Maria Shelton: Driven by Passion to Secure the World's Most Elite Events

Maria Shelton, the Founder and CEO of Ardian Group and Ardian Technologies Inc., boasts an impressive two-decade-long career in physical security information management, earning her the nickname "Access Queen" for her work securing high-profile events.    

Maria Shelton's adventure into the bustling world of event management and physical security information management began almost 30 years ago, quite serendipitously. A graduate from Boston University with a degree in public relations, she was originally drawn into the exhilaration of high-profile events through an unexpected inauguration role. This ignited a passion for adrenaline-fueled experiences that led to her managing major events and political campaigns.   

In the whirl of working with a diverse array of sports, entertainment, and political professionals, Maria quickly realized the necessity of efficient credentials and access control. She noted the existing approach was fragmented, sparking a fascination with finding a more streamlined process. This inspired her to establish her own event company, fueled by her relentless pursuit of innovation and a love for creating unforgettable experiences. Over time, Maria not only sought to refine event management but also saw a unique opportunity to democratize security services. She envisaged a business model that would package and provide comprehensive security products and services to the market, thus merging her expertise in events and security.   

Armed with her vast experience and determination to revolutionize the industry, Maria founded Ardian Group, driven by the vision to transform the way security services were delivered. The company's initial focus was on providing data, physical devices, scanners, and personnel to improve event security. However, as technology advanced, so did Ardian Group. The company transitioned from printing badges and managing events to pioneering digital solutions for physical security, leading to partnerships with prestigious clients like presidential inaugurations and other high-profile events.   

Redefining Event Security   

Maria's brainchild, Ardian Group Inc. , stands at the forefront of security and safety, reimagining them not as linear concepts but as interconnected ecosystems working harmoniously. Established in 1999, the company's genesis was fueled by a deep-seated commitment to enhance security measures following the profound impact of the 9/11 tragedies.   

Determined to revolutionize the industry, Maria and her team crafted a process that bolstered security by verifying identities and monitoring accesses and preserved the essence of each unique experience. Through countless projects, they discovered the key to achieving top-tier security lies in a harmonious fusion of information, devices & hardware, people & spaces, and above all, data—a secret sauce for safety.   

Today, Ardian Group stands tall as a bastion of digital and physical security, fortified by its groundbreaking PVITL platform, cutting-edge credentialing solutions, and state-of-the-art scanning devices. Behind the scenes, a dedicated and diverse group of individuals make up the core of Ardian Group, committed to protecting every event with unwavering passion.   

Their pride swells as they reflect on their accomplishments, made possible through collaboration, innovative thinking, and shared values. Embracing fresh perspectives with every new generation of team members, Ardian Group paves the road to a safer world—one badge at a time. Under Maria's visionary leadership, they continue to spearhead the industry, proving that security and safety can truly go hand in hand.   

The Inception of Ardian Technologies   

In 2016, Maria founded Ardian Technologies Inc., a sister company to Ardian Group focused on delivering digital strategies to streamline security operations. With Maria's vision, Ardian Technologies takes an information-first approach to dramatically improve efficiency and decision-making abilities for organizations looking to better protect their people, assets, and spaces.   

At the heart of Ardian Technologies' offerings is "SecureBrew," the company's flagship product and a groundbreaking, patented, cloud-based, data-centric platform. SecureBrew represents the culmination of Ardian Technologies' commitment to innovation and excellence. This highly customizable platform unifies physical security processes, seamlessly transforming them into a fully connected digital environment.   

The SecureBrew platform's capabilities empower organizations to easily implement complex security processes, significantly enhancing their security management and response mechanisms. From traditional security measures to the latest advancements in the field, SecureBrew brings together a wide range of features and tools, making it a comprehensive solution that can adapt to diverse security needs.   

Ardian Group and Ardian Technologies empower organizations by offering flexible solutions for event management. Whether it's coordinating a presidential event or a local gathering, clients have the option to use Ardian's tools independently or collaborate with their expert team to ensure seamless execution.   

Building a Supportive Ecosystem   

Maria attributes her success to the invaluable support of her network, which played a pivotal role in securing major contracts for Ardian Group, all thanks to their impressive track record. As she eloquently puts it, "People sell to people," underscoring the significance of her connections in driving business growth. By keenly grasping the value systems of her partners, Maria has artfully constructed a thriving community that continuously nurtures her achievements.    

Building strong and successful business connections requires a strategic approach to networking and surrounding oneself with the right people. According to Maria Shelton, it goes beyond mere chance or quoting encouraging memes; it's about creating an ecosystem of individuals who uplift and challenge you. The key is to find those who share similar values, provide guidance, collaborate, and reciprocate the support.   

Collaboration is becoming increasingly important, especially for women in business. Maria highlights the power of women collaborating and forming supportive pods. By joining forces, women can break through barriers and achieve greater success together. It's not just about individual accomplishments; it's about empowering each other and creating a network of like-minded individuals who can uplift and push each other forward.   

Balancing Passion and Logic   

For aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women seeking to create something for themselves and their families, Maria advises finding a balance between passion and logic. Passion fuels the drive to pursue one's dreams, but understanding the fundamental aspects of business, such as sales, marketing, financing, and staffing, is equally crucial. Finding the middle ground between passion and practicality enables entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and ensure the staying power of their ventures.   

This balance also comes into play in managing family life while building a business. Managing family life and a successful business is no easy feat, but Maria found harmony with the support of her husband, who is also her business partner. Building a strong foundation of family values and involvement in the business allowed them to navigate challenges together.    

Maria Shelton's innovative contributions have transformed the landscape, providing customizable solutions that enhance access, safety, and efficiency. As the company approaches its 25th anniversary, Maria Shelton takes pride in the path they have forged. Their unwavering commitment to excellence has enabled them to develop a superior process and product that is unmatched in the market.    

Ardian Group's community-focused, encrypted data platform, coupled with their extensive experience and expertise, has allowed them to package their services for the broader industry. As Ardian Group and Ardian Technologies Inc. continue to thrive, Maria's journey exemplifies the power of passion, grit, and the importance of embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship.