The Pulse Employee Newsletter
November 2025: Issue 52
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 21st group of Unite in Action Award recipients. Read on to find out who the winners are!
Halloween 2025: Creativity and Team Spirit Shine at Protos!
Halloween was in full swing this year at Protos, as teams across our offices celebrated the spooky season with creativity, laughter and plenty of team spirit. From imaginative costumes to creative pumpkin designs, Halloween was a true showcase of our employees’ talent and enthusiasm.
Teams from our Houston, Norwalk and Roanoke offices went all out to celebrate Halloween. Offices hosted pumpkin carving competitions, giving everyone a chance to show off their creative side and embrace the festive spirit. The Roanoke office also held a costume contest, and everyone really got into the spirit! The creativity, effort and enthusiasm were awesome to see. From spooky to silly, the costumes did not disappoint.
Beyond the fun and competition, these celebrations reminded us of what makes Protos special, our culture of connection and collaboration. Events like these bring teams closer together, strengthen relationships and create lasting memories that go beyond day-to-day work.
A huge thank-you to everyone who participated, planned and cheered on this year’s festivities. Halloween 2025 was truly one to remember and we’re looking forward to next year’s festivities already!
Congratulations to our 2025 winners!
Norwalk Office Winners:
Gumball Machine: Christine Lucsky
Scary Witch: Elvira Marchelos
Bumble Bee: Daniela Pavalovscaia
Tom & Jerry Mouse House: Nancy Torok
The C Sweet: Julie Fraser
Roanoke Office Winners:
Funniest Pumpkin: Ashley Britt with her perfectly relatable “Everything’s Fine” Dumpster Fire
Scariest Pumpkin: Kirk Powell with his menacing Chain Chomp
Best Overall Pumpkin: Keri Corkins with her sweet and creative Ice Cream Pumpkin
Halloween Costume Contest Winners:
Scariest Costume: Logan Shelton
Funniest Costume: Kirk Powell
Best Overall Costume: Shatona Barber
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…
Aaron Ault, National Sales Director
Protos Security
Nominated by: Lee Basey
Reason: Aaron has gone above and beyond to introduce his clients to Securitime. Aaron has been introducing Securitime to his customers for over two years. He has embraced the partnership and goes out of his way to introduce and support Securitime with his Protos customers. His partnership is an amazing example of building relationships!
James St. Cyr, Help Desk Support Agent
Protos Security
Nominated by: Meghan Hall
Reason: James embodies our cultural agreement to Take Ownership every day. He consistently champions self-accountability and doesn’t hesitate to step into new challenges. From the moment I began working with him, he has shown a willingness to do anything for anyone, always showing up ready to contribute, no questions asked.
Most recently, when the Admin Support team took on a new process from another department, James handled it head-on. He shouldered much of the responsibility almost single-handedly, doing the work day in and day out without complaint. His dedication and steady approach not only ensured a smooth transition but also highlighted his true team-first mentality.
James pushes boundaries by taking on tasks outside of his comfort zone, and in doing so, he helps drive shared success for the entire team. His reliability, positivity, and commitment make him exactly the type of person this award was created to recognize.
James is not just a team member; he is a team player in every sense of the word, and he fully exemplifies what it means to Take Ownership.
Dan Acker, Senior Director of Service
Protos Security
Nominated by: Rachel Richey
Reason: Through his leadership and example, Dan Acker truly embodies what it means to Unite in Action. As a seasoned operations expert and strong HR partner, Dan’s uplifting yet no-nonsense demeanor makes him a “get it done” leader who approaches every challenge with respect and positivity. Calm under pressure, he builds strong relationships, rallies teams and balances accountability with encouragement—making him a standout and truly deserving recipient of the Unite in Action Award.
Javier Villalobos, HR Coordinator
Squad Security
Nominated by: Clayton Sanchez
Reason: Javier has been an exemplary member of our team. He regularly takes courses to stay updated on his field, gets through onboarding dozens of new employees a month, and regularly checks on his fellow office staff to make sure we’re all doing okay. I often see him in multiple meetings per day getting business handled. Due to his position in HR I’m certain there’s much more he handles that I’m not privileged to know, he is always working on something to keep everything in his department running smoothly. In my opinion Javier is an excellent candidate for the next group of personnel being recognized.
OUR EVENTS
What’s been happening lately across the organization?
