John continues his conversation with Roy Smith. They discuss why modest living can be a security strategy and what recent high-profile incidents reveal about gaps in security systems. Roy also shares practical advice for influencers and high-profile people on how to stay off the wrong people's radar, build the right security posture, and hire the right people for protection.

Listen to this episode to learn more:

[00:00] - Wealthy people like Sam Walton and Warren Buffett lived modestly

[02:36] - Some ways to stay off the wrong people's radar

[05:01] - Basic security strategy for influencers & high-profile people

[07:38] - Roy's thoughts on clients carrying firearms

[10:37] - What went wrong during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump

[14:25] - Charlie Kirk incident from a protection standpoint

[19:48] - How Viking EPS finds and hires security professionals

[22:35] - Why character matters more than an impressive resumé

[25:21] - Rapport vs. professional distance with clients

[28:00] - Every client needs a different style of protection

[31:02] - How often do real threats happen?

[32:03] - Why media protection is where Roy sees the most threats

[34:04] - Roy's definition of success

[36:00] - Traits of a great leader

[36:39] - How Roy's team responds to his leadership

[38:10] - Best advice Roy ever got

[39:09] - Legacy Roy wants to leave

[39:45] - How Roy is investing in his growth

[41:44] - When John lost 50% of revenue in two months during 2008

[44:20] - How to connect with Roy

[47:46] - Book recommendations

[49:30] - Wrap-up

NOTABLE QUOTES:

"If no one really knows who you are, they're not going to watch you."

"Don't be reactive. Be proactive."

"Don't just think, 'Oh, I'm not a target,' because that's when you may become a target."

"If I get in a gunfight with someone, protecting someone, I've already lost because now my client is exposed."

"On paper, you can make your resume look like a beast... But when you put the boots on the ground is when you actually can see how someone really is."

"Success is taking your God-given talents, and using it to the best of your ability every day."

"Don't let ego get in your way of success."

"How can I ask you to do something that I'm not willing to do?"

"The wisdom only comes from screwing up."

"A good leader is someone who has compassionate understanding, knowledge, but not knowledge to a point where they believe they know everything, and they can still learn from the people that are underneath them and working beside them."

BOOKS MENTIONED:

Left of Bang: How the Marine Corps' Combat Hunter Program Can Save Your Life by Patrick Van Horne and Jason A. Riley (https://a.co/d/0h5VqQLm)
The Art of War by Sun Tzu (https://a.co/d/0j0tqq5T)
Green Book (book and movie)

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

CONNECT WITH JOHN

Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen