The Pulse Employee Newsletter
June 2025: Issue 47
Our newsletter contains stories about our clients, vendors and employees. If you have a story to share, email marketing@protossecurity.com. This month, we’re excited to announce our 16th group of Unite in Action Award recipients. Read on to find out who the winners are!
Knowledge Check Contest Is Live
Celebrate Our Culture, Test Your Knowledge and Win Big!
Throughout the year, one of our top priorities is deepening every employee’s understanding of our service offerings and company culture. That’s why we’ve launched a fun, interactive challenge to help you do just that. As a reminder, the Employee Engagement Knowledge Check Contest is live, and you’re invited to participate for a chance to win big prizes!
There are six short knowledge checks, five covering the Menu of Offerings and one on the updated Culture Book. You can find the quizzes on the homepage of the Intranet. Each quiz you complete earns one entry into a drawing. Finish all six by June 30 for the most chances to win.
We will announce ten winners live at our next Town Hall on July 29. Each person selected will receive 100 Protos Points, valued at $100, which can be redeemed in our company store. And the team with the highest participation percentage will win a team lunch.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at our next town hall meeting and announcing the lucky winners!
Unite in Action Award Nomination Form
Help Us Choose Our Next Unite in Action Award Recipients: (Who do you want to nominate…?)
Any employee within the organization (yes, that includes you!) can nominate someone for the Unite in Action Award. In fact, we need your help to make this award happen. Please nominate your colleagues and peers as you recognize them aligning with one or more of our values. An explanation of each value is below:
- Stay Curious: We keep learning and discovering how to improve, which sometimes means changing the way we do things.
- Build Relationships: We value the trust between our colleagues, clients, vendors and security personnel to strengthen camaraderie.
- Take Ownership: We champion self-accountability and push boundaries to achieve shared success.
- Be Principled: We show integrity in every decision and always do the right thing.
If you feel that a team member has gone above and beyond and displayed one or more of these values, make sure to let us know! The Unite in Action Awards will be announced monthly, but we always accept nominations through the Unite in Action Award Form.
Unite in Action Award Winners
The Unite in Action Awards will be presented to up to four employees each month. These individuals will be nominated by their peers or managers as someone who embodies our values. Recipients receive the Unite in Action Award trophy and a branded gift!
Congratulations to our winners… drumroll please…
Elena Joseph, Human Resources Manager
Protos Security
Nominated by: Regina Foti
Reason: Elena played an integral part in supplying evidential data for the Company’s pursuit of SOC 2 Type II. The auditor requested several items of evidence for current and former employees. Elena supplied each piece of evidence in an organized fashion and did so very quickly. The Protos IT team is grateful for her ability to take ownership.
Nominated by: Alexandra Lawton
Reason: She is extremely adaptable to changing technology, processes and systems. She is timely, punctual and motivated in her work. She has the best attitude and is extremely reliable as a coworker. Elena is an absolute JOY to work with and she absolutely holds all of Protos’ values.
Nominated by: Ali McCravy
Reason: Elena truly embodies our value of being principled in the most genuine way. She’s someone you can always count on—when she says she’ll do something, she follows through. She puts real care into her work, does the right thing even when it’s not the easiest option and brings a calm, positive energy to every interaction. Working with her feels easy because you know she’s grounded in integrity and always has the team’s best interest at heart.
Penny Osmond, Litigation Paralegal
Protos Security
Nominated by: Britt Killian
Reason: Penny consistently embodies Protos’ core values in every aspect of her work. From her very first day, she has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning and growing on the Legal team. She embraces new challenges, seamlessly manages a high volume of work and proactively seeks out opportunities to help others. She has a positive impact on our team and organization as a whole. I most admire Penny’s ability to build authentic relationships across departments and her grounded presence which encourages collaboration and clear thinking. She is a supportive, reliable and trustworthy colleague. Penny exemplifies Protos’ values and she is a standout member of the Legal team but more importantly, a true asset to the Protos enterprise. I am so glad to have her as a colleague!
OUR EVENTS
What’s been happening lately across the organization?
Recent Events
June 1-3
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) World Annual Conference is the premier event for procurement and supply chain professionals and took place in Orlando, FL. Attendees experienced cutting-edge technology demonstrations and groundbreaking products and solutions from leading suppliers.
June 2-4
The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) held its 57th Annual Conference and Exhibition in Phoenix, AZ.
June 11-13
The National Apartment Association hosted Apartmentalize in Las Vegas, NV. Apartmentalize is a show geared toward professionals in management, leasing, marketing and maintenance within the rental housing industry.
June 16-19
IACLEA’s premier event for campus law enforcement and public safety was held in Atlanta, GA. The event featured multiple general sessions with subject matter experts, over 45 breakout sessions, hands-on demonstrations, an expo with the latest in products and services and valuable networking with peers.
Upcoming Events
June 23-25
The National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Protect Conference will take place in Grapevine, TX and brings together retail leaders for expert insights, new solutions and cutting-edge tools to navigate the complexities of retail security.
June 23-26
The National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) will hold its annual conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Important Observances in July
June is National Safety Month, a timely reminder that safety should never be taken for granted. While it can be easy to overlook, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. This month is all about staying vigilant and prepared to help prevent injuries at home, at work, and everywhere in between. Let’s take this opportunity to prioritize safety and foster a culture of awareness.
Father’s Day fell on Sunday, June 15 this year. It’s a special occasion to celebrate all father figures who make a lasting impact in our lives. Wishing a heartfelt Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing dads out there!
This year, Juneteenth is observed on Thursday, June 19. As a federal holiday, Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience and contributions of Black Americans. It’s a day of reflection, education and celebration of freedom.
The first official day of summer is Friday, June 20! The summer solstice not only marks the season’s start but also brings the longest stretch of daylight and the shortest night of the year. Take advantage of the sunshine, soak up the warmth and don’t forget sunscreen!
FEATURED NEWS ARTICLE
Protos Security Unveils Reimagined Website, Featuring Modern Brand Messaging and Enhanced User Navigation
Protos Security, a leading provider of integrated protection solutions across North America, announces the re-launch of its website, protossecurity.com. This refreshed digital presence brings together a bold new brand design and updated messaging that powerfully communicates who Protos is, what the company offers and how it continues to lead the way in delivering dynamic, software-enabled security solutions.
The new website reflects Protos’ unwavering commitment to providing clients with a modern security experience that adapts seamlessly to their evolving needs. Visitors will find a sleeker interface, enhanced navigation, new visuals and streamlined messaging, built to create a more intuitive and engaging online experience.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the Protos brand,” said Protos CEO, Mark Hjelle. “Our website now fully aligns with our mission to deliver unmatched flexibility, service and innovation in security. It reflects who we are today and where we’re headed as an industry leader and underscores the Protos Promise to provide a modern security experience that never settles and dynamically adapts when, where and how it’s needed.”
Employee Spotlight
Antoniette Kaloudis
Accounting Manager – Squad Security
How long have you been with the company?
Six years and four months
What is your current job title?
Accounting Manager
Have you held any other roles within the company?
Office Manager
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love party planning and spending time with my two girls and husband. Most of the time I am at some dance competition, so I consider myself a Certified Dance Mom!
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Corfu, Greece
What is your favorite food?
Don’t tempt me with a good homemade plate of rice, beans and pernil (pork)!
What is your favorite band, artist, or music genre?
I enjoy all types of music, it just depends on the place and crowd. For now, I have found myself immersed in the artist Teddy Swims.
What is your favorite book?
I do not have a favorite book but love making up bedtime stories for my kids!
Any interesting facts about you?
I am an only child, a military kid and have moved six different times. I have lived outside of the United States and through that have learned to easily adapt to different types of personalities, lifestyles and ideas. I enjoyed living in Italy and visiting Greece, Spain, Germany and Switzerland. I hope to continue traveling the world one day! I was also part of the European Little League Softball tournament, playing against other European countries, and placed second overall.
We want to hear from you!
Interested in being the next employee featured?
Our employee recognition programs are in full swing across our different offices. The Roanoke, VA and Houston, TX offices launched the “Protos Props” program which awards employees for their contributions and hard work.
The Protos Props recipients this month are:
- Tyler Nunley, Dispatch Fulfillment Agent (Protos)
- Corey Price, Senior Service Agent (Protos)
- Dottie Alvarenga, Dispatch Fulfillment Agent (Protos Off-Duty Services)
Keep up the great work!
Meeting and Event Updates
May Birthday Celebrations in the Norwalk Office
Team members in the Norwalk office gathered to celebrate May birthdays with sweet treats, warm wishes and plenty of smiles!
Photo Scavenger Hunt Fun
The Roanoke office recently held a photo scavenger hunt throughout the city. It was wonderful to see everyone get creative and involved, capturing fun, silly and unique moments. From nature snapshots to dance poses, each photo brought a smile to our faces. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their submissions! We loved seeing the event through your eyes!
Cinco de Mayo
To celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the Roanoke team enjoyed a relaxed and delicious Dip Party lunch that turned out to be a big hit! The spread featured an enticing variety of dips, ranging from classic queso and guacamole to spicy salsa and creamy ranch, offering something tasty for everyone.
The event provided a great opportunity to step away from the usual routine, share some laughs and snack on flavorful treats. It was a simple celebration that reminded everyone how easy it can be to blend fun and community.
Welcoming New Hires to the Roanoke Office
At Protos, people are at the heart of everything we do. Recently, the Roanoke office had the pleasure of officially welcoming its first-quarter new hires with a special celebration.
The morning was filled with vibrant conversations, shared laughter and meaningful opportunities to connect beyond the typical workday routines. Members of the leadership team joined in the event to offer heartfelt words of encouragement and enthusiasm for what lies ahead, making the newest team members feel genuinely valued from the start.
Protos is excited to continue growing with its newest team members and looks forward to the journey ahead. Welcome to the Protos family!
Muffins for Mom
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the Roanoke office hosted a special Muffins for Moms gathering that brought a little extra sweetness to the day. We served a delicious assortment of muffins alongside fresh fruit.