Recent Events
October 19-21
The American Bankers Association (ABA) Annual Convention was held in Charlotte, NC. Leaders from banks of all sizes attended to explore the latest industry innovations and trends.
October 20-23
The Coalition of Law Enforcement and Retail (CLEAR) Annual Conference took place in Orlando, FL. This conference brought together retailers, law enforcement professionals and industry professionals from across the country.
October 20
Protos sponsored the KBR Charity Golf Tournament. For nearly two decades, the KBR Charity Golf Tournament has been a shining example of commitment to being a positive force of change in our communities. Each year, funds raised through the tournament go to local and national non-profit organizations.
October 28-30
The Loss Prevention Foundation (LPF) Fall Meeting was held in Delray Beach, FL.
October 30
The Mid-Atlantic Organized Retail Crime Alliance (MAORCA) second Annual Fall Conference took place in Tysons Corner, VA. This conference brought together retail, law enforcement and investigative professionals from across the region for a full day of impactful training, collaboration and networking.
That’s a Wrap!
The 2025 tradeshow season is officially wrapped up! This year the Protos team traveled across the country and participated in over 30 tradeshows and events across various industries and verticals.
And we’re already looking forward to next year, so be sure to keep an eye out for our 2026 tradeshow and event schedule coming soon!
Important Observances in November
November 11 was Veterans Day. Many members of the security industry are veterans, and this day is always a great reminder to thank all of our veterans and honor their service and sacrifices. At Protos, we are proud to have veterans on our team. Their experience, leadership and commitment to service make a real difference in our workplace and the communities we serve. To all veterans and their families: thank you for your service.
Thanksgiving will be celebrated on November 27 this year and falls on the fourth Thursday of November every year. We hope that you enjoy this time together with your family and friends over some delicious food.
FEATURED NEWS ARTICLE
Protos Security Delivers an Immersive, Insight-Driven Experience at GSX 2025
Protos Security recently attended the Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2025 Conference in New Orleans, LA. GSX is a premier event for the security industry and is hosted by ASIS International, the world’s largest membership organization for security management professionals.
GSX brought together some of the brightest innovators and leading organizations in the security industry, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies and emerging trends shaping what’s next for the field. As one of the largest tradeshows we attend, Protos made a strong impact, leveraging our deep industry expertise to better understand and address the evolving needs of businesses across sectors. Through live demos, thought leadership sessions, interactive engagement walls and more, Protos demonstrated how technology, transparency and trust continue to define the next generation of security solutions.
Employee Spotlight
Sean Cook
Director of Field Operations – Protos Security
How long have you been with the company?
I have been with protos since February 2024 and every day I still love coming to work.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love spending time with my family, my wife Michelle and our pets. When I’m not with them, you’ll usually find me out on the trails, logging miles—lots of them—in beautiful places. We’re an adventurous bunch who love to travel, hit the road in the RV, discover new IPAs and rare bourbons and take on new challenges. For us, it’s all about living life to the fullest and never letting opportunities pass us by.
I have a growing collection of books (still working on reading them all), and I enjoy shooting, trading stocks and options, and did I mention running?
What is your favorite vacation spot?
My favorite vacation spot is anywhere with my wife but we love Leadville, Colorado and Jamaica. From the Mountains and Leadville 100 Trail runs of Colorado to the amazing Beaches of Jamaica, those places hold special meanings in our hearts, and it truly is sad to see the recent devastation in Jamaica from the hurricane. Our thoughts and prayers for all those on the island, One Love!
What is your favorite food?
That’s easy – pizza. The best pizza I have had is either in Norwalk, CT or Portland, ME. I love a simple pie with a nice crust, pepperoni and a little spice.
What is your favorite band, artist, or music genre?
I can and will listen to most anything. Classic Rock for just some good rock and grilling (Boston/Led Zepplin), Country in the car with the wife, but also love groups like the Eagles, Metallica and The Dead. But when I am running it is Techno or Upbeat music.
What is your favorite book?
Alone at Dawn tells the story of Medal of Honor winner John Chapman and his incredible sacrifices in Afghanistan. Five Years to Freedom is about Nick Rowe’s experience as a POW in Vietnam and how he created the Army SERE School. And Team of Teams by my mentor, GEN Stan McChrystal, explores how to build teams through vision, leadership and leading by example. All of them are military but all of them really inspire you to be better and live life to its fullest.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, we have adopted and rescued about eight dogs so far and one cat. Currently, we have three dogs and a cat, and they are the most spoiled girls in the entire world.
