deep joy and fulfillment in being a husband and father. With three young children and another on the way, his family brings balance and perspective to his life. And when he’s not busy leading Watchmen Security Services, you might find him tending his beehives—a satisfying hobby that keeps him grounded in the natural world.

Interested in learning more about how the Acumen community can support you as it supports Lucas? Let's connect.