Meet the innovators redefining security standards: Robert Chupick, James Owens, and Jake Chupick of Soteria Security. With a robust background in law enforcement and decades of combined experience across various security disciplines, this trio has pinpointed critical gaps within the industry. Inspired by these challenges, they’ve set forth on a vital mission.
That mission? To dramatically raise the bar for security services, blending cutting-edge technology, innovative strategies, and stringent training to craft a superior standard of protection. Their approach isn’t just about security—it’s about peace of mind, delivered with excellence.
Elevating Security to New Heights
At the heart of Soteria Security’s founding was a critical observation: the common perception of security personnel as mere greeters or concierge staff fell short of the growing need for professionalism and skilled threat management.
James Owens articulated their initial motivation: “We saw a lot of opportunity in the niche of trained security guards … and we felt we could identify the trouble spots that needed improvement.” He highlighted a critical issue in the industry: security teams often lacked the training needed to address serious threats effectively.
Their goal was ambitious yet precise: redefine the role of security services from passive observers to active, professional teams equipped to tackle significant challenges, including workplace violence and potential active-shooter incidents. Achieving this meant transforming their operational approach and reshaping how clients perceive and value advanced security solutions.
“It’s about bringing a level of professionalism,” James explained, emphasizing the need for security personnel who not only look the part, but are extensively trained to handle complex scenarios.
Further illustrating their commitment to a thoughtful and robust approach, James shared the inspiration behind their company’s name: Soteria, the Greek goddess of protection. This name was chosen to reflect their core mission of security without coming across as aggressive or disconnected from their line of work. This strategic choice in branding highlights their commitment to being assertive yet approachable, ensuring their security services are both reliable and professional.
The Impact of Networking and Professionalism
As Soteria Security took shape, Robert Chupick and James Owens acted decisively. When an initial partner departed early on, they pushed ahead, capitalizing on their connections within the law enforcement and security sectors. Their strategic use of these long-established networks, combined with a commitment to trust and professionalism, propelled the company’s rapid ascent. Launched in 2019, Soteria Security has quickly extended its operations nationwide, establishing itself as a trusted provider of high-stakes security solutions.
For Soteria Security, maintaining high standards is non-negotiable. Robert detailed their hands-on approach to ensuring that all personnel meet their rigorous standards. This involves extensive training, including active-shooter scenarios and crisis management drills conducted at a local police academy. This comprehensive preparation ensures that their team is capable of handling high-threat situations and adept at maintaining professionalism under pressure.
Transitioning the market toward this new vision of security was no small feat. The team had to navigate significant challenges, particularly around changing entrenched industry perceptions and justifying the higher costs associated with their superior service offerings. Networking has played a crucial role in their process, enabling them to scale their operations and maintain a reputation for excellence and reliability.
Growing Pains
As with any ambitious venture, the journey wasn’t without its growing pains. Robert pointed out one of the most significant challenges they faced: justifying their higher rates.
“We’re quite more expensive than most other security companies,” he admitted. Yet, this higher cost is backed by the firm’s commitment to preventing severe repercussions from inadequate security, including the potential for costly lawsuits arising from security failures. By delivering exceptional service that effectively mitigates these risks, they offer undeniable value, and their clientele agrees.
Robert also pointed out a stark difference in the quality of service that sets Soteria apart from the competition. He recounted instances of industry malpractice, such as security personnel found sleeping during shifts, underscoring the high standards Soteria Security upholds. This relentless dedication to excellence has garnered trust from major corporations and proved essential in managing high-risk scenarios where traditional security measures don’t suffice.
Strategic Growth While Upholding Excellence
Robert discussed the strategic vision for expanding Soteria Security’s reach beyond their current operational areas. Their goal isn’t merely to increase in size but to extend the scope of their high-quality security services across state lines while maintaining the exceptional standards they’re known for. The possibilities include forming joint ventures with other security firms or independently increasing their operational footprint to ensure direct control over services in new locations.
The team emphasized that while expansion is on the horizon, they refuse to compromise on the quality of their service. Jake emphasized the importance of upholding their high standards and ensuring that their personnel are adequately compensated. He believes that fair compensation is essential to delivering the exceptional security services that Soteria Security is known for.
Soteria Security also understands the critical need for cybersecurity. That’s why the agency enhances its website’s defenses with DreamHost’s DreamShield. This advanced security service performs regular scans for site vulnerabilities, ensuring that Soteria’s online resources remain protected against potential threats. This proactive measure allows the Chupicks and Owens to focus on their core mission without the added concern of digital intrusions.
Defining Excellence Through Security Training
Soteria Security’s commitment is evident in its dedication to providing elite security services. Its approach goes beyond conventional security measures by integrating advanced technology and comprehensive training programs.
“It’s about the quality of the training we provide,” Robert stated, highlighting the additional training many team members undertake on their own initiative. This exemplifies their unwavering commitment to excellence.
