Social media and modern technological advances have made it easier to find out information on anyone, including celebrities, owners of corporations, pastors, and other high-profile people. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for tech-savvy individuals to find what they’re looking for, potentially posing a massive threat to those in the public eye. And while technology and social media both have positive things to offer, the lack of security surrounding them often leaves those who share their life details with the rest of the world feeling unsafe when shopping, walking around, or even participating in their everyday routines. Luckily, security experts like Sam Jones are there to ramp up security, providing the utmost protection to their clients.
So, who is Sam Jones, and what does he do for a living? The executive protection specialist works in the security sector and has for the past eight years, getting his start while working for a privately owned company subcontracted by Pinkerton, the notable, established private security guard and detective agency. He’d later hold numerous jobs in the industry, including having the valuable role of security liaison for the POTUS and handling several federal contracts with the Department of Homeland Security. If anyone knows about the importance of security, it’s him.
“I’ve spent almost a decade in the security industry and have quickly learned that this isn’t just a job; it’s also a lifestyle. I love what I do, which involves protecting and serving clients who want that added layer of protection, whether they’re headed to the beach, hanging out at home, or even going to a concert,” shares Sam Jones. “Because of my experience in security, I’ve gotten to the point where I’m responsible for protecting high net worth clients and celebrities in the Los Angeles area. My clients know they can trust me and experience more peace of mind having me around to keep them safe and secure in any situation.”
Now that it’s easier to find out what celebrities and high profile people are doing because of social media, Sam Jones says it’s more important than ever for individuals in the public eye to hire security personnel for added protection. If not, they’re putting themselves at risk of potentially being attacked, harassed, or even stalked by super fans, followers, or those who genuinely don’t like them.
“Let’s say you have someone walking around Los Angeles, and they run into their favorite celebrity. They see the celebrity shopping or dining at a restaurant, so they take pictures and videos and post them online. As soon as the person posts, people start swarming the area. It becomes a truly uncomfortable and dangerous situation for the celebrity because now they have all these people following them around. Of course, this is just an example of one safety hazard that can occur due to a lack of security,” says Sam Jones. “As an executive protection specialist, I provide an elite security style and take my role as a protector seriously. I’m a professional problem-solver working hard to eliminate each of my client’s concerns and frustrations while keeping them safe. In the EP world you need to develop the art of self discipline. I leave all emotions at home. It only takes one bad day and you’ve failed your client. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this industry is there is no “I” in TEAM. You’re only as strong as your weakest link. There’s no room for stepping on your teammates. If you have an agent who needs help you need to be willing to bring them up to your level. It’s beyond imperative everyone is on the same page. It really is the piece that can make or break an entire company. You fail your teammate, essentially you’re failing the client as well”.
Because of his passion for the security sector and helping people stay safe while making the most of their lives. “I’m always looking for ways to improve. As the world gets more advanced so do the risks. Coming shortly I’ll be taking a 10 day course, 90 hours total, that offers the most advanced certifications the industry has to offer through the Executive Protection League aka Bravo Research Group. It will include medical, driving, and tactical training. Character is everything. Have honor and integrity. Slam the door on all the negativity and throw away the key. Become the best at what you do. Make that your goal and you’ll do more than thrive in this career.”
Sam Jones looks forward to starting his own private security company, Iron Goat Protection, to offer relentless services to thousands of clients. He’s focusing on building a company of trustworthy and dependable specialists ready to go the extra mile to keep clients protected.