Professional Physical Security Consulting Firm
Expert Security Solutions Since 1990
Drawing on extensive experience as a physical security consulting firm, we are dedicated to accurately assessing your threat and security risks to design and implement the proper state-of-the-art security measures for your facility.
Our team of experienced professionals ensures that your organization benefits from tailored solutions that meet industry best practices. Partnering with a trusted physical security consulting company enables you to prioritize protection efforts and prevent foreseeable criminal and terrorist attacks before they ever occur.
Our Story
When it comes to physical security, your mission is our mission.
Having spent my entire career in crime prevention, I know that keeping everyone (and everything) safe is the kind of mandate that keeps you up at night. Whether you’re navigating a recent incident, concerned about complying with a regulation, or wanting to bring clarity and consistency to how you run your team, you need true experts ready to advise you and equip you to make your workplace safer.
Since I founded BPS in 1990, we have grown into a trusted physical security consulting firm, serving hundreds of leading national and international organizations. Having kept tens of thousands of people, assets, and documents safer with our strategies, I’ve learned exactly what you need to get proactive about preventing workplace crime and terrorism. And as an award-winning physical security company, we’ve become known for how we do that, specifically by working seamlessly with you and everyone involved.
Our clients will tell you that we’ll always pick up your call, come to meetings, and track down the highest quality resources, equipment, and vendors while maximizing your budget. They’ll also confirm we have a strong track record of working smoothly across departments, stakeholders, and leaders to identify key changes and deliver essential security solutions training to those who need it. At the end of most workdays, we hear clients say, “I really learned a lot today.”
And more than anything, our clients will tell you that we care: that your mission is always our mission and we’re ready to help you optimize your approach to physical security from every angle.
So, if you’ve been worried about recent workplace violence, compliance, or looming vulnerabilities, you can get ahead of these things. You can feel strongly supported by the BPS team, a trusted security consulting company, gaining actionable strategies, recommendations, and training that meet your goals and risk tolerance. Because with the right go-to partners, quality resources, and smarter policies, you can finally trust that you and your team are doing all you can to keep your people and organization safer than ever before. If you need that kind of peace of mind, we’re ready to partner with you.
Our Commitment to Give Back
Expertise and Values at the Heart of Our Physical Security Consulting Firm
BPS has always had a culture of giving back to the community*, and many BPS employees serve as volunteer leaders for ASIS International, the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC), and the International Association of Healthcare Safety and Security (IAHSS).
Leveraging our deep expertise as a physical security consulting firm, we understand the importance of supporting not only the safety of organizations but also the well-being of the communities we serve. I have committed to using the company for ministry purposes in the following areas:
- Meeting the immediate needs of the community by supporting our local food banks to ensure that people with difficult circumstances can receive assistance. (Matthew 25:41-45)
- Meeting the long-term needs of orphaned children. As an adopted child myself, I am compassionate towards the cause of helping children. BPS provides support to children in Haiti and North Carolina for housing, education, and food. (Deuteronomy 10:18)
- BPS invests in organizations that are also spreading the Gospel and the good word about Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20).
As a trusted physical security consulting company, BPS remains committed to integrity and service both inside and outside the workplace.
*More information on the specific recipients of BPS funds can be shared upon request.
Our Code of Ethics
Clients and prospects can be assured of the highest level of service we are capable of providing. Drawing on years of expertise, BPS is a trusted physical security consulting firm that adheres to the following code of ethics in all business dealings:
- We will view and handle as confidential all information concerning the affairs of product manufacturers and clients.
- We will not take personal, financial, or any other advantage of inside information gained by virtue of a design or consulting relationship.
- We will inform clients and prospective clients of any special relationship or circumstances that could be considered a conflict of interest.
- We will neither accept nor pay fees or commissions for referrals or product recommendations.
- We will never charge more than a reasonable fee, and, whenever possible, the consultant will agree with the client in advance on the fee or basis for the fee.
- We will not accept fees, commissions, or other valuable considerations from any individual or organization whose equipment, supplies, or services they might or do recommend in the course of providing professional consulting services.
- We will only accept assignments and render expert opinions on matters for which they are eminently qualified.
BPS remains committed to upholding these principles as a trusted physical security consulting company, ensuring integrity and excellence in every client relationship.
Meet The BPS Team
We offer a highly qualified project team and maintain BPS quality standards that have existed from the inception of the firm. Many of BPS’ clients return for multiple related projects – a testament to our competence and customer satisfaction.
Frank Pisciotta
President and CEO
Frank Pisciotta is a physical security consultant with 36 years of experience in crime prevention, threat assessment, workplace violence prevention, and security program design. He is President and CEO of Business Protection Specialists, Inc. (BPS), an independent physical security consulting firm he founded in 1990.
Since founding BPS, Frank has guided more than 5,000 threat assessment, risk analysis, and security system design projects for organizations across healthcare, higher education, government, industrial manufacturing, and food and agriculture sectors. He leads a senior team of security professionals with more than 150 years of combined experience.
Frank is a Certified Security Consultant (CSC) through the International Association of Professional Security Consultants and achieved the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation from ASIS International in 1994. He earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Frank has served as Past President of the International Association of Professional Security Consultants and is a four-term member of its Board of Directors. He received the IAPSC Meritorious Life Award in recognition of his contributions to the profession, becoming the youngest recipient in the organization’s history. He has served on the IAPSC Technical Standards Committee since 2011 and also contributes to ASIS International’s Standards Technical Committee on Risk Assessment. He served as ASIS International Food Defense and Agriculture Security Community Leader (2021–2023) and holds food defense certifications through FSPCA (Food Safety Preventive Controls Alliance), FPDI (Food Protection and Defense Institute), and AIB International (American Institute of Baking).
Frank regularly speaks at industry conferences and contributes to security and risk management publications. In addition to client work, he is committed to advancing the profession by mentoring and teaching security consultants how to establish successful practices. His work provides practical, risk-driven guidance for security leaders, EHS professionals, and executive teams, without product bias or vendor influence.
Credentials Attained
Certified Security Consultant (CSC)
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Areas of Expertise
- Threat Assessment & Risk Analysis
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Security System Design
- Emergency Response Planning
- Development of Global Security Programs
- Fractional Security Director
- Healthcare Security
- Higher Education Security
- Food & Agriculture Security
Professional Affiliations
- Member, ASIS International
- Member and Past President, International Association of Professional Security Consultants
- Four-term Member, IAPSC Board of Directors
- Member, IAPSC Technical Standards Committee
- Meritorious Life Award Recipient, IAPSC
- Member, ASIS International Standards Technical Committee on Risk Assessment
- ASIS International Food Defense and Agriculture Security Community Leader (2021–2023)
- Member, International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety; Chapter President (2022–2024)
- Member, Northeast Colleges and Universities Security Association
- Member, Association of College and University Housing Officers – International
- Member, Security Specifiers Board of Directors
Ronald Heil
Senior Security Advisor
Ronald Heil is a physical security consultant with extensive experience in security risk assessments, threat and vulnerability assessments, emergency preparedness, security program development, and security system design.
Before joining Business Protection Specialists, Inc. in 2015, Ron served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force. In the Air Force, he held leadership roles across security, law enforcement, emergency management, antiterrorism, force protection, nuclear security compliance, and disaster response.
After leaving the Air Force, Ron led security consulting and security system design operations for a national architectural and engineering firm, where he was senior partner in the Pittsburgh office.
Ron has led physical security consulting and design projects across public and private sector environments, including transportation, utilities, manufacturing, healthcare, education, government, food and beverage, ports and maritime facilities, high-rise offices, and critical infrastructure. His work includes security risk assessments, physical security improvement plans, emergency preparedness plans, security force evaluations, staffing models, procurement specifications, and security system design projects covering access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, emergency notification, and perimeter protection.
Ron has been a Certified Security Consultant since 2006. His published work includes articles and commentary in Security Management Magazine, Distribution Center Management, Part B News, and News in Motion, a 10,000-subscriber industry newsletter. He has also been cited as an expert source by USA Today on transit security and has spoken on security risk assessment methodologies, active shooter preparedness, and security audits and assessments for professional and industry audiences.
Ron holds an M.S. in Management from Troy State University and a B.A. in Administration of Justice from the University of Pittsburgh.
Credentials Attained
Certified Security Consultant (CSC)
Certified Protection Professional (CPP)
Areas of Expertise
- Physical Security Consulting
- Security Risk Assessments
- Threat & Vulnerability Assessments
- Security Program Development
- Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Response Planning
- Security System Design
- Access Control, Video Surveillance & Intrusion Detection
- Security Force Management, Staffing & Training
- Food Defense Audits
- Critical Infrastructure Security
- Transportation Security
- Utility Security
- Healthcare Security
- Education Security
- Government Facility Security
- Manufacturing & Distribution Security
- Ports & Maritime Security
Professional Affiliations
- Five-term Board Member, International Association of Professional Security Consultants
- Chair, IAPSC Certified Security Consultant Certification Committee
- Member, ASIS International Supply Chain and Transportation Security Council
- Chair, ASIS International Supply Chain and Transportation Security Council Publications Committee
- Active committee member for ASIS International credentials
Doug Huyck
Senior Security Advisor
With more than 40 years in physical security, Doug Huyck is a recognized security expert and U.S. Navy veteran.
Doug has implemented and managed a vast range of security activities and programs, led policy development, licensing, inspections and oversight of regulated facilities and coordinated with internal and external stakeholders on security readiness and implementation, including briefing members of Congress on security.
Pulling from his 17 years with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) and 23 years at commercial nuclear power plants, Doug brings a wealth of technical knowledge and experience to BPS through successful development, implementation, and oversight of security programs and processes, problem identification and root cause resolution, human capital management, budget formulation and execution, personnel training and development, and mentorship.
Doug is a certified facility security officer trained under the marine regulation U.S. 33 CFR Part 105. He is conversant with conducting audits of facility security plans, vessel security plans and the execution of plan commitments at regulated sites and vessels.
Doug’s dedication to keeping clients safe applies to all private and public sector industries including manufacturing, food production, education, and healthcare.
Joe Thode
Physical Security Advisor
Joe Thode is a Physical Security Advisor with more than a decade of experience supporting enterprise physical security programs in regulated and high-risk operating environments. A U.S. Navy veteran, Joe brings a disciplined approach to identifying threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and developing practical mitigation strategies.
At BPS, Joe supports clients across healthcare, education, food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, chemical operations, and state and local government industries. His work includes conducting formal security risk assessments, evaluating physical security countermeasures, and supporting compliance with applicable regulatory and industry standards.
Joe assists organizations in developing layered, defensible security programs that are operationally sustainable, audit-ready, and consistent with governance expectations. Joe holds a degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security.
Professional Certifications and Affiliations
- Member, ASIS International
- Member, International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS)
- FSPCA Food Defense Certified
Steven DeArruda
Senior Security Systems Designer
Steve DeArruda serves as Senior Security Systems Designer at BPS, where he has been part of the firm’s consulting team since 2012.
With 50 years of experience across the electrical, marine, and electronic security industries, Steve has designed, implemented, and managed electrical and low-voltage AC and DC systems across commercial, industrial, marine, and residential environments. His work has supported organizations in both the public and private sectors, helping them implement reliable infrastructure and security systems aligned with operational requirements, safety standards, and regulatory expectations.
At BPS, Steve focuses on the technical design and implementation of integrated security systems. He works closely with clients, architects, engineers, and other trade discipline consultants to translate security requirements into practical system designs that support broader facility operations. His responsibilities include defining project requirements, coordinating system design across disciplines, supporting cost estimating and system specification, and providing implementation guidance throughout construction, commissioning, and project closeout.
Steve also contributes to security risk assessment initiatives and has participated in projects addressing Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) compliance. His technical expertise allows him to evaluate system performance, identify vulnerabilities, and develop practical solutions that strengthen an organization’s overall security posture while supporting compliance with electrical, building, and life safety codes.
He has been a licensed electrician in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for more than 30 years. Steve also brings extensive experience in technical drafting and system design using AutoCAD and Bluebeam.
Throughout his career, Steve has supported projects across the United States and internationally, with work extending to the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Trinidad, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and Grenada.
In addition to his consulting work, Steve contributes to the advancement of the security industry through his involvement with the Security Industry Association (SIA). Since 2019 he has served as a judge for the SIA New Products and Solutions (NPS) program at ISC West, and in 2023 he joined the NPS Committee.
Credentials Attained
- Licensed Electrician (Massachusetts)
- Former ABYC Certified Marine Electrician
Areas of Expertise
- Electronic Security System Design
- Security System Integration
- Access Control and Video Surveillance Systems
- Risk Assessment Support
- CFATS Compliance Support
- Construction Administration and Commissioning
- Security Standards Development
- Electrical, Building and Life Safety Code Coordination
Professional Certifications & Licenses
- Licensed Electrician, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
- AutoCAD Certified (Levels I, II, III), Authorized Autodesk Training Facility
- Revit Architecture Certified, Authorized Autodesk Training Facility
Factory Training
- Westinghouse Security Electronics SE6000 / NSCC Factory Training
- NexWatch ProWatch Factory Training
- NexWatch StarGaze Factory Training
- Software House Factory Training
- Pelco CM9700 Matrix Factory Training
- American Dynamics (Sensormatic) 1024 Matrix and Dome Factory Training
- Millennium (Ilco) Factory Training
- S2 Security Corporation Factory Training
- Bentley College / MAC Systems Inc. Leadership Management Training
Professional Affiliations
- Security Industry Association (SIA)
- Judge, SIA New Products and Solutions (NPS) Program at ISC West
- Member, SIA New Products and Solutions Committee
Ryan Liebzeit
Operations Manager
With over 15 years of experience in electronic security and five years in the financial services industry, Ryan Liebzeit brings a well-rounded and results-driven approach to his role as Operations Manager for BPS. He drives process improvement and operational excellence through strategic project management.
Ryan is experienced with public/private partnerships where the size and complexity of government programs often exceed those in the private sector. Ryan has designed and consulted on engineering and estimation of $16M in business in the security industry and developed solutions for hundreds of customer sites.
Ryan is also a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering (North Carolina State University). He has also earned certifications in multiple physical security systems including Genetec, AMAG, Milestone, and LenelS2.
Logan Cook
AutoCAD Drafter
Logan is a highly motivated and detail-oriented drafter with hands-on experience in drafting and design. He utilizes advanced computer skills to create accurate and effective technical drawings, ensuring precision in every project.
In addition to a drafting background, Logan has experience working as a security guard at a gated community in the Florida Keys, where he conducted routine checks around the community, ensuring safety and maintaining a secure environment for residents.
Doug Meeker
Director of Business Development
Doug Meeker is a business development professional with extensive experience helping small businesses drive strategic growth and revenue expansion. Known for his relational approach to business, Doug prioritizes trust, collaboration, and long-term value in every engagement.
Lynelle Clark
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Lynelle coordinates multi-media marketing campaigns, manages social media accounts, and oversees website content in conjunction with a team of marketing experts. Additionally, she monitors website analytics, contributes to business development efforts, and performs administrative tasks as needed. As a retired Air Force Public Affairs Officer, she brings a wealth of experience in PR and communications to the team.
Marcia Hogan
Administration and Client Support Services
A meticulous bookkeeping professional with more than 10 years’ experience, Marcia is invaluable to her team. Her expertise in QuickBooks ensures financial records are accurate, updated, and well-documented. She prepares regular financial reports, manages expense accounts, and maintains all ledgers.
Marcia supports the team operationally by reviewing contractual requirements, filing official documents, and managing data. Prior to BPS, she spent eight years as an Office Administrator coordinating official communications, recordkeeping, processing payroll, submitting tax requirements and managing vendor relations.
Beth Rood
Accounting Supervisor
Beth is a senior accounting leader with more than two decades of experience delivering accurate, compliant, and well-controlled financial operations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 2003.
As Accounting Supervisor, Beth oversees all accounting functions while directly managing accounts receivable. She also serves as a Virginia Security Compliance Agent, bringing a heightened focus on regulatory compliance and data security.
Brittany (Britt) WhiteSyrdahl
Executive Assistant to President and CEO
Brittany (Britt) serves as Executive Assistant to CEO Frank Pisciotta at Business Protection Specialist (BPS), bringing a strong professional background supporting high-level CEOs and executive leadership.
In her role at BPS, she provides comprehensive executive support, including managing schedules and priorities, coordinating meetings and communications, preparing, and organizing important information, supporting business operations, and serving as a key point of contact for leadership, clients, and business partners. She helps ensure the CEO’s day-to-day operations remain organized, efficient, and focused on strategic priorities.
She is committed to supporting the company’s continued growth and success.
Director, Compliance & EHS, Holly Energy Partners
Security Systems Administrator, Froedtert Hospital
