The Security Circle
An IFPOD production for IFPO the very first security podcast called Security Circle. IFPO is the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and is an international security membership body that supports front line security professionals with learning and development, mental Health and wellbeing initiatives.
The Security Circle
EP 089 Chuck Andrews Reveals All in a Texas Night/GSX Special
Charles "CHUCK" Andrews - MSME, CPP, CFE, CFCI, ICPS
Global Security Advisor, Strategist & CSO
Chairman of the Board / International AUTHOR
Texas Ranger 2023 BiCentennial - State of TEXAS HOSTS
charles.andrews.cso@gmail.com
Named IFSEC #1 Ranked Global Security Influencer
Adjunct Graduate Professor - Sam Houston State University
Forty (40) years of Law Enforcement, Corporate Security, Business Risk and Consulting professional experience, training and education in both domestic and international venues, organizations and corporations in the physical (traditional) & virtual (logical) security industries.
Self-motivated and results-driven security executive and consultant demonstrating leadership and influence while positively impacting industry EBITDA from a security value-added proposition.
A security industry expert demonstrating global & functional competencies in multiple business environments, law enforcement and the corporate security (virtual & traditional) industry in the form of top-level certifications, degrees and significant real-world work experience positively impacting business operations across industry, both in the private and public sector. Successfully identifies emerging issues & technologies impacting security programs in the business environment on a local, state, national & international scale to the benefit of the business as value-add and cost/benefit plus. Further, has identified & demonstrated RISK/THREAT mitigation strategies involving millions of dollars in ROI with national impact to the benefit of a Fortune 250 corporation.
Accumulated, leveraged and maintained over 5,000 direct relationships and ~156,000 working contacts in the law enforcement (foreign, federal, state & local) and corporate security sector across varied corporations and organizations through FRIENDS OF CHUCK (FOC).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesandrewscpp/
https://lnkd.in/gx8Na77k Link to Register for #TexasNIght2024
Security Circle ⭕️ is an IFPOD production for IFPO the International Foundation of Protection Officers
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Yoyo:Hi, this is Yolanda. Welcome. Welcome to the Security Circle podcast. IFPO is the International Foundation for Protection Officers and we are dedicated to providing meaningful education, information and certification for all levels of security personnel and make a positive difference where we can to our members mental health. and wellbeing. Our listeners are global. They are the decision makers of tomorrow and today, and we want to thank you wherever you are for being a part of the Security Circle journey. So I'm going to read this bit by you. All I was going to say is, I can't even wait to jump in and introduce today's special guest. a seasoned guest, I should say for the Security Circle, Chuck Andrews. Welcome back to the Security Circle podcast. How are you doing?
Chuck:Yo, yo, yo, doing good. Yo, yo. I'd love to be here. Always a great time with you. Security circle podcast numero uno.
Yoyo:Right. Now, listen, we're back cause we've got some very important things to talk about, but, Some people would be right, wouldn't they, Chuck, in thinking Texas Night at GSX might not happen this year. You've had a back operation and the focus has been on returning to good health. Yet, somehow, you have managed to pull this off and it was great received news. How did you do it?
Chuck:Well, it wasn't easy. Let's start there. Shall we, look, lots of stuff going on in the security planet. And, by the virtue of the good Lord, things have aligned themselves. And then there's this, all this unsolicited, approximately 200 requests came in. So he took you, You have to do, you have to do Texas night one more time. And I go, Oh man, my back hurts. And I thought I was going to be out all year, but I did all this re prep and health and exercises before my surgery, which helped me in the recovery of it. I happen to own a company in the greater Orlando, Florida area. And I've got help there. And all these things, the line said, okay,, we're going to do this. And of course, ASIS came out with this new policy, the ICW in conjunction with, and we came into compliance with that. And look, I love ASIS and, I'm a big fan still. Um, but sometimes, you know, uh, you gotta do what you gotta do to be successful. So Texas night. Is on, and it's gonna be so much fun.
