Founded in 2023 Bodyguards for Kids unites the security industry to raise donations for St. Jude. This is a unique opportunity to connect with others in the field while supporting a meaningful cause. When you donate through our event page on St. Jude’s website, 100% of your contributions go directly to the children of St. Jude, ensuring they and their families receive life-saving care and access to cutting-edge research at no cost.
Over the past two events, we’ve raised $35,779 and hosted 30 international subject matter experts, all thanks to the our incredible sponsors, speakers, and attendees!
Through this event, our community has: ♦️ Learned from international subject matter experts. ♦️ Won scholarships, books, and other exciting raffle prizes. ♦️ Contributed donations that make a difference for these little heroes.
This year, we’re aiming even higher, and we need your help to make an even bigger impact!
Bodyguards for Kids 2025 will take place on March 29-30 (Saturday & Sunday), starting at 9:30 AM PST. The best part? The event is virtual, so you can join from anywhere!
How to Participate? Simply make a donation on the Bodyguards for Kids 2025 event page on St. Jude’s website. Your donation serves as your ticket to the event and your entry into our raffle. For the direct donation link CLICK HERE.
The minimum donation to attend our virtual educational event is $50. And while we welcome all participants and all donations of any amount you wish to give, we offer additional recognition to those individuals or corporations who donate at or above the minimums listed below.
Event Sponsorship If you own a security company, or even as a private person, you can make a donation in your or your company’s name to our cause and be publicly listed as an individual or company donor with your name or company name and logo shown on our event page. -The minimum donation for individuals to be listed as event donors is $250 -The minimum donation for companies to be listed as event donors is $500
How Else Can You Support Our Event You can contribute by donating security-related books, training scholarships, or products. Don’t forget to share our event on your social media! Spread the word and help us make a difference for children in need. Whether you’re a security professional, a business owner, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this is your chance to give back. Don’t Miss Out!
Join us today and help shape a brighter future for children in need. Together, we can make an incredible impact.
A New Era of Personalized Protective Solutions for Individuals, Families and C-Suite Executives
In the glossy pages of lifestyle magazines, we often read about the latest trends in fashion, travel, and luxury. However, there’s a new trend that’s quietly making waves among the elite, and it’s all about security. Not just any #security, but boutique security companies. Companies that provide security for the families of the rich and famous are not something new, however, what is new is the rise we see in Boutique Security Companies.
As the world becomes increasingly complex and threat actors evolve, the demand for specialized, personalized security solutions is on the rise, especially among #celebrities, top corporations, and high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals.
Why Boutique Security?
The term ’boutique’ often brings to mind images of #exclusive, high-end shops offering unique, tailor-made products. In the realm of security, the concept is no different. Boutique security companies are not the average security providers, they are a class apart, offering a level of service that is both exquisite and unparalleled but also specialized in tailored made #concierge type of security solutions. These companies can see the needs of their customers and create unique solutions. In 2002, when we saw the need for female executive protection agents, and we created Athena Worldwide, and in 2008 we created Nannyguards, a hybrid service combining #childcare and #security. Today through our main company LeMareschal LLC, not only can we provide a variety of specialized security solutions to our customers, but we can also create unique services based on their needs.
What makes a Boutique Security Company Special?
Customization: Unlike larger security firms that offer one-size-fits-all solutions, or do not have the time and personnel dedicated to each one of their clients, boutique security companies can not only be more flexible in their approach, but they do care for client’s satisfaction. They understand that every client is unique, with specific needs and desires, and they put a lot of emphasis on customer service. This allows them to craft individualized security solutions, ensuring that clients receive the utmost care and protection.
Exclusivity: With premium services and dedicated attention, come premium prices. This often results in a select and high #standards clientele, allowing boutique security firms to dedicate more resources and attention to each client. Something to highlight is that the smaller size of these firms doesn’t diminish their value, on the contrary, it ensures that every client is treated with the importance they deserve and that the solutions they receive are tailor-made for them.
Expertise: The majority of boutique security firms are owned by #seasoned security professionals who know the importance of such services and are deeply invested not only in their business’s success but their clients’ safety and #satisfaction. Their reputation is on the line, ensuring a high level of #accountability, commitment, and unparalleled service.
Lifestyle Integration: In the world of opulence and grandeur, where every experience is curated to exude #luxury, boutique security firms effortlessly blend into this high-end #lifestyle. Their specialized security teams are not just trained to protect you but are also skilled in the art of discretion. Whether it’s a star-studded gala, an exclusive art auction, or a private island getaway, boutique security personnel are virtually invisible, ensuring a seamless experience. They are attuned to the nuances of high society, understanding when to fade into the background and when to step in, all without disrupting the event’s ambiance or the guests’ enjoyment. Imagine having a #bodyguard who not only protects you but also knows the perfect moment to step aside so you can enjoy a private conversation or a breathtaking view. It’s this harmonious integration that makes boutique security not just a service, but an essential component of the luxury lifestyle narrative.
Global Perspective: As elite customers travel around the world, the nuances of boutique security shift, reflecting the unique #cultural, #political, and #social landscapes of each region. In the opulent cities of the Middle East, boutique security often intertwines with royal protocols, ensuring that protection aligns with age-old traditions and customs. Meanwhile, in the bustling metropolises of Asia, the emphasis might lean towards technological integration, harnessing the latest technological and counter-surveillance innovations. Europe, with its rich tapestry of history and aristocracy, sees boutique security firms offering services that respect and preserve the sanctity of historic events and venues. Over in the Americas, the focus often pivots to #personalization, with security details tailored to the individual lifestyles of Hollywood celebrities, tech moguls, and other high-profile personalities. This ability to shift approaches across continents not only underscores the #adaptability and #versatility of boutique security but also highlights its universal appeal and relevance in today’s interconnected world.
LeMareschal, is a boutique security company that was created to stand out for its commitment to #excellence. Offering tailor-made #security, #travel, and #transportation solutions, LeMareschal is not just about security, it’s about offering a complete package service for #HNW, #UHNW, #celebrities, and C-Suite Executives who value #concierge type services and their peace of mind. Whether you are looking for protective teams (bodyguards), residential security, luxury and secure transportation, female executive agents, or child protection specialists, LeMareschal can provide the best for the best in your life.
In today’s world, the need for personalized security solutions has never been more critical. Boutique security firms, with their focus on customization, exclusivity, and expertise, are leading the way in providing the elite with the protection they deserve.
Fasten your seatbelts, folks! 🛫 We’re taking flight with @VirginAtlantic. Thrilled to be featured in Vera’s in-flight magazine! On land, in the air, and everywhere in between, Nannyguards are committed to keeping your precious ones safe. Don’t forget to check us out at 30,000 feet! Read the full article here!
In the world of celebrity and high-net-worth families, nannies play a vital role in providing care and support for their children. However, working in these exclusive environments requires an extra level of confidentiality and discretion. You are solely responsible for the lives and the wellbeing of these little ones, and by proxy, their parents and close family as well. As you may be aware of, or find out through a quick online search, there are many nannies who used to work for either celebrities or public families, who knew far too much, and who are ‘’spilling the beans” to any media or gossip tabloid that will listen.
During our Nannyguards classes, we place a huge emphasis on confidentiality and why nannies must respect and remain quiet in regards to what they see or hear. When working with celebrities, nannies are exposed to sensitive information about their employers, their personal traits, their secrets, their children, and their daily lives. Trust becomes an enormous factor in all of this and confidentiality is essential for nannies to build that trust and maintain professional, discreet relationships. The safeguarding of the privacy and security of the families they provide services for is an integral portion of their job description.
Celebrity families are constantly in the spotlight, facing media attention and being scrutinized at every turn. Nannies must be prepared to politely, but firmly, handle paparazzi, journalists, and gossip columns while keeping their employers’ personal lives confidential. Often, they may find these media or paparazzi making great offers or bribes (either for publicity or financially) in exchange for giving away important information about their clients’ daily lives. And some nannies will even try and reach out to the media, on their own, to tell a story in a very unprofessional attempt to bring attention to who they are or what they do.
