As the nations financial crisis continues to make headlines, many affluent families clear and present dangers may be flying under the radar. Wealth brings considerable attention and security exposure to families across the globe. Many take appropriate countermeasures only after costly, disruptive or embarrassing events unfold. Since the inception of Risk Control Strategies (RCS), we have provided security solutions for the high-net-worth community to include some of the most affluent families in North America. At the behest of many and driven by copious experiences, it was our desire to craft a true, personal security best-practice reference book for the affluent and their advisers. The information to follow will crystallize the various risks families face every day. We will provide pragmatic advice and strategic counter-measures that can be immediately deployed to contain a crisis, as well as recommendations to preemptively mitigate risk. These pages will provide you with our proven methodology for protecting the wealthy and providing them with peace of mind.
During our collective careers, we have arrested hundreds of criminals from all walks of life. They include kidnappers, murderers, serial killers, bank robbers, rapists, child molesters, thieves of all kinds, fugitives, terrorists, drug dealers and white-collar criminals. Many of these individuals blended into their respective communities and preyed upon the weak and innocent at every opportunity. The one common denominator we have learned was that, for the most part, they committed their respective crimes only when they thought they could get away. They made decisions based upon the security observed and the alertness of their intended victims. Just as we would thoroughly investigate a subjects background and learn about their activities prior to confronting him or her, these individuals employ the same tactics upon their intended prey.
The good news is that you can implement effective and proven security procedures to minimize the inherent risks presented by the 21st century intruder. That said, consider this book as an overview of the procedures that will provide you an immediate frame of reference to diagnose a situation and apply the appropriate solution. This book is not intended to provide comprehensive solutions for all security issues facing the affluent whereby the reader can independently address these issues as they surface. It is intended to be more of a guide that identifies the issues and brings them to the forefront so professionals can address them. Knowledge is power, and the more we can understand about security issues faced by the affluent, the more prepared we can become. The RCS case files are factual; however, we are all about confidentiality, so no client names are provided, and some of the information was altered slightly to further protect client identities. Though the stories and situations primarily address the affluent community and their advisers, many areas of this book will benefit the reader regardless of net worth, as it pertains to personal security and safety.
We hope you enjoy reading this as much as we did recalling our experiences.
Douglas R. Kane
Co-author & President of Risk Control Strategies
Paul Michael Viollis, Sr., Ph.D.
Co-author of Silent Safety and CEO of Risk Control Strategies
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Prior to co-founding and becoming President of Risk Control Strategies, Inc. Mr. Kane was a 27-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where he developed his expertise in criminal investigations, strategic planning, crisis resolution, and tactical leadership of comprehensive investigations and security matters worldwide. Mr. Kane was selected to become team leader on the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, the only full time civilian counter-terrorism team in the world. Mr. Kane is also a contributing author to a variety of magazines and trade journals and has been a guest on various media outlets such as FOX News, CNN, and MSNBC.
Prior to co-founding and becoming CEO of Risk Control Strategies, Inc., Dr. Viollis’ thirty year professional resume includes supervisor with the NY County District Attorney’s Office, specialist/supervisor under the United States Space Command, Police Academy CO and team leader on a post September 11th Threat Assessment Team in NYC. Dr. Viollis is a five-time author, a media consultant to all major outlets around the world such as CNN, FOX , MSNBC, CBS, ABC, ESPN, BBC, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Public Radio, Forbes, CFO, Reuters, CSO and columnist for Worth Magazine. He is a subject matter expert in private client security, workplace security and workplace violence.