It was wonderful to see so many smiles as the amazing moms on our team took a moment to relax and savor the treats. This simple gesture was our way of saying thank you and honoring the hardworking moms who make such a difference every day. Here’s to celebrating you not just on Mother’s Day, but every day of the year!
Memorial Day
The Friday before Memorial Day, team members in the Roanoke office gathered for a special lunch catered by Three Lil Pigs BBQ. It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious food and quality time with colleagues before heading into the holiday weekend.
Beyond the great meal, the gathering served as a meaningful moment to reflect on the true purpose of Memorial Day – honoring and remembering the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Coming together in this way reminded everyone of the importance of gratitude, for both the freedoms we enjoy and the people we share our workdays with.
National Police Week
In May, we celebrated National Police Week. It was an honor to take part in a small gesture of appreciation for those who do so much for our community. At Protos, we had the privilege of putting together thank-you bags for the officers of the Roanoke City Police Department. It was a meaningful experience to contribute in this way and to recognize the daily dedication, sacrifice and service our local officers provide. A heartfelt thank you to all the men and women in uniform who work tirelessly to keep our city safe. We see you, and we appreciate you!
Accolades and Appreciation
Remote Services Recognizes Beau Holland
Beau Holland has been with Protos for 10 years. During her decade with the company, Beau has set a remarkable standard with her unwavering work ethic, integrity and professionalism—qualities that have consistently placed her among the very best on our team. Most recently, her contributions to Remote Services played a pivotal role in achieving the lowest Days Sales Outstanding rate since the acquisition, a milestone that reflects her commitment to operational excellence and strategic impact. Thank you, Beau, for everything you do—here’s to many more achievements ahead!
VENDOR MANAGEMENT
Every month, a vendor is awarded the Protos Security Vendor Partnership Award. Nominees are selected based on a critical look at vendor KPIs and their overall dedication to a mutually beneficial relationship with Protos. The winning vendor will receive a gift card to TopLine Uniforms.
This month’s winner is:
The Spartan Security Group nominated by Christine Lucsky
IT AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
As part of our commitment to providing you with the best and most secure technology to perform your jobs effectively, we are excited to announce our plan to upgrade Protos Security computers to Windows 11. This upgrade will bring a refreshed user interface, enhanced performance, improved security features, and access to the latest productivity tools.
Why Upgrade to Windows 11
Windows 11 offers several key benefits that will enhance our overall work environment:
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- Improved Security: Windows 11 includes advanced security features to protect against evolving cyber threats and safeguard our sensitive data.
- Enhanced Productivity: A streamlined interface and improved multitasking capabilities will help you work more efficiently and effectively.
- Modern User Experience: The updated design offers a cleaner and more intuitive experience, making it easier to navigate and utilize the operating system.
- Better Compatibility: Windows 11 is designed to be compatible with the software and hardware we currently use, ensuring a smooth transition.
- Performance Enhancements: Optimizations under the hood deliver faster boot times, improved responsiveness, and extended battery life for laptops.
Upgrade Timeline and Process
We understand that transitioning to a new operating system can raise questions, so we want to provide you with a clear timeline and process:
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- Assessment and Preparation (Completed): We have already begun assessing our hardware and software compatibility to ensure a seamless upgrade process. Hardware compatibility for some computers may not be eligible for the upgrade and require replacement. We will be contacting managers and employees whose computers will require replacement.
- A Pilot Program is set for June 23, 2025. A select group of employees from various departments will participate in a pilot program to test Windows 11 and provide feedback. This helps us identify and resolve any potential issues before the wider rollout.
- Phased Rollout is set to begin July 23, 2025. Based on the feedback from the pilot program, we will begin a phased rollout of Windows 11 to all employees. Departments will be notified in advance of their scheduled upgrade date.
- Communication and Training: Throughout the upgrade process, we will provide regular updates, training materials, and support to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
What to Expect
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- Scheduled Upgrade: The IT department will schedule your computer’s upgrade during a time that minimizes disruption to your work.
- Downtime: The upgrade process will require some downtime for your computer. We will communicate the estimated duration in advance.
- Data Backup: To ensure the safety of your data, we recommend backing up any critical files to [Protos Security cloud storage- OneDrive/SharePoint] before your scheduled upgrade. If you have any questions about backup procedures, please contact RSM Support.
- Training Resources: We will provide online tutorials, FAQs, and other resources to help you learn about the new features and functionalities of Windows 11. Live training sessions may also be scheduled.
- Support: RSM Support will be available to help with any questions or issues you may encounter during or after the upgrade. You can reach them at (888) 962-4523 or emailing them at rsmmits@rsmus.com
Your Role
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- Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for updates and communications regarding the upgrade schedule and process.
- Back Up Your Data: Ensure that all important files are backed up to [Protos Security cloud storage-OneDrive/SharePoint].
- Participate in Training: Take advantage of the training resources provided to familiarize yourself with Windows 11.
- Report Issues: If you experience any issues after the upgrade, please contact the IT help desk promptly.
We are confident that upgrading to Windows 11 will provide you with a more secure, productive, and enjoyable computing experience. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work through this important upgrade.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Regina Foti.