For these reasons, it is very important for nanny agencies and clients both, to require that a comprehensive NDA is in place. These legal agreements outline every confidentiality expectation in order to protect both the family and the nanny. They establish clear boundaries and clearly explain the consequences for any breaches of confidentiality. An NDA is not just a piece of paper, it holds power, and nannies need to be aware of the legal obligations and potential consequences related to confidentiality breaches, not to mention the career destruction it will bring if these are breached. Understanding the legal framework surrounding the confidentiality required ensures that nannies are well-informed and can confidently navigate their roles.
Some nannies will give away information without meaning to do so. This is why nannies should always exercise caution when using social media, ensuring they do not compromise their employers’ privacy and/or give away critical information. Avoid sharing identifiable information about the family or posting pictures from the client’s estate, vehicles, or with their children at all times. Just because the client may say it’s allowed, you are the professional and you have increased knowledge of how this can be damaging and dangerous.
All nannies must always uphold a professional demeanor. They should refrain from discussing their employers or sharing private information with friends, family, or other individuals.
By consistently demonstrating their commitment to confidentiality and discretion, they will build trust with their employers, fostering long-term relationships and potential future opportunities. Working as a nanny for celebrity and high-net-worth families is a rewarding experience, but it comes with unique challenges and unwavering responsibilities. Confidentiality and discretion are integral in maintaining trust, preserving privacy, and ensuring a professional relationship between celebrity nannies and their employers. By understanding the importance of confidentiality, following best practices, and staying informed about legal considerations, nannies can navigate this specialized field with professionalism and integrity, providing exceptional care while upholding the privacy of their employers.
”Protecting the children of the rich and famous is not a new thought process. Since the dawn of time, rulers, warriors, and leaders of men have always assigned protectors to their children. They realized that they were their most prized possession and must be safeguarded at all costs, whether to carry on their legacy, continue a royal bloodline, and because they were the very essence of their lives. And for those who have been in our industry long enough, they have experienced, at some point in time, working with the children of their clients as well.
However, as the clientele and threats are changing, we see more and more families with extreme wealth or celebrity status needing specialized protection for their little ones. The children of the rich and famous are born into a world of privilege and opportunity, but with that privilege comes a unique set of dangers and challenges. Most of these children, due to their parent’s highly overt status and being constantly in the public eye, they are vulnerable to a wide range of threats. And we can all agree that the threats these children face today have evolved and become more complex than ever before…”
During our combined 56 years in the industry, we have seen many close protection companies making huge mistakes marketing themselves, either because they can not afford it and do it themselves (and do it the wrong way), or they choose the wrong marketing company/service to represent them and what they intended to portray to the marketable public is lost or misrepresented.
Brand management is a critical component of any successful business strategy, regardless of the industry or niche. The security industry is highly competitive, and building a strong brand can differentiate your company from the competition. Also, brand management is especially important because it can directly impact the trust and confidence that customers have in the company’s ability to provide effective security services. As one of the unique industries that can build their portfolio by ‘’word of mouth’’, how your clients feel about your services is of huge importance. Effective brand management can help close protection companies build trust with customers and establish themselves as industry leaders, setting themselves apart from the crowd.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the key principles of brand management for close protection companies and offer some practical tips and strategies for building a strong and trusted brand.
1. Develop a clear brand identity
The first step in brand management is to develop a clear brand identity. This includes creating a brand name, logo, and tagline that reflects the values and mission of your company. Your brand identity should be consistent across all marketing materials, including your website, social media, and advertising. It should also be easily recognizable and memorable, all the while maintaining simplicity. “Less is more” should be the standard. While you are choosing your brand identity always have in mind your clientele and ‘’target group’’. What reaches your audience of choice? If you are looking to attract corporate companies or C-Suite individuals, a less ‘’tactical’’ looking brand identity will definitely be more suitable.