Yoyo:So Chuck, you said about 200 people contacted you. I think it was bordering on a protest actually. I think people were outraged when they thought for a minute this couldn't go ahead, and I would say I was one of them.
Chuck:Yes, you were. I think I have nine emails from you, to be exact. Yes, um, that's, that's true. Um, but look, in the grand scheme of things, the focus is on giving people what they want. Giving people what they enjoy and value. Epic security networking is valued. People gathering, friends, friends, finding a job, building relationships, showing my goods and wares, setting up meetings. Event brings hope and joy and something to look forward to each year. And that burden falls back on me. And I made the decision to move forward with putting it together on Sunday, September 22nd, 6 30 PM. The barn doors open. Don't be late.
Yoyo:Look, there was this one moment where I did get a little bit John McEnroe, and I was like, you can't be serious, man. And I was quite happy to throw my tennis racket around. But yeah, look, great news. And I had a lot of people contacting me, asking me where the link is to register. So we were like, waiting for the link. Dammit, you kept us hanging on there for a while, but the link is out. We will put the link to register with this podcast, which is dated the 5th of September. Well done. I mean, coming through this adversity with your back injury, I know that you weren't feeling great for many of those days and you've got a great Tm. So I think a lot of people are super thrilled that you pulled it off. And, I know a lot of people excited to see you. Chuck is like security camp to me.
Chuck:Well, listen, uh, we got a great Tm, me, myself, and I, all three of us putting this thing on. It's a Tm effort for, uh, for sure. Yeah. Look, this is going to be a lot of fun. I always, you know, me, I don't do normal, you know, I'm trying to lead on the edge, understand what's a value to humans in the security race. Right, and I'm trying to, and it seems to work, right? It's, it's very well received under the Friends of Chuck mantra, right? It's dream big, know how to have fun, and get shit done. And that's what we're all about. And people like that. It resonates with people. It makes them feel good. And this fits right into it. Texas Night is the formality of that at an annual gathering. And people really look forward to it. Hey, uh, newsflash. in the first 48 hours.
Yoyo:Yeah.
Chuck:All right, here we go. Um, sound effects cue. Okay. In the first 48 hours, 50 percent of all the slots gone for Texas.
Yoyo:There you go.
Chuck:And here we are a few days later and I, I'm not sure where we are with the numbers, but depending on when you broadcast this, it may be in the ex post facto mode and we may be sold out. Now look, you can still register, but that guy, he's called the fire Marshall. He'll only let so many people in and as people vacillate coming and going, you'll be able to hopefully get in, but register, register now, like. Pause this podcast, register, come back and continue. That's exactly right.
Yoyo:Yeah. I was going to ask you, you preempted that about the limited numbers. it is a great event. So I went to my very first Texas night last year. I've never seen an armadillo., I saw more armadillos than I saw Stephanie Drysdale, who I tried to find several times and it was so big. I kept seeing armadillos again, but I couldn't find Stephanie Drysdale anywhere. but this year, the list of people that I need to make an intention to meet is bigger and longer. And I'm thinking, Texas night's got such an added value to ASISGSX because it gets everybody into the city, doesn't it? Before GSX kicks off. It's a very unique night.
Chuck:Yeah, very unique night. Look, every, everybody's gonna come. This is the way we kick it off. And now it's become its own scheduled institution. Right. Crazy enough. Um, remember how this all started? I was regional vice president under the organization of ASIS and they gave me Texas and we had six chapters and my whole intent was to muster everybody together and where does everybody go? Everybody goes to ASIS GSX. Back then we called it ASIS international seminar and exhibits conference. Right. now GSX. And the whole tip was just to gather people and then we figured, well, we got to open the doors to everybody and you, you yo yo got to be at the number one Texas night in Texas, Dallas, Texas at Gillies with 4, 000 people. It'll never be as good as that, right?
Yoyo:Yeah. You had to extend the space, didn't you, because the demand was so high. You had to ask Giddies for more room.
Chuck:Yeah, and listen, there was no more room in Orlando. This is as good as it gets. This, this venue, Mangoes, where the event is, everybody can walk, everybody can walk there, right? Uh, and that's the cool part. It's just, down the road on I Drive. I Drive, International Drive is a very famous street, the Orlando, convention center, and where ASISGSX will be held. listen, when you get there A couple of things. If you can't find your way, look up in the sky, there's going to be a signal leading you there. It's probably on the side of a giant building. That's the first thing. I won't give it all away, but you're in the right spot when you see a recognized symbol in the security industry, right? Number two, your experience will begin as you walk On to the premises, the parking lot. Things will be happening in said parking lot as you enter the building. And when you get in, you're going to need to have your phone ready or a piece of paper showing your acknowledgement through the registration. And your name will be checked off and you will be donned With credentials in the shape of the great state of texas because you're coming into texas. We're converting mangos And we're texifying mangos this tropical environment with Look, I think they have 14 bars 62 tvs a million dollars worth of technology electronics and music systems We got whiskey county live band Bringing in somebody from nashville I'm not gonna give any more away. wait, I'm gonna give one more thing away. We got lots of cool stuff happening. Cigars, drink, food, all the regular stuff, but I, you're going to be able, look we got hats for everybody I just posted today. Angie The ladies taking care of all ladies in security wis Oh, that's saturday. You're gonna be at the friends of chuck table, aren't you?
Yoyo:I yes. Yes, sir. I am. Thank you for the invitation thrilled
Chuck:But I look forward to having you so yeah, we got the hats, but we're gonna have It looks like everything's going right. A custom hat maker. You're going to experience and have the opportunity to, uh, get a custom hat with the Friends of Chuck brand burned into it. It's gonna be cool. Very cool.
Yoyo:Cool. That's really super cool. I can't give any more
Chuck:away. Don't pull my arm.
Yoyo:Don't bribe me.
Chuck:No,
Yoyo:I'm going to get some more things out of you today because look, number one, everybody is super thrilled to go to Texas night. I know that everybody I know is going to be there. for sure., at six 30 at the start. How are you going to have some cows at the front entrance like you did last time? Because Kasia fell in love, didn't she? With the great big horned cow that you had. It's not a horned cow. It's something else. Tell me what it was.
Chuck:It was a Texas long horn. Yeah, she, she, uh, got to see a hand. She loved, uh, she loved that. Right. I think Stephanie Drysdale did too. And a whole bunch of other people, they were like, Oh my God, it's a live Texas Longhorn. Now we're in Florida. I thought it would be appropriate to have a giant alligator. We're gonna, we're gonna convert this a little bit. Right? yeah, I got some interesting surprises and look, the important part is that you are there and you are in an atmosphere of joy. Uh, that allows people to be themselves and make genuine relationships in the industry to the benefit of you, your company, your agenda, your career, your friendships, all of that. And this is why it's important. And this is why people look forward to this each year. So I'm glad that it's turned out this way.
Yoyo:So listen, there's an opportunity now for you to thank those amazing organizations and sponsors who have helped you put this together. So who would you like to say thank you to? I think you've got a long list, haven't you?
Chuck:I do. And, so as we kind of, um, uh, as we kind of go through, uh, through this list and it's, uh, first off, I just want to say, Thank you for the ongoing support and to, and you know, to these, uh, to these sponsors, right? This is really, uh, really, really important. And I want, you know, I want to thank our title sponsor evolve. who really stepped up. They had a big play last year at Gillies. So their support continues, right? And then groups, and I'm just going to go through these groups. They all are playing a different role in sponsorship. Please come out, see what they're doing. Build those relationships. See some new cool stuff. That's coming out. Action. CS Amarok, the ASIS foundation, the ASIS military and veterans community, Asalan, Black Cloak, Blitzt. com, Gallagher security, global integrity. IDP Americas. They're the one that are making our really cool credentials in the shape of Texas. IFPO, International Foundation of Protection Officers. I get that right.
Yoyo:The International Foundation of Protection Officers. Yeah. Sometimes I say the International Foundation from Protection Officers, but it's the wrong word. Yeah. Yeah. IFPO, happy to be a partner.
Chuck:We talked about, uh, Kasia Hansen, Intel continues. They've been supporting us for a long time. The International Security Journal, they just released a day before yesterday. Um, Collins Security Group, Ledlow Security Group. Yep. Lincoln Security Services, Link Systems. That's Kevin Petty. Women in Security. I gotta say Brittany Galley and a whole bunch of other people going to the event right on Saturday.
Yoyo:Uh,
Chuck:the night before people are encouraged to attend if there's any tickets left, it's going to go all the way down under Ben Hosking's with Penoptic Solutions. Powerstock, excuse me, Powerstack, uh, John Christian, uh, Alex Stewart with Premier Body Armor, Ray Secure, very well known company, Rebecca Creek, and Texas Ranger Whiskey. They're coming back. Hello. I know, uh, we're gonna have to cut you off. My favorite so
Yoyo:far.
Chuck:Yeah, your favorite so
Yoyo:far.
Chuck:That's it, you're off. Um, Sage Integration, uh, Secure Options Consulting, Security Journal Americas, Security Solutions Watch, Siemens, Staff Wizard, Thermal Radar, U. S. Bulletproofing, Unlimited Technology, John Petruzzi, John's been on the board, long time member of ASIS, thank you, John, uh, Genia, John. Right. Uh, Jeremy Gideon, uh, the Gratitude Initiative and, uh, Sotrix Systems. Thank you, Brian Schmode. Listen, um, and there's going to be others and we're going to, you know, repeat this, uh, again. Can't thank folks enough, right, for stepping up and making this happen. They will be distributed throughout. Uh, the event. It's a really cool open venue. Um, and everybody's, I think, going to have a really, uh, a really good time and there's going to be a lot of stuff, a lot of stuff going on.
Yoyo:Yeah, look, some great names. I also know that we've got people traveling as well from the Southern Hemisphere. I know Gav Schneider's coming, Dr. Gav Schneider. he's making his way in. there's several making their way over from the UK. Okay. And we haven't got news of UK night yet, the networking UK event. Of course, as soon as we have that, we'll let you know, but, Yeah, lots of people traveling in and the Florida weather makes it easier, doesn't it, Chuck? Really? There's a nice climate, nice and warm.
Chuck:Yes, it's this nice and warm in the Gulf of Mexico, and which is, look, we're still in hurricane season. September, we peaked. in hurricane season. So we all have to be a little prepared for that. Goes with the territory. We just experienced that, right, with Hurricane Burl, which, uh, 50 billion in damage right here in my backyard. That was not any fun, but I've lived through many of these. But yeah, listen, the weather's nice. Um, uh, speaking of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, The Atlantic. Something coming to mind.
Yoyo:Is
Chuck:there
Yoyo:like any rumors going
Chuck:on? I
Yoyo:heard, I heard a certain person, maybe you can tell me if you know who he is planning to organize an absolutely bombastic security event floating on water next year, 2025.
Chuck:Yes, this is true. Hashtag security cruise 2025. You're going to hear it right here on the security circle podcast. Yo, yo, you're going to be on that boat.
Yoyo:I'm going to be on that. Let me just tell you for the, we don't call them boats. They're called ships. Don't ever make that mistake again. And I promise to never call a longhorn a cow.