Jake also emphasized the enthusiasm that each member of their security team brings to their roles, whether they’re ex-military, former law enforcement, or ambitious newcomers to the field. This passion is supported by extensive continuing education programs that include both practical field training and theoretical courses, frequently hosted at institutions like local police academies.
Specialized training programs also play a critical role in their service delivery. Robert shared insights into their most recent initiative: escalation training certification for their guards.
“We’ve developed our own de-escalation tactics to help mitigate potentially volatile situations before they escalate into active threats,” he said. This proactive methodology is key to their strategy of not just responding to emergencies but actively preventing them.
Jake pointed out that most active-shooter incidents occur in workplaces, underscoring the importance of their services in everyday settings, not just high-risk environments.
“We help employers manage their risk by training their employees on how to protect themselves and what to do in an emergency,” Jake explained. This training empowers employees, giving them the confidence to handle emergencies, which enhances overall workplace safety.
Illustrating the scope of their training efforts, Robert recounted a significant initiative where they prepared approximately 800 employees at a large manufacturing client. The training encompassed active-shooter responses and de-escalation tactics, ensuring all personnel were also proficient in critical medical emergency responses such as CPR and bleeding control—indispensable skills in any crisis.
Adapting Training for Digital Consumption
Soteria Security has always prioritized adaptability and innovation in its approach to security services. Recognizing the challenges of accessibility and the limitations of on-site training, they’ve begun transitioning their renowned active-shooter preparedness and de-escalation training to digital formats.
Jake highlighted the challenges related to training turnover, particularly in high-turnover environments like warehouses and factories.
“How do you keep new employees up to speed?” Jake asked, stressing the importance of ongoing education in maintaining security standards. To address this, the company is developing a Learning Management System (LMS) that will allow companies to continuously and consistently train their employees regardless of their physical location.
To support their growing digital initiatives, Soteria Security relies on DreamPress for robust and reliable WordPress hosting. DreamPress offers tailored solutions that ensure their training platforms and digital content are delivered seamlessly and effectively, enhancing both user experience and operational efficiency.
Expertly Handling a Crisis
One of Soteria Security’s jobs began as a contract to replace an underperforming security team. However, the assignment rapidly evolved into a complex crisis management situation.
“We were initially hired for a two-week period to deal with a violent threat from a recently terminated employee,” Robert said. The threat of the employee returning to wreak havoc significantly raised the stakes from day one.
Upon arriving at the site, Soteria Security quickly discovered that the problems were far more extensive than a single disgruntled worker. The premises were plagued by drug sales, frequent assaults, and rampant theft—issues that were previously overlooked.
“It was like opening a Pandora’s box of criminal activities that had been going unchecked,” James added.
What was intended as a short-term fix extended into an ongoing commitment. Due to Soteria’s adept handling of the initial crisis, their contract was extended multiple times.
“After cleaning up so much of the ongoing problems, the client saw the value in keeping us on indefinitely,” Robert noted.
Their approach was multifaceted: alongside neutralizing immediate threats, they implemented strategies to mitigate drug-related issues, reduce internal theft, and curb violence within the workplace. This comprehensive security overhaul demonstrated their ability to manage and resolve complex security issues that were deeply embedded in the company’s daily operations.
The results of their efforts were immediately evident. Not only was Soteria’s contract extended, but their presence also elicited positive reactions from other security personnel on site, including those from competing firms.
“Even our competitors felt safer with us there,” Jake said.
Vision for the Future
Soteria Security is not only transitioning its in-person training to digital formats but is also exploring opportunities to customize this training for specific client needs.
“We can tailor training for a specific company… figure out where your safe rooms are, and build out a course specifically for your office,” Jake explained. This personalized approach ensures that the training is both theoretically sound and practically relevant to the client’s unique operational context.
Robert emphasized that their future training initiatives are largely client-driven.
“Our clients kind of dictate what it is they want to learn,” he said, affirming their commitment to responsiveness. Whenever there’s a training requirement within their scope, they are ready to design a program that not only meets but exceeds those needs, ensuring relevance and value.
As Soteria Security continues to enhance its online operations, the support from DreamHost proves invaluable.
“As our digital person, DreamHost support has always gone above and beyond any expectation I had from a hosting provider. I have used other hosting providers for other personal projects, and it was really refreshing to have such a detail-oriented support team,” Jake said. This high level of customer service ensures that any potential issues are swiftly addressed, allowing Soteria Security to maintain uninterrupted service and focus on their crucial security assignments.
As they forge ahead, Jake, James, and Robert are dedicated to continually raising the standards within the security industry. Their focus on not merely providing security but also ensuring peace of mind through well-trained, professional personnel is redefining how businesses perceive and value security investments.
Soteria Security’s path reflects the transformative power of vision, expertise, and effective networking in revolutionizing a conventional sector. Through their innovative strategies and rigorous standards, they are not just enhancing security measures but are also advocating for a broader understanding of what true security should entail in the modern world.