Today we have many close protection companies providing very similar services making the competition between them fierce. Are you offering something different? Something unique? Do you have a new or improved method of service? What can you offer or provide that no one else does? If yes, build your brand management around that! In 2002, we saw the need for an agency that would train and provide placement for female close protection agents. And we used that uniqueness to set us apart to build our brand and Athena Worldwide was born. In 2008, after having worked with many UHNW families, we saw the need for a hybrid service that would combine childcare with security awareness and that is how Nannyguards was created. Both of our brands are known and have been operating internationally.
2. Define your target audience
Knowing your target audience is critical in all brand management. Your brand message should be tailored to resonate with your target audience. Whom are you attempting to reach? Who do you desire to do business with in the future? We see many close protection companies failing when it comes down to this. Many of them believe that they must (or they do) market their services to other security companies. Why would someone attempt to sell a product to its competitor? While that may be acceptable if you are looking for subcontracting opportunities, it is not if you are trying to gain new clients. Simply think, you are trying to advertise your services to companies who provide the same services! Widen your opportunities by expanding your target audience to include businesses, corporations, family offices, luxury travel agencies, luxury transportation services, placement agencies, media corporations, event production companies, etc.
Also, have in mind that your target audience may change due to the latest geopolitical circumstances or threats. For example, many corporations were in need of workplace violence mitigation during the numerous employee layoffs. There were many medical or pharmaceutical corporations that had to hire protective teams for their corporate officers during covid lockdowns. Always think ahead regarding how something that is happening currently can cause-effect, thus giving you the opportunity to reach out to new clients. Understanding the specific needs and concerns of your target audience can help you create effective marketing strategies. Another point to keep in mind is that many corporations push services or tell the potential clients what they think the client needs, rather than listening to the perceived needs and concerns of the client prior to making an assessment.
In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is crucial. Your website should be user-friendly, informative, and visually appealing. It should also be optimized for search engines so that potential customers can easily find your company. In addition to a website, you should also have a presence on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. HOWEVER, always have in mind that each social media platform is different and has been designed for different users. Let’s begin with Facebook as an example. Having a presence on Facebook may be ok for a close protection company, and many close protection companies already seem to base their marketing budget and efforts on it. But let’s think for just a moment, who is your target audience? Do you really believe that C-Suite personnel or millionaires/billionaires will be found looking for their next security provider on Facebook? Brand strength and recognition amongst the HNW/UHNW circles are critical.
Let’s break down some most used social media platforms:
Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are all social media platforms, but they differ in their purpose, target audience, and features. Many close protection companies rely on them to market their services and confuse the likes and shares with potential future clientele. Maybe one post or picture of yours got 500 likes and 50 shares on Facebook, by people who can’t use or don’t need your services, what does that mean for your marketing? ZERO, absolutely zero! You spend time, and probably money, to advertise, and the likes and shares are not translated to clients. And let’s just break it down further for clarity. Who composes the majority of your “friends” on these platforms? Just because your Uncle Harry and Aunt Gertrude think you’re the most awesome thing since sliced bread does NOT translate at all in terms of the validity of your business or your service quality.
Now let’s discuss some key differences between these platforms:
a. Twitter is a social media platform that focuses on short-form, real-time communication. Users can share updates (tweets) of up to 280 characters, and these tweets can include text, images, videos, and links. Twitter is often used for breaking news, live events, and conversations on trending topics. It is popular among journalists, politicians, celebrities, and people who want to stay up to date with the latest news and events.
b. Instagram is a visual social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. It is popular among millennials and Gen Z users who use it to share their experiences, showcase their creativity, and connect with like-minded individuals. Instagram also offers features such as Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV, which allow users to create short-form video content.
c. Facebook is a social media platform that allows users to connect with friends and family, join groups, and share content such as photos, videos, and links.
d. LinkedIn is a social media platform that focuses on professional networking and career development. It is used by professionals and businesses to create professional profiles, showcase their skills and experience, connect with other professionals, and search for job opportunities.
Now as a close protection company, which platform do you feel is best to reach out to your audience and create a strong brand? Most of these platforms do the polar opposite of what we should be doing-posting pictures, names, locations, and assets that do NOT belong to us and we shouldn’t be advertising!