Any interesting facts about you?
My wife and I both proudly served 20 years in the U.S. Army. Today, she runs her own successful cake business, while I continue to pursue my passion for endurance and leadership. I’ve completed over 15 100-mile races, more than 50 ultramarathons and approximately 20–25 marathons.
During my military career, I had the honor of competing in the Army’s Best Ranger Competition—one of the most prestigious events for U.S. Army Rangers. I also played for the All-Army Rugby Team, and our base team won the Military Nationals two years in a row. I speak several languages and spent six years in the Middle East during the Global War on Terror, serving in over 25 countries across every continent except Australia and Antarctica.
I have a deep passion for building teams and working with great people. I’m especially proud of the Field Operations team we’ve assembled. Their drive, dedication and energy inspire me every day to be a better leader. It’s a privilege to work alongside Mark, Joe, Chris, Kevin, KC, Bruce, Dalton and Bruce.
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:
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Jennifer Heller, Quality Performance Specialist
Keep up the great work!
Green Out Wednesdays
Congratulations to our November Green Out Wednesday raffle winner!
In-office winner: Dionne Graham, Senior Accountant
About Green Out Wednesdays
Every Wednesday, wear our team color, GREEN, with pride! While green represents the Protos logo, it also symbolizes growth, harmony and balance. By wearing green together, we celebrate our company spirit and our commitment to supporting one another and Protos’ success.
How It Works
Participation is optional. Each Wednesday you wear green and submit a photo you will receive a raffle entry for that week. All entries go toward both a monthly prize drawing and a special year-end prize! The monthly prize is any item from the Protos company store with a $25 limit.
How to Enter: Email your photo to Keri Corkins – kcorkins@protossecurity.com.
Let’s have fun, show off our Protos pride and continue building strong connections as a team! Stay tuned for future winner announcements!
Concur Launch Reminder
As a reminder, we’re transitioning from Expensify to Concur, our new expense management platform.
Key Dates & Next Steps:
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- Expensify will no longer be used after October for Wells Fargo Credit Card activity.
- Do not enter any November Wells Fargo Credit Card expenses into Expensify – these should be submitted in Concur once the platform is fully live.
- Keep an eye out for an email from Concur on November 17 with information about how to access your account and training sessions.
- We recommend downloading the SAP Concur mobile app to use starting this month.
What’s Ahead:
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- Beginning January 1, we’ll also launch Concur Travel, simplifying the booking and management of business travel including flights, rental cars and hotels.
For questions or assistance, please reach out to corporatecards@protossecurity.com.
Meeting and Event Updates
Town Hall Recap
Our fourth quarter Town Hall meeting, hosted by Mark Hjelle in the Norwalk office, brought together over 300 team members for an energizing session focused on culture, strategy and performance. Mark emphasized the power of communication and our company’s cultural commitments. Throughout the meeting, members of our leadership team shared key updates and insights:
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- Tony Escamilla provided a financial overview of our third-quarter results, including updates on client retention.
- Mike Jacobs highlighted progress on our strategic initiatives and the Value Creation Plan, featuring programs such as MERGE, Voice of Program and SCIP.
- Jennifer Araujo shared feedback from the Voice of the Employee Survey, reflecting on opportunities to strengthen engagement and workplace culture.
- Peter Platten recognized Unite in Action winners and company anniversaries, showcased growth across our service lines and recapped the success of Culture Jam.
- Alyssa Wilson concluded with a recap of our largest tradeshow, GSX, celebrating team accomplishments and highlights from the show.
Thank you to everyone who attended our Town Hall meeting. If you were unable to attend, you can watch the recording on the homepage of our Intranet.
Fourth Annual Chili Cookoff
The smell of spices and the sound of laughter filled our Roanoke office during their Fourth Annual Chili Cookoff! This year’s event featured an incredible lineup of homemade chilis, each with its own flavor and flair.
From talented chefs to eager taste testers, everyone’s enthusiasm made the day unforgettable. Employees celebrated past champions and crowned Shatona Barber as this year’s winner for her rich, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Congratulations to Shatona and a big thanks to everyone who joined in the fun. With four flavorful years behind us, we can’t wait to see what next year’s cookoff brings!
