Frequently
asked.

Golden Ridge Protection is a veteran-owned private security firm based in Minnesota, operating statewide and nationwide. We specialize in executive protection, workplace security, soft target protection (schools, houses of worship, healthcare facilities), media security, security training, and security consulting.

We were founded in 2022 by Kyle Scott, a Marine Corps combat veteran with over 15 years of private security experience at firms including Pinkerton, Elite Protective Services, Conflict Resolution Group, and Fairline Security.

Yes. Golden Ridge Protection holds Minnesota Private Security License No. 2385. We are fully insured and compliant with all applicable state licensing requirements for private security operations.

We are headquartered in Alexandria, Minnesota and operate statewide throughout Minnesota. We are also available for nationwide engagements and can discuss international operations on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature of the assignment.

Most security companies sell guard services — uniformed personnel whose primary value is visible presence. Golden Ridge operates from an intelligence-led, mission-driven model developed in military and elite private sector environments.

We don't do security theater. Every program is purpose-built for the specific client, environment, and threat profile. Our standard is invisible excellence: protection so effective and discreet that the people being protected forget it's there.

Executive protection at Golden Ridge includes threat assessment, advance work (route and venue analysis), close protection coverage, secure transportation coordination, 24/7 response readiness, event security, and after-action reporting. The specific scope is built around your situation.

We don't have a standard package. Every engagement is scoped to your actual threat environment and operational requirements.

Armed and unarmed coverage are both available, depending on the threat level, the environment, and the client's preference. We never advocate for armed coverage when it isn't warranted — visible weapons can escalate situations and attract attention that well-planned protection avoids entirely.

Yes. Travel security is a core capability. We conduct advance work at destinations before your principal arrives, coordinate secure ground transportation, manage airport transitions, and provide continuous coverage throughout travel. This applies domestically and can be extended to international travel on a case-by-case basis.

Confidentiality is non-negotiable. We never publicly discuss clients, operations, or outcomes. We operate under strict NDAs by default and can accommodate any additional confidentiality requirements. Our 100% client confidentiality record is a core operating principle, not a marketing claim.

A soft target is any location where large numbers of people gather with limited or no security infrastructure — schools, houses of worship, healthcare facilities, retail environments, and community centers are classic examples. The defining characteristic is open access combined with high occupancy and minimal protective measures.

Security programs don't have to be expensive to be effective. A well-designed security program often relies primarily on trained people and clear protocols — not expensive technology or ongoing guard contracts.

We offer assessments, one-time training engagements, and policy development services that provide meaningful protection at accessible cost. Call us and tell us your situation. We'll be honest about what you actually need.

Yes. Volunteer security teams are often the most effective first response in soft target environments — they know the space, the regulars, and the community better than any outside contractor could. We design and deliver training programs that build real competence in your existing people, rather than creating ongoing dependency on outside services.

We offer Minnesota state-approved security training and pistol certification courses. Our pistol certification meets all Minnesota permit-to-carry requirements and is taught by a BCA-certified instructor. We also provide professional security training for individuals entering the security industry and organizational security training for corporate and institutional clients.

Yes. We offer on-site training at client facilities for group engagements. This is often preferable for organizational training because it allows scenario-based exercises specific to your actual environment. Contact us to discuss scheduling and requirements.

Our pistol certification course meets all Minnesota state requirements for permit-to-carry certification. Course length varies based on group size and format. Contact us directly for current scheduling and specific course details.

Call (612) 494-5666 or email [email protected]. Tell us your situation. We'll schedule a confidential conversation, understand your needs, and determine whether we're the right fit. If we are, we'll propose an engagement structure. If we're not, we'll tell you honestly.

There's no sales process, no obligation, and no pitch. Just a direct conversation.

A threat assessment involves understanding your specific environment, threat profile, existing security measures, and operational requirements. For facility-based clients (schools, healthcare, worship), it typically includes a site visit. For executive protection clients, it begins with a briefing on the principal's profile and current threat environment.

Assessments are confidential and carry no obligation to engage further services.

Yes. We offer both project-based and ongoing retainer engagements depending on the nature and duration of the security requirement. Some clients require continuous coverage. Others need periodic consulting and annual reassessments. We structure engagements to match the actual need — not to maximize contract value.

We maintain 99% response readiness year-round. For urgent situations, contact us by phone at (612) 494-5666. For planned engagements, we typically require 24-48 hours for initial planning and 72+ hours for full operational deployment depending on the scope. We will always tell you honestly what we can and cannot do in the time available.