For us, it has always been LinkedIn in combination with blogging, which we will describe soon. We have seen 25% and sometimes more, of our clients coming to us because of our LinkedIn presence.
Have in mind that whatever social media presence you choose to have, you must stay on top of it, with engaging and interesting content that will showcase your audience who you are as a company, the depth of your understanding and knowledge of the field, and what you can offer.
Blogging is a powerful tool for brand management for several reasons:
a. Establishing expertise and thought leadership: By regularly creating high-quality, informative blog content on topics relevant to your industry, you can position yourself as an expert in your field. This can help to build trust and credibility with your audience and establish your brand as a go-to resource for information and insights.
b. Driving traffic to your website: Blogging can also help to drive traffic to your website. By creating valuable, informative content that answers common questions or addresses common pain points your target audience may have, you can attract visitors to your site who are searching for information related to your brand. Any topic that sparks the inquiry regarding further services is valuable.
c. Increasing brand visibility: Blogging also increases your brand’s visibility online. By creating and sharing blog content on social media platforms, you can increase your reach and attract new followers and potential customers. The more often someone sees a great blog attached to a particular brand name, they will be more and more curious as to who you are and what you are offering.
d. Improving search engine rankings: Finally, blogging can help to improve your search engine rankings. By creating high-quality, relevant content on a regular basis, you can improve your website’s SEO and increase your chances of appearing in search results for relevant keywords.
In summary, blogging is great for brand management because it can help to establish you as an expert in your field, drive increased traffic to your website, expand your brand’s visibility, build relationships with your audience, and improve your search engine rankings. By creating valuable, informative content that resonates with your target audience, you can strengthen your brand and attract new customers OR media agencies over time. And we all know that being mentioned by a magazine or TV channel due to the performance of your security services can lead to better brand visibility and new clients. We have never paid for an advertisement, and we have had many inquiries from big media outlets to either interview us or mention our story and services.
Now, have in mind, blogging needs time and commitment, it needs you to keep a sharp eye on what is or can be the most interesting topic of the day or week that revolves around security and create great engaging content out of it. What are the people looking for? What services do they need? How can you be a perfect fit to increase your client base?
5. Focus on customer service
Customer service is an essential part of brand management for close protection companies. Providing excellent customer service can help build trust with customers and establish your company as a reliable and reputable provider of close protection services. Make sure your employees are trained to provide exceptional customer service and that customer feedback is addressed promptly. Always make sure you keep in contact with your clients and run surveys or send emails to ask how they are finding your services and if there is something to correct or take care of. LISTEN to your clients! These are not services for you, they are provided by you for them! What do THEY need? How can you improve to care for them better? Use the feedback to correct or improve your services. Mistakes happen but it will show great leadership skills and that you care for your customers if you fix whatever is wrong. Use feedback from customers to identify areas for improvement and to address concerns. Positive customer feedback can also be used as a marketing tool to showcase the quality of your services. Remember customer feedback can be a valuable tool in brand management and upgrading/improving services and products. What you think is needed may not be needed at all…Listen!
6. Consistently deliver quality service
Your brand is only as strong as the quality of service you provide. Consistently delivering high-quality close protection services is essential in brand management. Make sure your employees are vetted, well-trained, and equipped with the latest technology and equipment. Also, remember your employees can be your brand ambassadors! And don’t forget to regularly evaluate and improve your services to meet the changing needs of your customers. Keep this important point in mind: You would rather have one or two solid, well-run contracts to whom you provide amazing service and products (These customers will tell their colleagues all about you), rather than a dozen sloppily run contracts that are flailing due to lack of quality and poor customer service. (They will also tell all their colleagues about you…And it won’t be good!)
7. Leverage customer feedback
In conclusion, brand management is essential for close protection companies looking to establish themselves as industry leaders. By developing a clear brand identity, defining your target audience, establishing a strong online presence, focusing on customer service, consistently delivering quality service, and leveraging customer feedback, close protection companies can build a strong brand that differentiates them from the competition and builds trust with customers.
Denida & Chris Grow bring a combined 55 years of international experience in the Protective and Intelligence services. They are based in Seattle, WA, and run their companies LeMareschal, Athena Worldwide, and Nannyguards.
