Brews & Belters Podcast: Dan Arnold on World Cup Security

Dan Arnold, Senior Vice President of National Operations at Protos, joins the Brews & Belters podcast to provide an insider’s perspective on the extensive security planning required for major global sporting events like the FIFA World Cup.

The Hidden Cost of Downgrading From Off-Duty Law Enforcement Security

Security budgets are under pressure. Tariffs, hiring freezes and cautious spending have pushed a lot of companies to look hard at what they pay for physical security. Off-duty law enforcement officers often sit at the top of that line item, which makes them an easy target when procurement teams are hunting for savings. 

Security Isn’t a Commodity. Neither Is Off-Duty Law Enforcement

As organizations face increasing pressure to reduce costs, security leaders must carefully balance budget decisions with risk exposure. In a Security Magazine article, Protos CFO Anthony Escamilla explores why off-duty law enforcement should be viewed as a strategic security investment, not a commodity, and how businesses can align security resources with their unique risk profile.

Holistic Operational Orchestration Replaces Fragmented Physical Security Contracts

Dan Acker, Senior Director of Service at Protos, was recently featured in Security Today, where he authored an article titled “Holistic Operational Orchestration Replaces Fragmented Physical Security Contracts.” In the article, Dan explores how organizations can improve security outcomes by adopting a more unified approach to security operations.

Anthony Varchetto Featured in Journal & Topics Media Group: Raising Money For Police Mental Health Support

Anthony Varchetto, President of Blue Star Security and head of Protos Security’s Specialized Division, was recently featured by Journal & Topics Media Group for his work supporting law enforcement mental health through Bank The Blue. A retired Chicago police officer with more than 22 years of service, Anthony helped establish the nonprofit in 2020 to connect officers with confidential, third-party mental health resources.

Protos CEO Mark Hjelle Shares Industry Perspective in USA Today

Mark Hjelle, CEO of Protos, was recently quoted in a USA Today article highlighting the role security officers play in protecting people. The article provides insight into how security officers are among the first people on-site during emergencies, requiring constant vigilance, situational awareness and the ability to respond quickly when threats arise.

Mark Hjelle Featured in Hartford Business Journal Interview

Protos Security CEO Mark Hjelle was recently featured in a Hartford Business Journal article discussing the growing demand for executive protection services across the U.S. The article highlights how companies are taking a more proactive approach to safeguarding executives, employees and business operations amid an increasingly complex threat environment.

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Protos
Headquarters

383 Main Ave, Suite 505
Norwalk, CT 06851, USA
Phone: 203.941.4700

Mark Hjelle

Chief Executive Officer

Mark Hjelle is the CEO of Security Services Holdings, LLC as well as Protos Security and its subsidiaries. Mark is an experienced Chief Executive Officer and Board Member who has led large national business and facilities services firms for nearly 25 years delivering strong top- and bottom-line growth while building high-performing teams with strong culture. Most recently, he was CEO for CSC ServiceWorks, a B2B2C provider of technology-enabled consumer services. Prior to CSC, Mark was President of Brickman/Valleycrest a national provider of exterior landscape and snow removal services. Over the course of his 18-year tenure at Brickman, he held numerous leadership positions in operations, finance and business development. Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from The Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania Fels Institute of Government and a Law Degree from Case Western Reserve School of Law.