Holli Draines still remembers the weight of responsibility she carried every day as a member of the Secret Service’s Presidential detail. From patrolling high-security perimeters to navigating the complex logistical challenges of world travel, her tenure demanded both ironclad integrity and unflinching commitment. But if you ask her now, she’ll say that her time protecting the highest office in the United States was merely the foundation—one that paved the way for an entirely new venture in private security. Today, Draines is the founder and CEO of a premier security firm that operates in major markets, including Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and beyond. Under her leadership, the company has grown quickly, garnering a reputation for its meticulous planning, adaptive strategies, and devotion to client well-being. The journey from government agent to private-sector entrepreneur wasn’t without hurdles—and the story of how she overcame them offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking to lead with both strength and empathy.
Serving on the Presidential detail taught Draines something that transcended tactical training: the inseparable link between personal integrity and professional responsibility. “In law enforcement and protective services, how you conduct yourself off-duty is directly linked to the trust placed in you on-duty,” Draines explains. “Integrity isn’t just a requirement; it’s the guiding principle that ensures you’re worthy of the immense responsibilities on your shoulders.” No moment illustrates this more than the countless hours spent safeguarding the President’s every move. Whether it was a state function or a quiet, behind-the-scenes event, the stakes were always high. As Draines puts it, there’s no “off switch” when you’re entrusted with the nation’s most critical protective role. You must live and breathe accountability—24 hours a day, seven days a week. This unyielding standard shaped her entrepreneurial spirit. When life circumstances nudged Draines to leave the Secret Service, it wasn’t a surrender of her core principles—it was a shift in how she would apply them. As she looked for her next move, it became clear that those same standards of discipline, teamwork, and rigorous attention to detail would guide her in the private sector.
Draines admits that starting her own security firm was not part of a grand, long-term plan. Rather, it came about when unexpected life changes made staying in the Secret Service impractical. Still, she knew one thing: if she was going to launch a new endeavor, it would be rooted in the values she had spent years perfecting. “I built my firm on the same principles I learned in the Secret Service—discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, humility, and the drive to exceed expectations,” she says. “Excellence emerges from a collective of subject matter experts working seamlessly together.” From day one, Draines emphasized a client-focused approach. She was used to high-stakes security plans honed by collaboration and exhaustive preparation. Now, she set out to replicate that same meticulous structure for CEOs, celebrities, and high-net-worth individuals. Where many firms might have been content with generic protocols, Draines pushed for more. A thorough risk assessment, informed by diverse voices on her team, became the foundation of each security solution.
In today’s world, security threats are no longer limited to physical spaces. Social media, AI-based tools, and rapidly evolving digital vulnerabilities mean that security professionals must be more alert than ever. Draines stays ahead of the curve by fostering a culture of constant vigilance. Her company employs specialists from cybersecurity, intelligence, and logistics, ensuring that the team can pivot effectively when new threats arise. Regular internal briefings, knowledge-sharing sessions, and consultations with external experts keep everyone’s skills sharp and relevant. “It’s about staying true to our core principles—solid preparation and thorough assessments—while remaining open to fresh perspectives. We never rest on what worked yesterday,” she notes.
While her team handles clients across various sectors, Draines acknowledges that public figures come with unique challenges, including intense media scrutiny and fan engagements. The approach, however, remains consistent: every assignment starts with a detailed evaluation of a client’s specific risks. “Our goal is not their comfort; it’s their safety,” Draines says with a laugh, acknowledging the paradox of being both protective and discreet. “That said, we do try to minimize disruptions, especially since we’re operating in personal spaces. For high-profile figures, that might mean crowd management and special considerations for how to interact with the public. For private clients, it often involves more subtle protocols that protect without intruding.”
In high-stakes environments, there’s no time to second-guess. Draines has developed a four-step framework for decision-making: pause, clarify, execute, and then review. First, center yourself. Next, separate the facts from the emotional charge of the situation. Then, rapidly determine the best immediate response to contain any threat. Finally, identify and implement long-term solutions to prevent recurrence. This method proved invaluable during critical moments in Draines’s Secret Service days, and she’s found it equally applicable in private-sector crises. Whether mitigating a social media scandal or protecting a client from an unanticipated physical threat, calm composure is the key.
The security industry has traditionally been male dominated, but Draines has met this reality head-on. “My focus has always been on demonstrating excellence through action. By doing my job well—based on competence, integrity, and dedication—I’ve earned respect without relying on labels,” she says. For her, it’s not about being a “female security professional” but rather a security professional who happens to be female. She mentors emerging women in the field, encouraging them to pursue leadership roles and build robust support networks. The goal is to redefine perceptions so that talent, not gender, is the deciding factor in career growth.
With facial recognition, AI-driven surveillance, and sophisticated cybersecurity platforms dominating discussions, Draines is careful not to let the glint of new technology overshadow the human judgment that remains essential in protective services. Her company invests in cutting-edge tools, but it also invests in training the people who interpret the data. “Without seasoned professionals to contextualize the information, technology is incomplete,” she warns. “Human judgment provides depth, ethics, and nuance no algorithm can replicate.”
When building her team, Draines looks for individuals who exhibit excellence, integrity, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement—often veterans of law enforcement, the military, or similarly disciplined fields. These core traits create a shared understanding of professionalism and client confidentiality. Ongoing professional development is mandatory, alongside strict confidentiality standards. Draines stresses that every team member is a “custodian of our reputation,” responsible for maintaining the trust her clients place in them.
Her firm’s expansion is global, reaching beyond domestic hubs like D.C. and Los Angeles. To ensure seamless operations overseas, Draines invests in cultural training and localized expertise. Understanding local laws, customs, and social norms isn’t just an add-on—it’s a necessity. “We adapt our protocols to each environment by meeting people where they are—listening, learning, and respecting their environment,” she explains. “That makes our security solutions both culturally sensitive and operationally effective.”
The pandemic forever changed how people gather, travel, and socialize, prompting security professionals to factor in health and wellness in new ways. Draines’s firm now works with medical consultants and local health authorities when planning events. This ensures strategies account for potential crowd management and safety guidelines, so clients can feel both secure and comfortable.
Security work demands mental toughness and emotional resilience. Draines encourages her team to find personalized methods to recharge—whether that’s exercise, hobbies, or even short mental breaks during long assignments. “There’s no perfect work-life balance, but recognizing the need for healthy boundaries is vital. When our team members take care of themselves, they show up stronger for our clients,” she says.
One might not immediately link environmental sustainability with security, but Draines sees an important connection. Efficient planning and resource use minimize needless travel, reduce carbon footprints, and ensure that every measure taken is thoughtfully vetted. It’s another way her firm lives out the principle of thorough preparation.
Where does Draines see her company—and the industry—ten years down the road? She envisions a global network of highly tailored, intelligence-driven security solutions that champion both innovation and personal connections. She aims to balance the rapidly evolving nature of technology with the relational depth her firm is known for. “My vision is to expand globally while preserving the intimate, client-focused values we’ve built our reputation on,” she says. “In the broader industry, I hope to push for solutions that are profoundly effective yet deeply human.” In many ways, Draines’s story is a reminder that the best security isn’t about force or intimidation. It’s about meticulous preparation, empathy, and genuine respect for each client’s unique needs. From her days protecting the President to her current life running a world-class firm, Holli Draines has shown that integrity, thoughtful strategy, and a collective pursuit of excellence can create a safer world—one client at a time.
