Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kijan Simmons II. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kijan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Getting that first client is always an exciting milestone. Can you talk to us about how you got your first customer who wasn’t a friend, family, or acquaintance?

I got my first client by being consistently driven and providing a high quality of work everytime and someone noticing. I believe I represent three brands when I’m in the field as a protector. I represent myself, because Kijan Simmons will always put forth 1000% effort into anything that has my name attached to it. I represent the clients’ brands as I am a reflection of them on and off the clock. Lastly, I represent the industry as a whole. Protectors don’t get enough respect or credit, usually. People notice when you take your job seriously and when you leave things better than you found them. After that, word travels fast.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a seasoned EP and Physical Security Professional with extensive global experience creating client support programs and providing executive protection, threat and risk assessment, covert/counter and protective surveillance and logistics management to Fortune 100 corporations, philanthropic organizations and individuals. I have been providing physical security services, executive protection, and consulting to Fortune 100, 500, 1000 and U.S. government clients, both domestically and abroad, since 2013. Since I began my calling as a Protection Professional, I have worked in more than 30 countries across Western and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, South America, Central America and North America.

I believe in being on the forefront of technology and keep up on the latest developments within everything from access control to drone and counter-drone technology. Passionate about developing both hard and soft skills for myself and others, I have consistently sought the best training ever since I started in the industry. I am a graduate of more than 35 courses and a US Army SOF Combat Veteran with 9 combat tours completed.

My umbrella brand is FLOURISH – The Abundance Brand™️. The art of FLOURISH-ing is, at its core, Self-actualization. This level of need refers to the realization of one’s full potential. I have never, and will never be, content and satisfied with where I am in life. After each accomplishment, I may take a breath to enjoy the fruits of my labor, but then it’s back to the grind and the continuous pursuit of happiness which evolves at each level of success. “What a man can be, he must be.” This quotation forms the basis of the perceived need for self-actualization. If you realize that you were put on this earth for a higher purpose, your sense of doubt and fear will dissipate. So go forth and FLOURISH!!

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation was cemented due to my passion for protecting those who can’t, won’t, or don’t have time to protect themselves. My ability and diligence with providing the highest quality protective services has allowed people to see me as a subject matter expert. I learned early in my career that the client is not always right. Most of the time they need to be guided in the right direction for their own safety. By not compromising that or my integrity, most clients respect it and listen.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

My favorite marketing tactic is the ability to personify my resume to potential clients. While everyone has a paper resume, Cover Letter, and required licenses, there’s no better feeling than when I’m in a room and someone asks, “do you have any references?”, and I can respond, “Many of my clients are your friends in the room, let me make an introduction”. That provides a personal connection and credibility.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.Kijan.org
• Instagram: Www.instagram.com/kijan.simmons
• Linkedin: Www.LinkedIn.com/in/kijan-s