Darren Jamieson: Even though he was a friend for many, many years, I didn’t realize that he was actually a bit of a crook. We had a great future, and he threw it away because of greed. They made a comment: “I prefer to be comfortable,” because once upon a time, they had nothing and nearly had to sell everything to survive. I said, “Well done, but don’t you think being uncomfortable is what got you through that?”
Today’s episode of The Engaging Marketeer features Dan Mather of JKE Security. Dan has had an up-and-down history in business. He once invested in a company he worked for, only for it to go horribly wrong when the owner was taking funds without anyone’s knowledge. Dan then set up his own business, which he has turned into a huge success. It is now a six-figure business and on the verge of becoming a seven-figure business.
I’m going to be talking to Dan about what it was like to go so deeply into debt due to someone else’s actions and how he managed to turn it around and build a hugely successful company of his own.
[01:30]
Darren Jamieson: What’s with the elephant?
Dan Mather: Ah, you want to talk about the elephant in the room! I’m a trustee for a charity, and yes, there’s a great story behind this elephant. It was originally given to children who didn’t have long left to live. Inside the ear, there’s a voice recorder and a pouch to leave notes so children can leave everlasting messages for their parents. Every time I talk about it, it makes me emotional.
They’ve now expanded it so adults can leave messages for their children, too. Every baby born in neonatal care in Derby and Burton hospitals is given a “Hope.” It includes a recording of their heartbeat so if they don’t make it, the parents always have something to remember them by. It’s incredibly emotional.
Darren Jamieson: Wow. That’s a level I didn’t think we’d be kicking off on. Where did the idea come from? Is this something happening nationwide?
Dan Mather: Right now, it’s just local. The charity is all about creating memories for families who don’t have long left together. Businesses can now sponsor Hope every month, and every month a family receives one. The impact on the families is huge.
Darren Jamieson: That’s amazing. I’d love to share the link for people to support it.
Dan Mather: Absolutely! It’s on the website meanddee.co.uk, where there’s a link to sponsor Hope.
Darren Jamieson: I’ll put that in the podcast description so people can follow it. That’s incredibly powerful.
[07:07]
Darren Jamieson: What made you want to get involved in a charity like that?
Dan Mather: I believe that as business owners, it’s our obligation to give back. I came across Maria, the founder, at a networking group. Her speech was so emotional—there weren’t many dry eyes in the room. When someone has that kind of impact on you, you know it’s the right cause to support.
I started by running the Derby 10K for the charity, helping where I could. We set up our own networking group, and Me & Dee became our nominated charity of the year. Then last year, they invited me to become a trustee, which I was honored to accept.
[08:30]
Darren Jamieson: Let’s talk about where you started in business. Was it 2015?
Dan Mather: Yes, 2015 was when I got my first taste of business ownership, but it didn’t last long. I had been an entrepreneur for years, helping to build the business I worked in. I was recognized for it and invited to become an owner. I remortgaged my house, took out loans, and bought shares in the business. Unfortunately, my managing director and business partner—who had been a friend for many years—turned out to be a crook.
We went from a small business turning over £100K to nearly a million in 18 months. But suddenly, we had massive cash flow problems because he was siphoning money out of the business. We had no visibility into the finances.
Darren Jamieson: You invested without knowing the financials?
Dan Mather: Yeah, in hindsight, not my smartest move. By 2017, things were so bad that I had enforcement officers knocking on the door. On Christmas Day 2016, I stood in my kitchen in tears—not because I couldn’t provide Christmas, but because I had, and I didn’t know if it was my last one.
In February 2017, I set up JKE Security. I was still working at the other business at the time for income, but by July, I resigned and went all in. Within the first couple of years, we became a multiple six-figure business.
[15:15]
Dan Mather: At the peak of it, I was about £100,000 in debt. That included loans, credit cards, and a car in negative equity. I finally became debt-free in 2020.
Darren Jamieson: Do you regret investing in that first business?
Dan Mather: No, because it was a valuable lesson. I could’ve spent thousands on mentoring, but that was my real-world investment. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
[22:37]
Darren Jamieson: What made you confident you could start a business in the same industry and succeed?
Dan Mather: I wasn’t confident at all. I took any opportunity I could. I hired a business coach, started listening to podcasts, reading books, and working on my mindset. Even today, I still don’t feel confident, but I keep going.
Darren Jamieson: Do you see yourself as a successful entrepreneur?
Dan Mather: Yes. Seven years in business is success. It’s hard to say out loud, but success isn’t just about wealth. Success is about being able to provide for your family, having a great team, and waking up every day to do what you love.
[39:44]
Darren Jamieson: What made you seek a business coach?
Dan Mather: I went to a BNI meeting and met Alan from ActionCoach. His presentation stuck with me. His slide said, “Momentum begins with movement.” That resonated, so I reached out. Having someone to hold me accountable was a game-changer.
[56:08]
Darren Jamieson: You’re starting another business?
Dan Mather: Yes! I’m separating our B2B and B2C offerings. Over Christmas, I set up a new business with the goal of scaling it from zero to six figures in 12 months. I’m documenting everything to turn it into a course: How to Build a Six-Figure Business in 12 Months.
[59:15]
Darren Jamieson: If people want to know more about JKE Security, Hope the Elephant, or your new business, how can they reach you?
Dan Mather: I’m all over social media. Visit jksecurity.co.uk or drop me an email.
Darren Jamieson: Dan, it’s been a pleasure. Thank you for sharing your journey!
Dan Mather: Thank you! Cheers!
