We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Julian. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

A.L.I.V.E. –– which stands for Access, Leave, Impede, Violence and Expose –– was born out of frustration with outdated and inadequate active shooter response protocols. Most training focuses on rigid procedures that ignore how people actually react under extreme stress. In real life, chaos doesn’t follow a checklist. People need training that is practical, instinctive and mindset-driven.

With my background in security, investigations and executive protection, I knew survival in chaos depends on clarity, not memorization. The key is helping people think clearly, act decisively and adapt quickly when everything’s on the line. That became the foundation for A.L.I.V.E. It’s not about fear. It was about empowerment, awareness and giving people a fighting chance when seconds count.

Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve spent my entire career in protection and investigation: keeping people safe, finding answers and mitigating risk. My journey started in private investigations and executive protection, where I learned the realities of threat assessment and crisis management. Over time, I saw a troubling and recurring pattern: in active shooter situations, people froze because they had no idea what to do. That’s what drove me to create the A.L.I.V.E. Active Shooter Survival Training Program: a structured, mindset-driven approach to surviving the unthinkable.

What makes A.L.I.V.E. unique is that it goes beyond tactics. It’s not just about “run, hide, fight.” It’s about changing how people think in moments of chaos. We teach mindset, situational awareness and emotional control: skills that save lives not just in emergencies, but in everyday life.

Through online courses and in-person training, we prepare people for scenarios that are becoming increasingly common. Moreover, through our Certified Instructor Program, we’re building a global network of trainers bringing this knowledge to workplaces, schools and communities. What sets us apart is our philosophy: this isn’t about fear, but about empowerment. It’s about helping people live with confidence, knowing they have the tools to act decisively when it matters most.

What I’m most proud of is seeing this program grow far beyond me. Certified instructors teach A.L.I.V.E. across the U.S. and internationally and we’ve heard stories from people who credit our program with saving their lives. It’s not just a program anymore. It’s a movement.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Authenticity and results. I’ve been in the trenches, personally involved in security and protection for decades, and that experience drives everything A.L.I.V.E. stands for. People can sense when something comes from the field, rather than theory. We’ve also stayed consistent. From day one, our mission has been simple: to save lives through awareness, preparedness and action.

We’ve built a reputation on trust, credibility and compassion. A.L.I.V.E. is recognized not just because it works, but because it’s delivered with purpose. Our training resonates emotionally as much as it does practically. That’s what has earned the respect of organizations, schools and individuals alike.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

Connection is everything. We keep in touch with our clients through ongoing education, updates and community engagement. A.L.I.V.E. isn’t a one-and-done training. It’s an ongoing relationship. We stay involved by offering refresher courses, instructor certifications and sharing real-world case studies that reinforce what we teach.

We also foster loyalty by being accessible and responsive. Whether through social media, email or live events, we make sure people know they’re part of something bigger. When clients see that this isn’t just business for us, they stay connected. They become advocates, not just customers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://activeshootersurvivaltraining.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqOh_9MomuD_TYcUjrO_62oXgk9BMT4FdkHn7m88potSJ__TaKg
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldjulian/