Mark Schneider

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

My name is Mark Schneider, and I'm based in the Denver, Colorado area. I've spent nearly 15 years working in private security and close to two decades involved in firearms and firearms training. I'm the owner of Patrol Guard Security Services and Concealed Carry Classes of Denver. My background includes security operations, firearms instruction, training, and management. I've always had an interest in business, leadership, and building something of my own, and that's really what has driven me to where I am today.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

One thing I love about living in Colorado is the balance between city life and the outdoors. Denver has a lot of opportunities for business and growth, but you're also a short drive from the mountains and some of the best scenery in the country. I also appreciate the independence and entrepreneurial spirit that Colorado has always been known for.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

Patrol Guard Security Services is a Colorado-based private security company providing armed and unarmed security services to businesses, churches, Jewish community organizations, residential properties, and other clients who need professional protection.

I've spent nearly 15 years working in private security, and over that time, I've seen what works and what doesn't. One of the biggest problems in this industry is companies putting someone in a uniform and calling them a security officer without giving them the training, supervision, or support they actually need.

That's a big part of why I started Patrol Guard Security Services. I wanted to build a company that takes training seriously, holds its officers accountable, and provides clients with security personnel who know what they're doing.

We help our customers by identifying their security needs and providing a visible, professional presence that can deter crime, respond to incidents, and help protect people and property. At the end of the day, our job is to give our clients peace of mind and provide a level of service they can actually depend on.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

My biggest advice is to stop waiting for the perfect time because there probably isn't one. Do your research, understand your industry, and make sure there's actually a demand for what you're offering. Be prepared to work harder than you would at a regular job, especially in the beginning.

I'd also tell people to be careful with money. Just because your business is bringing in revenue doesn't mean you're making a profit. Keep your expenses under control and reinvest in the business whenever possible.

Most importantly, don't expect success overnight. Building a business takes time, and you're going to make mistakes along the way. Learn from them, make adjustments, and keep moving forward. Consistency is a lot more important than people realize.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

One thing that has always stuck with me is hearing from students who came into one of our firearms classes nervous or unsure of themselves and left feeling confident and comfortable handling a firearm safely. Some had never even touched a firearm before.

When someone tells me they learned more than they expected and that our training completely changed their confidence level, that means a lot. It's a reminder that we're doing more than just teaching a class or issuing a certificate. We're giving people knowledge and skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I'd like to see Patrol Guard Security Services become one of the more recognized and respected private security companies in Colorado. My goal isn't necessarily to be the biggest company out there, but to build a company known for doing things the right way.

I want to continue expanding our operations, creating good-paying jobs, and investing in training and equipment for our officers. Eventually, I'd like to have our own training facility where we can train both our employees and others in the security industry.

I'm also interested in expanding into other states as the company grows. I have some pretty ambitious goals, but I understand that growth takes time. I'd rather build something solid that lasts than grow too quickly and sacrifice the quality of our services.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

I think the biggest misconception about private security is that security officers are just there to stand around and look intimidating. A lot of people don't realize how much responsibility comes with the job, especially when you're providing armed security.

A good security officer needs to understand the law, know how to communicate with people, recognize potential threats, and make good decisions under pressure. In many situations, being able to de-escalate a problem is far more valuable than having to use force.

Another misconception is that all security companies provide the same level of service. They don't. There's a huge difference between putting someone in a uniform to fill a position and providing a properly trained, equipped, and supervised security professional.

Unfortunately, our industry has companies that compete almost entirely on price, and that often comes at the expense of training, wages, and quality. I believe clients should look beyond the hourly rate and pay attention to what they're actually getting for their money.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

One of my biggest challenges has been getting the company established in an industry dominated by large, well-known security companies. You can have the experience, training, equipment, and licensing, but getting potential clients to give a newer company an opportunity isn't always easy.

I've dealt with that by focusing on building our reputation, making connections, and getting our name out there. I've invested a lot of time and my own money into the business, from equipment and vehicles to marketing and professional development.

I've also learned that you can't expect everything to happen overnight. There are going to be setbacks, and not every opportunity is going to turn into a contract. You just have to stay consistent, keep improving, and be ready when the right opportunity comes along.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

My favorite athlete growing up was Tom Brady. What I admired most about him was that he wasn't necessarily the most physically gifted athlete, but his work ethic, discipline, and determination made him one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He proved that hard work and preparation can outweigh natural talent. As far as music goes, Limp Bizkit was definitely one of my favorites growing up.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I'd like to give a shout-out to Alicia Garcia, better known as the Boomstick Babe, for all her hard work and dedication to firearms training. I'd also like to recognize Donny Zwisler with Colorado RV Service. Both are great people who deserve some recognition, and I appreciate everything they do.

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Readers can learn more about Patrol Guard Security Services by visiting our website at https://pgss1.com, where they can find information about our security services and the areas we serve throughout Colorado. For anyone interested in firearms training, concealed carry classes, or professional security training, they can also visit https://class.concealedcarry.com/instructor/mark-schneider/. We're always happy to connect with local businesses, organizations, and individuals looking for professional security services or training.