Starting an executive protection company can be a smart move if you have the right experience, training, and business plan. With growing demand for private security among executives, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals, there’s real opportunity — but also plenty of competition.

To succeed, you’ll need more than a security background. You’ll have to think about licensing, building the right team, offering client-ready services, and creating a strong brand that earns trust.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

• How to plan your business model
• What licenses and certifications you’ll need
• How to build your team and services
• Strategies to market, sell, and scale your EP company

Let’s jump right into the 10 tips.

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10 helpful tips to start an executive protection company

Starting an executive protection company is about running a smart, well-organized business. Whether you’re launching solo or building a full team from day one, you’ll need to plan carefully, meet legal requirements, and create services that clients can trust. Here are 10 practical tips to help you get set up the right way:

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1. Define your business model

When you’re learning how to get into executive protection, one of the first things you should do is to figure out exactly what kind of company you want to build.

Will you offer proprietary services, where your team works exclusively for one client? Or contract-based services, where you provide protection for multiple clients as needed? Both models have benefits, depending on the clients you want to attract and the resources you have.

It also helps to specialize early on. You might focus on CEOs, corporate boards, high-net-worth families, or entertainment figures. Picking a niche not only shapes your service offerings but also helps you stand out in a competitive field. 

Look at who’s already offering executive protection in your area and think about how you can bring something different to the table.

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2. Understand licensing and certification

Getting your legal ducks in a row is a super important early step. In the U.S., executive protection license requirements usually vary from state to state. Some states issue specific executive protection licenses, while others require a private security company license that covers EP work.

You might also want to look into professional certifications. Credentials like the ASIS Certified Protection Professional (CPP) show that you meet a recognized industry standard for security knowledge, risk assessment, and protection planning. These certifications tell clients you’re serious about your work, you follow best practices, and that respected organizations have vetted you. 

Before you apply for any licenses, research the timeline and costs:

• State licensing: Some states process licenses quickly, while others take several months.
  
• Application fees: Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
  
• Insurance requirements: Most states require you to show proof of liability insurance before issuing a license.

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3. Build your core team and training program

The people you hire will make or break your executive protection company. You’ll want agents who aren’t just physically capable, but who also have strong judgment, communication skills, and the ability to work quietly and professionally under pressure. These agents aren’t going to be doing regular security guard duties, so it’s important to find people who are trained for the position.

Here’s what to focus on when building your team:

• Recruiting criteria: Look for candidates with formal EP training, military or law enforcement backgrounds, medical certifications like EMT, and strong interpersonal skills.
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• Partner with schools: Build relationships with accredited EP training schools so you have a reliable pipeline of qualified candidates.
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• Ongoing training: Set up in-house drills and training sessions to keep your team sharp on emergency response, threat assessment, and client etiquette.
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• Hire licensed individuals: When you’re hiring agents for your company, it’s important to make sure that you select candidates who are properly licensed in your state. There are no multi-state security licenses, so it’s wise to make sure your security staff have the credentials they need to operate legally.

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4. Develop your service offerings and pricing

Before you go to market, get crystal clear on what services you’ll offer and how you’ll price them. This makes it easier to pitch to clients and scale your company as you grow.

Core executive protection services usually include:

• Advance work: Scouting and securing locations ahead of a client’s arrival.
  
• Close protection: Providing bodyguard-style personal security.
  
• Secure transport: Moving clients safely from point A to B.
  
• Travel logistics: Handling the security side of domestic and international trips.

You can also offer add-ons like:

• Residential security: Protecting clients’ homes with security details and surveillance.
  
• Event security: Managing security for public appearances, conferences, or private events.
  
• VIP medical standby: Having trained medics on-site during high-risk activities.

When it comes to pricing, you might charge hourly, set monthly retainers, or offer project-based packages. Rates often vary depending on the agent’s experience level, the risk profile of the job, and the services provided, so be ready to put in some time to figure out your ideal price points.

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5. Secure insurance and legal compliance

Before you start working with clients, you’ll need to protect your company legally. The executive protection business comes with serious risks, and the right insurance can save you from devastating lawsuits if something goes wrong.

Here are the basics you’ll want to cover:

• General liability insurance: Protects your business if someone claims injury, property damage, or negligence.
  
• Professional liability insurance (E&O): Covers you if a client claims your advice or protection services caused them harm.
  
• Workers' compensation insurance: Required in most states if you have employees, covering job-related injuries or illnesses.

You’ll also need strong contracts that clearly outline your scope of work, indemnification clauses, and use-of-force guidelines. If you’re not sure where to start, legal templates designed for the security industry can help, but it's a good idea to have a lawyer customize them for you.

Keeping organized legal and compliance records will also make it easier to stay audit-ready as you grow. Security guard software like Belfry can help you manage incident reports, employee records, and compliance logs without drowning in paperwork.

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6. Create your brand and marketing plan

The security industry statistics don’t lie — the industry as a whole is growing. However, even if you have the best-trained team in the world, clients won’t hire you if they don’t know you exist (or if you don’t look professional). Branding and marketing are what set serious companies apart.

Start by building a simple, professional website that shows who you are, what you offer, and why clients should trust you. Publishing thought-leadership content, like articles on security officer safety tips, can help build credibility over time.

Search engine optimization (SEO) also plays a big role. Target keywords like “how to get into executive protection” and “licensed executive protection agency in [place]” naturally on your website so you can show up in client searches.

Finally, networking is huge in this field. Attend security conferences, join professional associations, and build relationships with corporate security directors who can refer you to new opportunities.

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7. Sales and client acquisition strategies

Once your services are ready, you’ll need a strategy for actually landing clients. Executive protection work usually isn’t found through ads. Instead, it’s built on trust, referrals, and smart outreach.

Here are a few ways to start building your client base:

• Respond to RFPs: Some corporations and private clients issue formal Requests for Proposals (RFPs) when they need security services. Learn how to put together winning proposals that clearly outline your capabilities, experience, and value.
  
  
• Network strategically: Connect with corporate security directors, estate managers, and event planners, since they’re often the gatekeepers who can introduce you to high-end clients.
  
  
• Track leads and deals: Using customer relations management (CRM) tools can help you manage your outreach, track conversations, and follow up professionally so you close more business.

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8. Operations and quality control

Running day-to-day operations in an executive protection company takes more than just staffing agents. You’ll also need systems that keep everything organized, accountable, and professional.

Focus on building strong internal workflows for:

• Incident reporting: Create clear templates and procedures, so every agent knows how to document events and security concerns.
  
  
• Scheduling and timekeeping: Keep track of who’s working when, where, and for how long to stay compliant with labor laws and service contracts.
  
  
• Compliance logs: Maintain records of licensing, training updates, and client contracts to stay audit-ready.

Using a centralized platform like Belfry can streamline your security operations and make it much easier to manage these moving parts. Tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), like incident resolution times, client satisfaction scores, and employee turnover, will also help you monitor quality over time and make informed decisions as you grow.

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9. Scaling and growth strategies

Once your executive protection company is running smoothly, it’s time to think about growth. Expanding your services and your geographic reach can open the door to bigger clients, but it also comes with new challenges.

Here’s what to plan for:

• Multi-state licensing: If you want to operate in different states, you’ll need to meet each state’s licensing requirements. That most likely means having to apply for a license in each state you want to operate in.
  
  
• Geographic expansion: You can either grow into new cities or states, or you can diversify your services by offering things like risk consulting, event security, or even K9 security units.
  
  
• Building remote teams: As you expand, hiring regional managers and creating structured teams in different areas will help you maintain service quality and company culture.

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10. Selling your value

When you’re pitching your services to potential clients, you’re not just selling security. You’re selling peace of mind, risk mitigation, and professionalism.

Here’s how to communicate your value effectively:

• Educate your prospects: Many clients don’t fully understand what executive protection covers. Help them see how your services protect assets, reduce liabilities, and keep key people safe.
  
  
• Adapt your messaging: Tailor your sales pitches to the audience. For corporate security directors, focus on risk management and compliance. For private individuals, focus on personal safety and privacy.
  
  
• Show proof of success: Share case studies, success stories, or early wins that demonstrate how you’ve handled real-world situations. Real examples build trust faster than any marketing language.

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Frequently asked questions

How much capital is required to launch an EP firm?

If you're starting small with a boutique executive protection firm, you’ll likely need between $10,000 and $60,000. This should cover basics like licensing, insurance, initial training, basic equipment, and early marketing efforts. How much you spend will depend on the services you offer and the markets you target. If you want to start a bigger agency, it’ll probably cost you more.

Can I start an EP company without law enforcement experience?

Yes, you can. Law enforcement or military backgrounds are common in the executive protection world, but they’re not required. What matters most is your knowledge of risk management, threat assessment, defensive driving, first aid, and client communication. Having formal EP training and strong client references can help you find opportunities.

What are the top challenges when scaling an EP business?

The biggest hurdles tend to be finding qualified agents, keeping service quality high across different locations, and staying compliant with licensing laws in multiple states. Growth also brings operational headaches like scheduling, reporting, and maintaining company culture as your team spreads out. Planning for these early on can help prevent issues later.

How do I vet and retain high‑quality EP agents?

Start by setting clear recruiting standards. Look for candidates with professional EP training, strong communication skills, and experience handling real-world security threats. When you find good people, keep them by offering competitive pay, consistent training opportunities, and a company culture that respects their hard work. 

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How Belfry can help support executive protection agencies

Now that you know how to start an executive protection company, the next step is making sure you have the right tools to run it smoothly. Building a strong team and offering high-end services is only part of the job — you’ll also need systems that help you manage operations, billing, and scheduling without getting buried in paperwork. That’s where Belfry comes in.

Belfry is an all-in-one security guard software that puts everything in one place, making it easier to manage your team.

Here’s how:

• Easy scheduling: Minimize scheduling conflicts and avoid unmanned shifts thanks to Belfry’s automated scheduling features that assign shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training.
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• Digital incident reporting: Goodbye pen and paper — guards can more easily keep you up-to-date by sending digital incident reports through the Belfry mobile app. They can even attach any evidence if needed.
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• Track certifications: Prevent license compliance lapses by inputting your officers’ licenses and certifications. Belfry tracks renewal dates automatically and sends notifications when they’re coming up.
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• Custom reporting: Need to create reports? Belfry allows you to design tailored reports, including incident documentation, patrol activities, and compliance status.
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• Simplified payroll: Belfry automates time and attendance tracking to make payroll easier. It also tracks overtime, labor expenses, and timesheets to make financial reporting a breeze.

Ready to see how Belfry can optimize your EP firm operations? Schedule a Free Belfry Demo today.