The Evolution of the Modern Bodyguard
Some of the World’s largest and most successful companies spend millions of dollars annually to secure their CEO’s. Amazon spent $1.6 million to secure CEO Jeff Bezos (according to an SEC Filing). Obviously, the report does not disclose exactly what security services or assets were procured. Surely, the company sees fit to secure one of its most valuable assets at home and while traveling.
Security for large companies, high net worth individuals, entertainment and sports figures is not a new phenomenon. However, the way it’s being conducted is. More often than not, individuals of position and wealth are looking to have a less prominent, yet still capable security presence. Gone are the days of the 300lb back breaker shoving people out of the way. Today’s buyer of executive protection is more inclined to have someone around who can handle themselves in social situations and goes practically unnoticed unless needed.
Today’s protection specialist is a chameleon. When I started in protection almost two decades ago, my uniform was a comfortable dark colored suit, a bland tie, and the required Oakley sunglasses. More often than not on my details now, our job is to blend in with our environment. Shorts and polo’s have become our suits. We stay close enough to protect, yet far enough that our clients don’t feel compelled to introduce us to everyone they come into contact with.
Just as our uniforms have changed so has the background that agents come from. They come from a much more diverse background than the previous era. No longer are agents solely chosen for their martial arts, military, or law enforcement background. Now we are seeing medical, business, and even culinary backgrounds. What does this tell you? To have career longevity you must be a jack of all trades.
I was standing watch outside Ambassador John Negroponte’s Office in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004. His Aid came out and looked me up and down and jokingly said “why do we pay you guys to just stand around”? I quickly responded with “you don’t pay me for what I do; you pay me for what I can do”. That encounter stayed with me for a very long time. While conducting protective operations, I have been tasked with making travel arrangements, finding show schedules, babysitting, and yes even getting coffee.
When I teach the executive protection course for the Association for Professional Security Contractors I always pose this question to the class. “If you have arrived at the Clients Office, settled them in for the workday and he or she looks at you and says. I’d really like some Starbucks.” Would you say,” absolutely let me get it for you”. Or would you follow your Client back out to Starbucks? Typical response is “I’m not an errand boy”. I say, why wouldn’t you go get it? Your client is in a safe environment. Or why not find and assistant to go and procure it or even task a member of the detail. While there are many variables to consider in doing this, one thing is for certain. By taking charge and making the client’s life easier you have just increased your value.
My Company Executive Solutions Worldwide (ESW) regularly handles these mundane requests. In fact we created an entire division just to handle travel arrangements. CLC Luxury Management handles aircraft, lodging, and property rentals for ESW.
Handling travel and lodging in house gives us the upper hand. We are now intimately familiar with where, when, and how we are getting somewhere. This is called “advance work”, by handling it internally and working with the client’s staff we are able to steer our client to the safer places and use all the knowledge and training we have to avoid a conflict and mitigate risk.
By being able to work with security system vendors you become familiar with the security and home automation. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked how to work a Crestron System to get the TV to work. Networking with the House Manager, Chef, and Staff keeps you in the loop with the daily schedule changes and promotes a smooth working environment. You become the “go to” person for the client and the staff.
There are still perishable skills that you must practice and be proficient in. You should never have to draw your weapon, but if you do those shots must be accurate and fast. You may never speed away from an ambush, but your ability to avoid a traffic collision is a must. The likelihood that your client will be shot by a sniper from an elevated position is low, but you may be called upon to do CPR.
The number one goal is to protect the client. The number two is to make their life easier. Security should never be a hindrance.
