John talks with Roy Smith — founder and president of Viking Executive Protection Solutions (Viking EPS), founder of the Viking Training Academy, executive protection specialist, security consultant, former law enforcement officer, and devoted husband and loving father. Through Viking EPS, Roy provides executive protection, corporate security, and risk management services for business leaders, public figures, and government agencies.

Listen to this episode to learn more:

[00:00] - Intro

[00:38] - Roy's bio

[01:41] - The Viking Training Academy

[03:05] - Viking's three main services

[05:04] - Working with political clients and public figures

[06:20] - Doxing and why everyone should care about online security

[09:26] - Simple ways to minimize the risk of cybercrime

[11:43] - Problems with chip cards and tap‑to‑pay systems

[15:18] - Roy's journey from law enforcement to business owner

[23:30] - How Roy invests in his marriage while running a demanding business

[26:48] - John's advice on building a stronger marriage

[35:09] - Roy's ideal client

[36:42] - What executive protection services cost

[39:48] - Concierge security services for personal outings

[40:50] - Where Viking Executive Protection operates

[41:50] - Corporate vs. personal security

[43:27] - Working with celebrities and media personalities

[45:38] - The hidden risks for social media influencers

NOTABLE QUOTES:

"Anyone can tap into a Wi-Fi signal, and if you are nearby, they can actually access your device."

"It is important for the everyday person to understand the safety, risks, and security of all the devices they have that deal with Wi-Fi and the connection."

"Cash is king!"

"The more you rely on your phone to be your go-to for everything, for all your passwords, all these apps, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and all those things, the more at risk you are. Anytime you rely on one device to be your go-to for all your financial information, you are at risk."

"Have crazy, crazy, crazy passwords… Have difficult passwords, and don't rely on your electronic device to hold all your information."

"In order to be great in business, it actually starts at home. If things aren't going well at home, business will never be as good as it can be — EVER."

"If you don't have a place of relaxation, a safe place, and that place is at home, because when you go home and you have more chaos, then you're going to be in turmoil. You have no place to reset."

"I know that I would not be nearly as successful as I am.. if I didn't have a strong foundation with my family to support me."

"If I get a license plate, I can pretty much find who you are."

"Just because you have it doesn't mean you have to show it."

"The ultimate nightmare for a security professional is someone who is just not willing to understand the vulnerability that they are in."

USEFUL LINKS:

https://vikingeps.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/roysmithviking/

https://www.instagram.com/viking_eps/

https://www.facebook.com/roy.smith.12720

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573089273718&ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web

https://x.com/vikingeps

https://www.youtube.com/@vikings-d9g