BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
DECEMBER 2024
WatchUr6
"Delivering exceptional cybersecurity services, while empowering veterans"
About WatchUr6
Business City: Sacramento, CA
WatchUr6’s mission is to empower transitioning veterans by delivering cybersecurity solutions that help businesses safeguard their operations, protect sensitive data, and meet compliance requirements. They shared, “At WatchUr6, we specialize in providing cybersecurity solutions that help businesses secure their operations, protect sensitive data, and meet compliance requirements. Our services include risk assessments, security program development, compliance support, employee training, and technical solutions such as phishing simulations and vulnerability scanning. We pride ourselves on delivering tailored solutions that fit the unique needs of each client. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, we bring a disciplined and mission-focused approach to cybersecurity, empowering our clients to confidently grow their businesses while staying secure.”
Tim Swaney, CEO, and Vishnu Sivadas, CTO, are the visionary co-founders behind WatchUr6, a service-disabled veteran-owned cybersecurity company that is redefining the intersection of tech innovation and veteran workforce empowerment. With a shared commitment to excellence, Tim and Vishnu combine their diverse backgrounds—Tim’s military discipline and passion for veteran advocacy, and Vishnu’s deep technical expertise and strategic leadership—to drive the company’s mission of providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions while creating meaningful career opportunities for transitioning service members. Together, they are shaping the future of cybersecurity by delivering tailored, high-impact services that not only protect businesses but also empower the next generation of veteran professionals.
Tim Swaney, CEO
Tim Swaney is a Navy veteran, entrepreneur, and cybersecurity leader with a deep commitment to bridging the gap between cybersecurity needs and workforce opportunities for veterans and their families. As the co-founder and CEO of WatchUr6, Tim is dedicated to creating meaningful career paths for transitioning service members while providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to businesses.
With nearly a decade of service in the U.S. Navy, Tim’s military background instilled a disciplined, results-driven leadership style that has been pivotal in his entrepreneurial journey. After transitioning to civilian life, he applied his expertise in information security to develop practical, real-world solutions for businesses of all sizes.
A passionate advocate for veterans, Tim founded WatchUr6 to empower transitioning service members with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in the cybersecurity industry. Under his leadership, the company has become a trailblazer, delivering top-tier cybersecurity services while making a meaningful social impact by helping veterans build successful careers in tech. Under his leadership, the company delivers cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions while making a lasting social impact.
Tim holds an MBA with a concentration in Information Systems Management and is certified in multiple industry-recognized cybersecurity disciplines. Outside of work, he competes in power lifting and serves as a mentor to veteran entrepreneurs and emerging professionals, sharing his knowledge and experience to help others succeed.
With a focus on resilience, innovation, and service, Tim continues to inspire those around him while shaping the future of cybersecurity through WatchUr6.
Tim’s journey to starting his business came with life experience and aspirations: “Transitioning to civilian life as a veteran was challenging, especially in finding opportunities in cybersecurity despite my military skills and experience. Many veterans face similar barriers, as businesses often hesitate to hire individuals without direct civilian experience. This inspired the creation of WatchUr6, a company that not only delivers exceptional cybersecurity services but also provides veterans with real-world experience. By equipping them with the skills to succeed and proving their value to the industry, we bridge the gap between veteran talent and industry needs. Our mission is to empower your businesses to scale with unshakeable confidence.”
Vishnu Sivadas, CTO
Vishnu Sivadas is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and technologist with more than 20 years of experience in software engineering, IT strategy, and business leadership. As the Cofounder and CTO of WatchUr6, Vishnu shapes the company's technological direction, driving the development of innovative cybersecurity solutions that address complex client needs.
In addition to his role at WatchUr6, Vishnu is the CEO of Microsan Consultancy Services, where he leads strategic initiatives and implements cutting-edge technologies across diverse industries. His expertise spans application engineering, IT infrastructure, and enterprise systems, enabling organizations to enhance their technological capabilities and optimize their operations.
Vishnu holds multiple technical certifications, including MCSE, CCNP, RHCE, OCP, and JCP, reflecting his deep proficiency in network systems, software development, and IT operations. His broad technical expertise, combined with a strategic mindset, enables him to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world business applications.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Vishnu is a first-degree martial artist with a Black Sash in Kung Fu and is actively working toward achieving the rank of Grand Master. His commitment to discipline and continuous improvement is reflected both in his martial arts practice and his approach to leadership and innovation.
With a passion for technology, innovation, and fostering growth, Vishnu continues to make a lasting impact on the cybersecurity industry and the veteran community through his work at WatchUr6. Tim Swaney, CEO, and Vishnu Sivadas, CTO, are the visionary co-founders behind WatchUr6, a service-disabled veteran-owned cybersecurity company that is redefining the intersection of tech innovation and veteran workforce empowerment. With a shared commitment to excellence, Tim and Vishnu combine their diverse backgrounds—Tim’s military discipline and passion for veteran advocacy, and Vishnu’s deep technical expertise and strategic leadership—to drive the company’s mission of providing cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions while creating meaningful career opportunities for transitioning service members. Together, they are shaping the future of cybersecurity by delivering tailored, high-impact services that not only protect businesses but also empower the next generation of veteran professionals.
How Did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center Help Your Business?
Tim shared that the biggest challenge she was facing prior to working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center was: “We faced challenges in building a strong client base, refining our business processes, and improving our operational structure. We also needed guidance on leveraging our unique value proposition to grow sustainably.”
Tim showed his appreciation, stating that, “the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has significantly impacted our business by providing us with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This support has helped us increase our profits by over 90% from 2023 to 2024.”
As a result of this partnership, WatchUr6 achieved remarkable success in 2024, including over 90% profit growth compared to the previous year. The company also strengthened its business processes and enhanced operational efficiency, enabling it to deliver even higher-quality cybersecurity services to an expanding client base. Additionally, the relationship helped broaden their network, opening the door to new opportunities and strategic collaborations.
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
WatchUr6 is thrilled to be planning a free webinar on the fundamentals of cybersecurity for small businesses, scheduled for early 2025. They are expanding their Veteran Training Workshops to offer hands-on cybersecurity training and career development resources for veterans and their spouses.
In early 2025, WatchUr6 is creating a Free Security Newsletter to stay updated on trends and threats.
Follow WatchUr6 at:
Website: Watchur6.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/watchur6
Instagram and Facebook: @watchur6_official
PAST BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
NOVEMBER 2024
Acheson Wine Company
"Your local winery wine delivered sustainably"
About Acheson Wine Company
Business City: Sacramento, CA
Acheson Wine Company is a local eco-friendly winery with a tasting room located in Midtown Sacramento. Their mission statement is built on sustainability and reducing waste as, “Acheson Wine Company makes wine like any other winery, only we do not put our wines into traditional bottles with labels, corks, capsules and cardboard boxes. Our entire production is put into 5-gallon stainless steel kegs and delivered to you on tap out of our Tasting Room. Customers then take wines home in 1 Liter flip top bottles which are designed to be used again and again. There is absolutely no waste in our entire system! This process also makes Acheson one of the most Eco-Friendly Wineries in the world! With our sustainable approach, we have saved over 60,000 bottles from going into the landfill so far!” Acheson Wine Company is a renowned woman-owned business in the wine industry, that stands out by prioritizing quality without compromising environmental impact.
Loraine shared that reducing waste inspired her sustainable business model, “All the waste that is produced by the wine industry. We started our winery in 2015 making a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and selling it throughout the country but unfortunately only 30% of wine bottles get recycled in this country. 70% of a traditional winery footprint is the packaging which we have reduced tremendously with a refillable bottle.”
How Did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center Help Your Business?
Loraine shared that the biggest challenge she was facing prior to working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center was getting the business known by the Sacramento community. It was difficult, since she had just opened her company's tasting room in September 2021. In turn, Loraine stated that “working with the Sacramento MBDA has helped my business by expanding my knowledge in marketing and business development with the workshops that are put on by the MBDA and networking opportunities.” The positive results that came out of the relationship are self-evident; Loraine has amplified her marketing and branding skills and successfully leveraged her connections to grow her business. Loraine utilizes the business networking opportunities that the Sacramento MBDA Business Center offers to learn new marketing strategies and techniques and increase her brand awareness. As a result, Loraine has met new clients through the Sacramento MBDA Business Center’s networking events and its operator, the California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce’s hosted events and grown her customer base.
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
Acheson Wine Company hosts several workshops at their tasting room:
- 11/12 Paint your Pet with Rachel Pet Portraits: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paint-your-pet-pawty-acheson-winery-tickets-1022703141627?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
- 11/17 Floral Resin workshop with Awkwood Things: https://www.awkwoodthings.com/product/11-17-preserved-floral-resin-charcuterie-boa%20rd-workshop-at-acheson-wine-co-/258?cs=true&cst=custom
- 12/8 Wave Resin workshop with Awkwood Things: https://www.awkwoodthings.com/product/12-8-resin-wave-workshop-at-acheson-wine-%20co/261?cs=true&cst=custom
Follow Acheson Wine Company at:
Website - www.achesonwinecompany.com
Instagram and Facebook: @achesonwinecompany