We recently connected with Curtis (CJ) Jones and have shared our conversation below.

Curtis (CJ), thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump into the story of starting your own firm – what should we know?

Sitting in a church service I found myself researching in the bible the word Crowns. The why would come later. As I searched the meaning of Crowns in the bible I found 7 that would become the ethics, basis, and speak to how I would conduct business.

This would be a business whereas I would apply Department of Homeland Security Mitigation practices used to prevent domestic terrorism in critical infrastructure protection. I would rewrite the book, develop programs for protection and provide training to places of worship regardless of denomination.

Incorporating was somewhat easy after working with the great folks at SCORE. It was not long after incorporation and providing the first class of 25 students that I would need to have a fluid mentality to grow and reach many across the country which was my desire in the wake of the amount of violence at places of worships across this great country.

Curtis (CJ), before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I grew up in Brooklyn NY, and was the poster child for how to get into trouble. I did not graduate HS, in fact I attended two Jr. High Schools and three High Schools. It’s what my mother called the tour of the NYC school system. My adventures as I saw it then landed me taking a tour to the criminal justice system as well. My last encounter with the NYPD resulted with my removal from the state of NY for a period of 6 years to which after my first three years in the military my youth criminal record was expunged. I would also get my GED while in the military.

I excelled in the military becoming a Military Policemen, and worked with the Criminal Investigation Division Drug Suppression Team Europe. I was honorably discharged after 6 years of active duty. I also obtained my Associate in Police Administration and obtained many awards and citations. I also obtained by BS in Criminology from John Jay College NY.

My service continued while serving as a Special Deputy US Marshal, and have developed, managed security operations for the Javits Convention Center, World Financial Center, multiple fortune 500 companies.

I currently serve as the National Deputy Sector Chief, and Executive Program Manager for the Religious Facility Protection Program an FBI 501 c3 organization. working with all facets of Federal Law Enforcement (DHS, FBI, DOJ), and local agencies across the nation.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

7 Crowns Security Consultants Inc. was originally created to assist places of worship. I was employed at the time with a six figure salary and local personal exposure due to the volunteer activities in critical infrastructure protection. This funded the activities for free training. What I did not plan for or thought about was what happens when of if the job goes away.

Well the job went away as a result of a merger leading to another merger over a two year period. I was fortunate to have a company already established to which I was asked to provide a service for a large bio-pharma company. I contracted this under 7 Crowns. This contract lasted 7 years and opened the doors to many other contacts and sub-contacts in security consulting.

As my head began to swell along with my pockets, I lost sight of my original company goals, I was not providing as much service to places of worship, I stopped enjoying the works I was doing at my client sites, this and personal drama put the brakes on all things given. I had to reset and get back to the original intent of this company and I did just that.

I separated corporate America from the 7 Crowns and created my 2nd company The Curtis Jones Group Inc. This was the best move I believe I ‘ve made over the past 14 years of business having providing training to over 4000 people at places of worship while providing security consulting and design services for corporate America as a result.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

At the start I did not need any true capitol being that I would provide the services at the place of worship and would use their facilities and equipment for trainings etc. The need for funds came later as I expanded the training which included providing training under the volunteer program I was managing (InfraGard).

At one point and as violence in the Faith Based community continued to greatly rise I traveled 72 times in one year across the nation providing presentations and training. I did not have a budget, I did not have a staff just folks who gave of themselves to provide administrative assistance – most of which worked for me at client locations. I just answered the call. Then reality of life hit me, I cannot sustain this calling without true funding.

On one occasion and after a plea for funding which was denied one of the persons who was present during the debate over my request pull me into the hallway and gave me a personal check with the words don’t stop. This was not a large check, but the value of the statement kept me inspired and going. As I moved on the 2nd company was awarded a very large contract which was twice the amount of my first contract. This funded 7 Crowns for a few years.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tcjgp.com
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/curtis-jones-sme-ilo-nemaa-00299230