What did you do in Iraq?
I helped provide security for Iraqi election commissioners for the country's first election.What's bodyguard duty like? Weeks of boredom and seconds of sheer terror. The biggest dangers: bombs and gunfights from cars.
How good is the pay?
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
There are probably still guys making $1,000 a day. But such high-paying jobs are scarce. Now the pay's about $500 a day.
How many of those who work as bodyguards do it for service, and how many do it for the money?
At the end of the day, everybody has to pay the mortgage. But every U.S. security contractor I've worked with also had a higher sense of purpose.
How did you get into the bodyguard-training business?
I worked in law enforcement for 12 years, started teaching classes in firearms handling and branched out from there. I started my business, Tactical Response, in 1996. After I was in Iraq, I realized that good training was rare and that there was a niche I could fill.
So, why the tour in Iraq?
I look on it as an extension of service to my country. Some days, I thought being a cop was the right choice; other days, I thought I should have been in the military. When I saw that plane hit the second tower, I knew I should have chosen the military.
What training do you need to be a bodyguard?
People need training in shooting, driving, medical aid and executive protection, which is everything from checking routes to reminding clients to take their medicine.
How much would that cost?
You're looking at a minimum of ten grand.
Who typically takes your courses?
Most are military or police. But about 10% to 15% have no intention of ever going into a combat zone. They want to learn new skills.
-- Interview by Robert Frick
-
Stock Market Today: Have We Seen the Bottom for Stocks?Solid first-quarter earnings suggest fundamentals remain solid, and recent price action is encouraging too.
-
Is the GOP Secretly Planning to Raise Taxes on the Rich?Tax Reform As high-stakes tax reform talks resume on Capitol Hill, questions are swirling about what Republicans and President Trump will do.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up. Here's what you need to know.
-
How to Search For Foreclosures Near You: Best Websites for ListingsMaking Your Money Last Searching for a foreclosed home? These top-rated foreclosure websites — including free, paid and government options — can help you find listings near you.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How to Figure Out How Much Life Insurance You Needinsurance Instead of relying on rules of thumb, you’re better off taking a systematic approach to figuring your life insurance needs.
-
Amazon Big Deal Days Is Coming! We’ve Got All the DetailsAmazon Prime To kick off the holiday season with a bang, Amazon Big Deal Days runs Tuesday, October 8 and Wednesday, October 9.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