Not only will your donation be making a change and helping children in need, but it is also your ticket to our virtual educational event, and what a line of speakers we have! Plus, it is your ticket to our raffle prizes! Thank you to our donors for their generous offers on the scholarships! You are truly bringing our industry together!
“Bodyguards for Kids” the first annual fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is now officially open and ready to accept your donations. Join us for our two-day virtual educational event as we are hosting 17+ subject matter experts from different countries.
Why participate? 1) Your donation is helping children in need and making a difference in their lives, first and foremost! 2) Your donation is your ticket to our educational event where, for only $39, you will have the chance to learn from 16+ Subject Matter Experts. 3) Your donation is also your ticket to our raffle prizes for a chance to win an Executive Protection course scholarship, books, and other great prizes! 4) This event will unite the security industry. No matter where you stand, no matter how you feel, this is for the kids…Do it!
We have also created multiple options for an individual or a company to contribute, participate in our event, and get highlighted as an Individual or Corporate Sponsor.
Minimum donation for individuals to be listed as event sponsors $250. Minimum donation for companies to be listed as event sponsors $500.
For detailed information about our event, educational courses, speakers, and their bios please visit: www.bodyguardsforkids.com After your donations, please contact us at info@lemareschal.com to be sent the event zoom invitation or to be listed for one of the above sponsorships options.
And don’t forget this event is for the kids! Let’s bring awareness about our industry and the human side of Executive Protection!
We are very happy and quite proud to announce that Nannyguards has been selected by the Leaders Network team at Meta to showcase our success story. It has been a tough road and many long hours since the very first day Nannyguards was created and we feel extremely blessed to share our work and heartfelt passion with some amazing professionals who have since joined our team. Dr. Mary Beth Wilkas Janke (Psychology), JD Elkin (Cyber Security Awareness), Kelly Sayre (Situational Awareness) and Chris Grow.
TikTok sleuths noticed that users were saving videos of 3-year-old Wren Eleanor in concerning numbers
For years, security professionals have been repeatedly sounding the alarm in regards to the extreme danger of parents posting their children’s pictures or videos online. Your child’s adoring pictures or videos can be downloaded, used, and, quite often, photoshopped in horrific circumstances by pedophile rings, child traffickers, and ‘kiddie porn’ websites. What to you is “cute” and “adoring,” or a great way to draw more followers or make money as an influencer account, is for these insidious others “attractive,” “sexually stimulating,” or “erotically arousing”! Evil absolutely DOES exist…Horrible individuals and organizations are very real, and they are preying on your ignorance and hunting your children. Be alert!
According to the Fox News article, “One user, @hashtagfacts, noted that a video of Wren wearing a cropped, orange shirt was saved more than 45,000 times. A video of Wren eating a hotdog was saved nearly 375,000 times. She also highlighted unsettling comments on Wren’s videos and pointed out that popular searches for Wren’s account included phrases like “Wren Eleanor hotdog” or “Wren Eleanor pickle,” meaning users were frequently searching for videos of the three-year-old eating a hotdog or pickle.”…
”Children are especially vulnerable to kidnapping as their natural inquisitiveness can be exploited by kidnappers and pedophiles and most nannies or drivers are not security trained, also many kindergartens and schools have very low standards of security. And most parents think that something as horrific as having their child kidnapped will never happen to them… But is does happen, and in such cases prevention is far better than hoping for happy endings that the chances are, will not materialize.
Most people think of kidnap for ransomsituations when we discuss kidnapping but another type of domestic kidnapping is where an estranged parent will take a childthey do not have legal custody for. These situations can become very complicated if the child is taken to or is in another country, as the local laws usually take precedence. The Hague Child Abduction Convention is the international law that tends to be used for child custody disputes but how this is interpreted at local levels is another thing. A single parent may have custody of their child in U.S. or Western Europe, but if their ex-partner is a citizen of say an Asian or Middle Eastern country and manages to get the child there, the local courts will most probably give them custody.” read the full article HERE
epbacktobasics.com 