FEDERAL PROTECTION AGENCY, INC

🌟 A Heartfelt Congratulations to Monica Celebrating 6 Years of Dedication and Faithful Service Today, we joyfully celebrate Monica, our Office Manager, on her 6-year anniversary with Federal Protection Agency Inc. Monica, your years with us have been marked by grace, steadfast commitment, and a spirit of excellence that reflects not just hard work — but "heart" work. You’ve been a steady hand in moments of challenge, a source of encouragement to your team, and a reflection of faith in action every single day. Your integrity, warmth, and patience remind us that true leadership begins in service. You’ve helped build more than just an office — you’ve nurtured a culture rooted in trust, compassion, and purpose. As we celebrate this milestone, we thank God for bringing you into our FPA family and for the many ways He continues to work through you. May He bless you with continued strength, joy, and fulfillment in every season ahead. Congratulations, Monica — and thank you for six wonderful years of faithful service. Your light shines brightly, and we are deeply grateful for all you do. With appreciation and blessings, -Chris “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23

With Gratitude and Blessings on Veterans Day... Today, Federal Protection Agency, Inc. proudly honors the brave men and women among our team who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication reflect the very best of what it means to serve—both our nation and our mission. As we pause to reflect on the meaning of this day, we are reminded of the words of Scripture: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13 Your service is a living reflection of that selfless love and commitment. As a token of our appreciation, Federal Protection Agency, Inc. is awarding each of our veteran team members a Veterans Day Recognition Bonus of $100, along with a commemorative challenge coin to memorialize our gratitude for their service and sacrifice. In a special gesture of respect and camaraderie, our Operations Coordinator, Jason Brown—a proud U.S. Navy Veteran—will be personally delivering each award and coin to our veterans. His service and continued leadership embody the spirit of honor and unity that defines this day. We are deeply thankful for your courage, your example, and your continued dedication to excellence. May God bless you for your service, and may He continue to guide and strengthen you in all that you do. With gratitude and respect, Chris Roberts Chief of Staff Federal Protection Agency, Inc. #VeteransDay #FaithThroughService #FederalProtectionAgency #HonoringOurHeroes #ServiceAndSacrifice #Gratitude #FaithInAction #VeteransDay2025 #ThankYouVeterans #NavyVeteran #LeadershipInService

The Best Leaders Don’t Crumble Under Criticism — They Grow From It Criticism can sting — even when it’s well-intended. But emotionally intelligent leaders respond differently. They don’t ignore it. They don’t shut down. They don’t let it knock them off track. Instead, they pause, reflect, and respond with compassion and care. Here are 8 ways to handle criticism like an emotionally intelligent leader: --- 1️⃣ Stay Calm and Listen • Take a breath before reacting. • Listen to understand, not to defend. • Reflect back what you heard to show respect. 2️⃣ Take Time to Process • Give emotions space to settle. • Write down key points before responding. • Ask for time to reflect before moving forward. 3️⃣ Separate Feelings from Facts • Acknowledge the sting without taking it personally. • Ask yourself: “What part of this can help me grow?” • View feedback as insight, not identity. 4️⃣ Ask Clarifying Questions • Vague feedback limits learning. • Ask for examples to deepen understanding. • Clarify intent before reacting to tone. 5️⃣ Control the Urge to Justify • Resist the instinct to explain. • Lead with empathy, not excuses. • Make space for the other person’s perspective. 6️⃣ Respond with Gratitude • Recognize the courage it takes to give feedback. • Say “thank you,” even when it’s hard to hear. • Let appreciation set the tone for future conversations. 7️⃣ Take Action and Follow Up • Identify one shift you can make. • Share how you’re applying what you’ve learned. • Follow up to show integrity and commitment. --- 💡 Criticism will never feel easy. But when met with emotional intelligence, it becomes a bridge to deeper trust and stronger leadership. After all, leadership isn’t about being right — it’s about being willing to learn.

Our Leadership Team at Federal Protection Agency, Inc. had an incredible experience at the IACP Annual Conference in Denver! We are grateful to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) for bringing together exceptional leaders from law enforcement and private security who share a dedication to service, professionalism, and innovation. The insights, connections, and collaboration throughout the week reaffirm our mission to strengthen partnerships that enhance safety and build trust within the communities we serve. Thank you to IACP and everyone who contributed to another outstanding event — we’re inspired and ready to carry this momentum forward. #IACP2025 #Leadership #LawEnforcement #PublicSafety #PrivateSecurity #Partnership #Community #FederalProtectionAgencyInc

Great cultures aren’t built in big moments. They’re built in the small ones — the habits practiced in plain sight. Listening before reacting. Following through. Sharing credit. Building trust through consistent action. When leaders model these habits, they set the rhythm for everyone else. Because what you repeat becomes who you are. And what your team repeats becomes your culture.

Operations Division Leadership Announcement FPA is pleased to announce new leadership appointments within the Chicago Metro Operations Division, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to operational excellence, efficiency, and professional development across all areas of the organization. Please join us in welcoming and congratulating the following leaders who will oversee the Operations Division and its daily functions: -- Brandon Cunningham – Lead Operations Manager (I) FPA is pleased to introduce Brandon Cunningham, who joins the team as Lead Operations Manager (I) with oversight of the Operations Division. Brandon brings over 12 years of experience in security and operations management, with a proven track record in conflict resolution, risk mitigation, and client relationship development. In his role, Brandon will lead the Operations team, providing guidance and strategic oversight to ensure excellence across all functions. His direct reports include Patrick Poe, Operations Manager; Jason Brown, Operations Coordinator; and Stephanie Hernandez, Assistant Operations Coordinator. Brandon is dedicated to fostering collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement within the division, ensuring both client satisfaction and operational efficiency. Brandon’s extensive background includes employee evaluation, budgeting, project management, and leveraging technology to streamline operational processes. He takes great pride in leading teams, managing contracts, and driving results through a commitment to professionalism and integrity. Outside of work, Brandon enjoys spending time with his loved ones, fishing, camping, traveling, and going to the range. --- Patrick W. Poe – Operations Manager FPA is also proud to introduce Patrick W. Poe, who serves as Operations Manager within the Operations Division, reporting to Brandon Cunningham, Lead Operations Manager (I). Patrick is a results-driven security management professional and proven leader with over 30 years of experience across both the public and private sectors. A dedicated expert in his field, Patrick brings extensive expertise in physical security design, risk management, and emergency preparedness. His comprehensive background also includes business continuity, safety, compliance, and investigative operations. Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead diverse teams effectively, empowering personnel to perform at their highest potential. In his role, Patrick provides direct oversight and leadership to Jason Brown, Operations Coordinator, and Stephanie Hernandez, Assistant Operations Coordinator. He is deeply committed to staff training and professional development, fostering a culture of growth, collaboration, and operational excellence across the division. A native of Chicago, Patrick is an enthusiastic supporter of the White Sox, Bears, and Bulls. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and playing the piano.

Your initial 1:1s as a new leader are gold mines. But only if you stop playing it safe. Those first 1:1s with your team can define your impact — but most leaders waste them on autopilot small talk. They ask about weekends. They stay surface-level. They talk projects. Meanwhile... Trust thins. Top talent checks out. Culture fractures in silence. And the ones who don’t speak up? They’re the ones most likely to leave. 1:1s aren’t about talking — they’re about unlocking. Here are 10 questions brave leaders ask (and red flags to watch for): --- 1️⃣ “What conversation is everyone avoiding?” 💡 Why: Surfaces hidden tensions fast ⏱ When: After building initial trust 🚩 Red flag: “Everything’s fine” answers 2️⃣ “What behaviors get rewarded here?” 💡 Why: Reveals real vs. stated values ⏱ When: Once they’re sharing freely 🚩 Red flag: Toxic behaviors normalized 3️⃣ “What would you change if you ran this team?” 💡 Why: Surfaces strategic frustrations ⏱ When: Mid-conversation sweet spot 🚩 Red flag: Only surface-level suggestions 4️⃣ “Who do you go to when you’re stuck?” 💡 Why: Maps informal power networks ⏱ When: After they’ve opened up 🚩 Red flag: “I just figure it out alone” 5️⃣ “When do you lose track of time at work?” 💡 Why: Reveals passion + flow zones ⏱ When: Deep in conversation 🚩 Red flag: “Never” or “Always” 6️⃣ “What skill feels just out of reach right now?” 💡 Why: Identifies development hunger ⏱ When: As confidence builds 🚩 Red flag: No growth direction 7️⃣ “What resources are you missing?” 💡 Why: Uncovers practical blockers ⏱ When: Near conversation close 🚩 Red flag: Hesitation to ask for help 8️⃣ “Where do you want your impact to be in a year?” 💡 Why: Connects personal drive to team goals ⏱ When: Once comfort is established 🚩 Red flag: Vague or title-only answers 9️⃣ “What’s the best team you’ve ever been part of?” 💡 Why: Reveals their standards for excellence ⏱ When: Early in the 1:1 🚩 Red flag: Can’t name specifics 🔟 “How can I help you win?” 💡 Why: Creates an accountability partnership ⏱ When: Final moments of your session 🚩 Red flag: Generic or dismissive response --- The hard truth: Safe conversations feel productive. Brave ones are productive. What you ask in the first 30 days shapes what gets shared in the next 300. 👉 Which question would transform your next 1:1?

A title doesn't make you a leader; influence does. Here are ten ways to make your team remember you forever: 1) Listen with your heart... - People crave to be understood, not just heard. - Ask questions and focus on the meaning behind the words. 2) Celebrate progress, not just the results... Big wins come from small steps. ⁃ Focus on the process, not just the results. 3) Model the behaviors you expect... - Your team is watching you. What you tolerate, they will tolerate. - What you prioritize, they will follow. 4) Create psychological safety... - When mistakes aren't punished, but treated as learning opportunities, you unleash creativity and trust. 5) Invest in your employees... Support their growth, not just for their current role, but for the leaders they will become. 6) Communicate the "why..." - People may follow orders, but they'll do their best when they see the bigger picture and their role in it. 7) Lead with empathy... - Behind every employee is a person with their own story... meet them where they are. 8) Take responsibility... - Leadership isn't about striving for perfection, it's about admitting your mistakes. Don't blame others. 9) Express gratitude... A sincere "thank you" means far more than a raise. - People will remember how you made them feel. 10) Build trust with actions, not words... - Trust is fragile. It takes time to build, but it can be lost in an instant. - Do what you say, every time... Remember... Leadership isn't about power, status, or control. Leadership is about lifting others up, making them better than when you started.

Leadership isn't about knowing everything It's about clarity, consistency, and trust. People don't want a superhero, they want a human being who shows up, listens, and leads with purpose. But without the right habits, leadership can slip into chaos: -Constant firefighting -Confused priorities -Team burnout Your team shifts into survival mode. Here's the shift that changes everything: Leadership isn't about control, it's about setting direction, then getting out of the way. Here's how to do it right: 1.) Work on yourself before leading others. - Your self-awareness sets the tone 2.) Pick great people, then let them do their job. - Trust creates ownership 3.) Be ready to help out when needed. - Leading means showing up, not standing above 4.) Speak clearly, often, and in a steady way. - Steady leadership builds steady teams 5.) Ask for ideas, decide, then take steps. - Don't just listen... act 6.) Give regular praise and advice. - Feedback keeps the engine running 7.) Choose focused work over too many meetings. - Meetings don't build momentum, work does 8.) Handle bad behavior fast. - Culture is shaped by what you ignore 9.) Do important work (and help your team do the same). - Priorities aren't what's loudest, they're what's most aligned 10.) Take breaks and tell your team to take them too. - Exhaustion is not a badge of honor 11.) Help your team learn and grow. - Progress over perfection, every time The truth is: People don't need perfect leaders... They need consistent, caring ones. Which one of these rules are you working on right now???

Most people are never taught how to lead... I've been there. You get promoted or start a business. And suddenly you're leading a team. But no one gives you a handbook. So you copy past managers. Or you do the exact opposite of a boss you hated. That was me - guessing my way through. But leadership isn't guesswork. It's a skill you have to learn. And if you're a business owner, Your team can make or break your growth. ---Poor leadership drains time, trust and results. +++Great leadership reduces stress, builds trust and gets the work done. 10 ways great leaders protect their teams: L They fight pointless busywork... L They shut down toxic behaviours... L They make space for real work... L They stop burnout before it starts... L They lead with care, not chaos... Ignore this, and your best people won't stay. ??? What's one leadership habit you wish more people learned ???