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"'...To efficiently and effectively serve the affluent community, each and every advisor must embrace their respective responsibility' (from the Prologue) It would be that most advisors - even those already serving high net-worth clients - seldom, if ever, consider their responsibility in the broad area of risk management for those clients. Part of the reason is that advisors are trained to avoid dealing with areas in which they have limited or no expertise. That reasoning is sound, as far as it goes. However, for those who are dedicated to serving the truly affluent, risk management must be part of the equation. The CFP Board Standards of Professional Practice requires that a CFP certificant make a referral or engage an expert when a client has a need where the certificant's expertise is lacking. The Standards also require that certificants continue learning and increase their level of knowledge in order to be a better practitioner. This book helps to accomplish those requirements. It is educational. Silent Safety makes advisors aware of the many ways in which their high net-worth clients may be at risk. Next, it serves as a high quality reference that can be used as a starting point for an advisor who wants to address this critical area. Finally, it provides two things relevant when considering a referral. First, the book identifies the criteria that should be used when considering a risk management expert. Second, the book's content vividly makes it clear that this is an area that should be referred to the experts. Many advisors say they want to provide the best service possible for their clients. In the realm of the truly affluent, Silent Safety goes a long way to helping them do just that."
Michael Snowdon, CFP
Professor, The College For Financial Planning
"Silent Safety is a must read for the affluent and their advisors. The knowledge, experience and expertise shared by Paul and Doug is invaluable in mitigating risk as well as handling situations as they arise. This book will serve as a reference guide for my clients for many years to come."
Gary D. Farro
Sr. Relationship Manager, First Republic Bank
"An invaluable personal security resource and a must read for affluent families, their trusted advisors and family offices."
Arthur Vale
Private Wealth Advisor, Merrill Lynch
"Outstanding! Silent Safety brings to light issues impacting the affluent client and how to proactively minimize the risks that confront them."
Ron Rubin
Union Square Financial Partners
"Is there a margin of error when it comes to safety? As a family office executive, I consider it my fiduciary responsibility to safeguard the family office and the family members we serve. Following and disseminating the practical advice outlined in Silent Safety is one way to protect family members and their assets. I highly recommend Silent Safety to all family office staff and their affluent clients. It’s an informative, easy to understand, security guidebook written by experts. As far as safety is concerned, in my opinion there’s no margin."
Lisa M. Strutzel, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
GWR Wealth Management LLC
"As an affluent advisor to many professional athletes, I stress the importance of personal safety and privacy as a paramount concern. Paul Viollis and his team understand how to fill that need at the highest level of our industry."
Steven B. Kravitz
CSI Capital Management
"Silent Safety is a must read for the affluent community. This book offers a comprehensive review of and solutions for complex personal safety issues, many of which affluent individuals are not aware they face. Silent Safety communicates the genuine concern its authors have for protecting the safety and health of all of us."
Thomas R. Livergood
CEO & Founder, The Family Wealth Alliance
"There are ivory tower experts. There are experts with calloused hands. The authors of Silent Safety are both... And that keeps us all a little bit safer. Silent Safety is a must read."
Bob VandePol
President, Crisis Care Network
"This book is a must read for any advisor dealing with the affluent community who has concerns with protecting their client's wealth, identity, and overall safety."
Anthony Giordano
“My company Bulldawg Protection, LLC has worked with Paul for several years. Paul’s vast knowledge and expertise in the security field is beyond words. Paul has propelled himself as the "go-to" guy in our industry and is constantly sought after for his expert advice. In our world it's hard to find person in the industry that is personable and approachable. I consider Paul a dear and close friend that has always been available to my needs. Paul’s book, "Silent Safety" is a MUST read for the High net worth individual, Corporate CEO's as well as the security professional. It covers every point associated with maintaining the safety of these individuals, who are seen as high value targets.”
Eric Konohia
Bulldawg Protection, LLC
“A masterpiece! Viollis and Kane have given us a 21st century’s guide to Best Practices in personal and home security. The RCS case studies come alive with precautions we should all be aware of and tools we should use. Every home should have a copy of Silent Safety.”
Teresa Leigh
Teresa LeighHousehold & Property Management
"It is an increasingly dangerous world; the need for personal security cannot be over-estimated. Those who fail to heed the advice of Viollis and Kane, do so at their peril. Silent Safety is an invaluable guide for the affluent."
Chris Mathers
Crime and Consulting, Inc.
“As an insurance advisor and risk manager to high net worth individuals, this is the book I have been seeking since I began my career over twenty years ago. The content is spectacular, but I love the layout and real life examples. Making what can be a dry topic into effortless reading is the biggest achievement as my clients lack time and attention span for these critical issues.”
Spencer M. Houldin
President, Ericson Insurance Advisors
"Silent Safety has become a valuable resource for me and many of my clients who are concerned about the safety of their family and their personal property. By sharing this information with my clients and giving them access to Dr. Viollis himself, I can demonstrate my ability to provide a comprehensive host of services. This, in turn, encourages my clients to turn to me with their most important needs and ultimately helps me earn their trust and confidence."
Scott F. Mahoney
Certified Private Wealth Advisor
"Silent Safety is essential reading for any insurance agent who understands that their most successful clients need much more than mere insurance counseling. Paul Viollis and Douglas Kane detail the best practices involved in providing clients with a true private risk management experience. The information provided in Silent Safety can help insurance agents expand their services and evolve their role into that of a private risk manager. I cannot recommend this book more highly."
Timothy P. O'Brien
Director, Private Client Services, Cook, Hall & Hyde, Inc.
“Little & Associates, Inc. has been in the real estate consulting business for over nineteen years. We have worked in just about every market and sector of the industry. We have represented some of the most affluent clients and companies throughout the country. We have been involved with Paul Viollis and Doug Kane of Risk Control Strategies on projects in southeast Florida for the past few years. We have come to know and respect their company and all of the critical and extremely important work that is done before and after. In the book Silent Safety it is all put in perspective by Paul and Doug. It is a cruel and scary world we live in. I highly recommend that everyone read this extremely well written and informative book. In the complex and affluent community we have come to know and work in, without a company like RCS, its approach, knowledge and understanding of the real world, it could be a real disaster not only for private families but companies as well. Silent Safety says it all.”
Thomas W. Little
Little & Associates, Inc.
"In the book SILENT SAFETY, authors Paul Viollis and Douglas Kane prove themselves thought leaders and practitioners in security consulting for the affluent community. SILENT SAFETY is generously detailed and exhaustive in addressing everything that can go wrong and what to do about it. Viollis and Kane combine over 70 years of boots on the ground experience in this indispensable guide. Read this book and be reassured."
Gary S. Shunk
CEO, Family Wealth Dynamics
www.FamilyWealthDynamics.com
"Silent Safety presented critically important information in an entertainingly anecdotal format. It's startling to learn how many different ways you and your security can be compromised, yet comforting to know that preventative measures can be taken. This book should not be on the book shelves of every family office manager, it should be on their desk!"
Ken Schreiber
Chief Sales Officer & Senior Vice President, HUB International
"I had no idea how such terrible things could happen to good people, but Dr. Viollis and Doug Kane offer sound strategic answers! Silent Safety provides pragmatic solutions to affluent families and their advisors; utilizing tried and true proven strategies that may just save lives. A recommended read for my clients, associates and anyone who seeks safety in a disconcerting and unstable world."
Kimberly Foss Erickson, CFP, CPWA
Financial Expert
“Silent Safety is an invaluable source of information from the industry's experts. Paul Viollis and Doug Kane are knowledgeable and proficient in their advice, only interested in doing what's right for affluent families.”
Charles S. Lachman
Corporate Fuel Partners
"In this book [Silent Safety], Paul [Viollis] and Doug [Kane] have taken the time to think about the unthinkable. If you use social media, have children, or travel abroad it is worth reading."
James P. Kane
President, HUB International Personal Insurance
"Reading Silent Safety has enhanced my awareness of the everyday person as well as the business risks we tend to overlook. It was very informative and a great read which I have provided for many clients."
Don V. Previti
Richard Fleischman & Associates, RFA
"Finally a high-end personnel and corporate best practices survival manual, easily understood by the first time, or soon to be first time victim, or any savvy, hard-nosed security professional. The content in Silent Safety will help us all to survive a criminal takeover...anywhere...the rules for survival never change. Kudos on a book well done. It will not be judged by how many readers it attracts, but by how many lives it saves."
Jack Trimarco
Retired FBI Psychological Profiler & Los Angeles Polygraph Unit Chief
Jennifer Viollis-Richardson
Director of Corporate Communications
Risk Control Strategies, Inc.
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