Facilities Management Awards 2025

11 From working as a Corrections Officer for the State of Nebraska’s Department of Corrections to a four-year stint as Deputy Sheriff operating out of the Pottawattamie County Sherrif’s Office in Iowa, as well as roles across the likes of G4S and Homeland Patrol, Roy Smith more than has the background and the experience to lead Viking Executive Protection Solutions. Establishing the company in 2021, Roy is both the owner and CEO, with his dedication to protect and serve remaining as unflinching now than ever before. In today’s turbulent and wildly-unpredictable world, personal and executive protection security has unfortunately become a necessity – and taking a proactive approach to managing safety is a surefire way for a person to save not only time and assets, but sometimes even their life. Echoing this ethos across a range of concierge security services, Viking is designed to both shield its clients from any harm and provide them with peace of mind. The company achieves this by offering fully customisable security solutions that are unique and tailored from the ground up to a person’s circumstances. What this means is that important and influential individuals can set about achieving their goals and preserving their brands or lifestyles without having to fear for their safety. In this way, these services pay for themselves, with a return on investment experienced in the form of reassurance that nothing will stand in their way. This is a gift that a person simply cannot put a price on. Whether a client requests executive protection on a day-to-day basis, a courier service that is low in profile but high in security, a secure driving service managed by trained and certified professionals, or even a residential security team to offer physical protection of their home or other vital assets, these agents pride themselves on an ability to integrate seamlessly into daily routines. Beyond this, Viking even has specialists on hand to deploy comprehensive technical security countermeasures and to offer mitigation against doxing. As this shows, executive protection is about much more than just having a ‘bodyguard’, and personal protection is just one piece of a holistic puzzle designed to preserve a person’s wellbeing. This is not to undermine the importance of this particular element of Viking’s service however, which is crucial for the likes of corporate execs, diplomats, and celebrities – groups that are more likely to be the target of harassment or an attack. Across this offering, Viking’s agents can be as discreet as the client requests, with some even asking that they are not made aware of who their agent is. Less obvious protection then sees agents dressed in plain clothes to blend in with the crowd. Otherwise, agents look the traditional part – suited and booted – without ever drawing more attention than the client. This allows them to carry out everything from armed escorts to advanced security screenings and real-time itinerary and movement updates subtlety and effectively. What makes the services mentioned above even more beneficial to clients is that all of the company’s agents are rigorously trained in the likes of first aid, trauma care, situational awareness, and selfdefence. This, combined with their previous expertise in military/ policing roles, gives them a unique ability to handle dynamic situations, thinking on their feet and always taking appropriate precautions in the event of a threat. Before moving on and discussing the values and ethos behind Viking, many people will be interested to know more about the digital side of executive protection that Roy and his team also specialise in. Again, many people assume this role is a solely physical one, but in a time when technology and the internet are arguably more powerful tools than any physical weapon, clients are increasingly experiencing nonphysical threats. Whilst this occasionally involves sourcing and removing covert listening devices – or ‘bugs’ – as well preventing surveillance through the likes of cameras and GPS trackers, the reality is often much less ‘secret agent’. Most commonly, the team deal with countersurveillance software that helps to prevent cybercrime, such as the theft of financial, corporate, or personal data. These types of hacking have become more popular in the last few years and have required Roy and co. to adjust their services accordingly. The same can be said of doxing, which is the act of publishing the personal information (such as private addresses, phone numbers, or tax records) of a person or business to intimidate, humiliate, or harass. This is a new frontier for the seasoned experts behind companies like Viking, who now have to tackle an enemy that they not only cannot see, but who could potentially be thousands of miles away. Thus, to safeguard clients, agents do everything from conducting audits to training clients on how to safely store information online. These latter services are much more than just ‘add-ons’ to Viking, with the company’s expert team also comprising professionals from fields such as intel analytics, outside of more traditional roles such as policing or armed forces. The diversity inherent across this team is one of the greatest strengths Viking has, and Roy is incredibly proud to have built such an esteemed workforce in a short amount of time – just over four years. Clearly then, it is the multi-talented nature of the agents behind Viking that sets it apart when it comes to the niche but vital field of VIP security services. The excellence these individuals strive for on a daily basis is something that is reflected across the company’s goals, which cover such bases as providing a higher level of security, educating people on the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, and prioritising collaboration. Viking also aims to modernise an industry that has long been seen as ‘stuck in the 90s’, delivering a concierge-style service that appeals to the more specialised needs of its clients in today’s world. Underpinning this is the ability to make people feel both comfortable and protected, all whilst stressing that security is no longer just a luxury – but a need. Combined, these goals make Viking the best option, meaning it is really the only option. Based in Texas but serving clients from all over, Viking Executive Protection Solutions’ professional and passionate nature, commitment to diversity and lasting change, and trust-based relationships with clients – built on an unwavering commitment to keeping them, their families, and their assets safe – all position it as a leader in this space. The more than 80 years of collective experience shared by its team only adds to this, resulting in the company’s rightful recognition as the Best VIP Security Service 2025 – Texas. Contact: Roy Smith Company: Viking Executive Protection Solutions Web Address: https://vikingeps.com/ “High-level security for high-level clients.”

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