Specialized Services Leadership Team Meeting in Chicago
The Specialized Services Division leadership team recently had a meeting in Chicago. The post-sync planning session brought valuable face-to-face collaboration, strategic alignment and great ideas for what’s ahead. The energy, teamwork and focus truly reflected the strength of this group and our shared commitment to driving the Specialized Division forward. While there, they attended the 5th Annual Chili Open golf event at Ridgemoor Country Club in Cook County, hosted by Chris York in honor of his late father. It was a meaningful team-building experience supporting an amazing cause. And to top it all off, the team took first place!
Specialized Team Hits a Hole-in-One at Topgolf Outing
Our Specialized teams in the Redondo, CA office recently teed up some well-deserved fun at Topgolf! The afternoon was full of friendly competition, laughter and team spirit as everyone showed off their swings and celebrated another great season of teamwork. The team-building outing was a reminder that strong teams aren’t just built in the office; they’re built through shared moments and a little friendly rivalry.
Fall Bucket List and Scare Hunger Food Drive
Protos Off-Duty Services is bringing seasonal fun to the workplace! With fall in full swing, they put together a Fall Bucket list complete with activities to enjoy throughout the season. Some highlights include a pumpkin decorating contest, cozy sweater day and an apple cider and cinnamon roll social.
As part of the Fall Bucket List, they teamed up with the Houston Food Bank to coordinate a Scare Hunger Food Drive. Every day, families in our community face food insecurity, and this drive is a simple way we can make a difference. All donations will go directly to the Houston Food Bank to help put food on the table for those who need it most.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Protos Off-Duty Services Senior Service Agents and Service Managers and employees in the Roanoke office proudly wore pink to show their support for those affected by breast cancer. Their participation highlights our company’s ongoing commitment to community awareness and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. Thank you to the Houston and Roanoke teams for spreading awareness with pride and compassion!
Protos Fall Bowling League
The Norwalk team launched its Fall Protos Bowling League in October, and it has quickly become one of their most popular team-building traditions. From individual contributors to senior leadership, with participation from our CEO and CFO, it’s a great reminder that shared experiences fuel connection, culture and a lot of laughter along the way.
Customer Service Hero Award Winners
During Customer Service Week, Protos Off-Duty Services celebrated the incredible individuals who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding support to our clients and teammates. Employees in the office submitted nominations highlighting those who consistently embody our core values of responsiveness, dedication and teamwork. Pictured are Lavinia Kila (first place winner), DeShon Reliford (second place), Tobi Alatishe (third place) and Bryana Hegar (runner-up).
EAG Team Assembles in Dallas: Two Days of Development, Collaboration and Connection
In October, the Enterprise Accounts Group (EAG) gathered in Dallas for an inspiring two-day workshop centered on leadership enhancement, teamwork and strategic planning as Protos advances its objectives for 2026 and beyond.
The event kicked off with team-building activities and a discussion of The Oz Principle, emphasizing accountability and collaboration to enhance client experiences. Leaders explored ways to strengthen cross-department partnerships and uphold Protos’ “Never Settle” ethos. The day ended with a Team-Building Dinner, Game Show Contest, and a surprise baby shower for Alexis Webb.
On the second day, the team focused on 2026 goals, sharing strategies to drive growth, innovation and client success. These sessions highlighted the team’s shared dedication to achieving quantifiable outcomes and proactive client engagement.
The two-day workshop concluded with reflections on the journey ahead, focusing on how EAG will continue to cultivate trust, promote transparency and deliver excellence through teamwork.
With renewed determination and a collective vision, the team left Dallas invigorated and prepared to elevate the client experience, confidently steering Protos into 2026 and beyond.
Accolades and Appreciation
Congratulations to Vince Stinar
We’re proud to recognize Vince Stinar, who has been part of Blue Star Security since its founding in 2009. Vince has shown unwavering commitment and professionalism throughout his time with us, and we’re thrilled to share that he was recently promoted to Sergeant with the Chicago Police Department!
Please join us in congratulating Vince on this well-deserved achievement and thanking him for his continued dedication to Blue Star and our mission.
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:
Alliance Security and Investigations nominated by Patrick Fortuna
IT AND INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES
Thank you from the Protos IT Team
The Protos IT team would like to thank the leadership team, managers and all employees for their cooperation with the Windows 11 upgrade. This important upgrade has positioned the company to remain in compliance with this mandatory change by Microsoft. What that means is all devices that have been upgraded will receive appropriate patching and security support from Microsoft and further keep the Company secure. A total of 711 devices were upgraded to the new OS. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this project.