Chuck:Fair, fair enough. Not that low. You know, I'm an avid cruiser. Uh, and, and so here in the port of Galveston, Friends of Truff is putting on The world's first security cruise and everybody in the security industry is invited to attend. This is going to be epic, never done before. So we are going to take And get on this ship and we're going to go out to international waters and we're going to do some fun stuff out of the port of Galveston. So here's what I got planned and I'm working on it. You're going to hear more about this. Um, you, so come in the night before I'm working on actually, if I can pull it off, actually having a party, a gathering cocktail event on the USS Texas, right. Right. One of the most, uh, famous ships that started and was, uh, uh, put out, uh, and commissioned, uh, for World War I. And it just had a major makeover of millions of dollars. If I can pull this off.
Yoyo:Tell me one thing about what the USS Texas did in the war.
Chuck:Well, uh, sinking submarines was fun.
Yoyo:Cool.
Chuck:I mean, you know what I'm thinking about the history and this will actually blow your mind. I think it's first commissioning in a military, but out at sea was in Mexico. I mean, this is a weird kind of history, right? Um, uh, as part of it, but if you go to BattleshipTexas. com, you'll, you'll find a lot of interesting, uh, really interesting history, and I've been on that thing since I was a, I was four years old. Well,
Yoyo:the 1900s then.
Chuck:Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Late. Late, late, late in life. That's true. But yeah, can you imagine? So Bishop's Palace, these are famous things in Galveston and, and, uh, then we'll get on the boat the next day. We're only gonna do like three, four days. Ship,
Yoyo:ship,
Chuck:ship the next day. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I owned a boat. Yeah, you're right. It's a big ship.
Yoyo:It's gonna hold
Chuck:somewhere between 2, 000 and 5, 000 people. Oh, wow. Based on how big a ship that, uh, we can get on and then, uh, and then, uh, I'm looking at having, uh, he's made a verbal commitment, uh, Vinny the cop. Um, he just came out with his, uh, Vinny isms, a documentary that you're probably going to see on Netflix. And I was on the show. Uh, and it was just released a couple weeks ago. It's premiere. Um, uh, so having Vinnie the cop number one stand up law enforcement security kind of guy comedian, right? And then we're gonna have a panel discussions where you're going to get ceu credits literally for your credentials, whatever they happen to be And uh, we're gonna have sessions around what's going on in the security industry building relationships You Find literally helping people on the boat, find a job if they need a job, right? I know I sorry, man. I'm just a creature of habit. I agree. Listen, I spent all my summers in Galveston and I own lots of boats and ships. Keep correcting me. It'll come around 66 more times and I'll remember that. So yeah, we're, it's going to be a lot of fun. I'm only going to pick a couple of sponsors, just maybe one or two that see value, uh, in this and hosting, uh, literally a party every single night.
Yoyo:Yeah.
Chuck:And look, captive audience. This'll be fantastic. And I'd love to make this an annual event, something else to look forward to. Right.
Yoyo:In fact, the ships have separate areas, so you can have themed parties in different areas. So, what might appeal to one group of people will definitely, another group can have something, varied. or even rotated, so that what they missed the night before, they could do the second night and swap around. Because the space on these ships is phenomenal. The customer service is phenomenal. I'm actually taking a cruise ship from Port Canaveral. Before GSX. So expect me to turn up quite tanned. I'm going to Bermuda and I'm going down to the Bahamas just for eight nights before GSX and I'm certainly kicking back a couple of days afterwards as well. So I found it, quite intense the whole week. There's a lot of things. How do you prepare people for going to such intense, but fabulous? Events.
Chuck:Uh, so there's new people and there's returning people and there's veterans. Right. Coming to ASIS GSX. Well, you know, the obvious answer is, is you got to get there on Sunday because things open up on Monday, which means you got to be a Texas night and you're going to walk in. You're going to meet lots of great people that you're going to see all week long. Right. And this is very, very, uh, important because you now set the tone for the week meetings that you're going to have. People that you want to meet up with, booths that you want to attend, the sponsors, uh, um, and meeting with them and seeing what they have going on and having deeper conversations, you may get a job with them, you may buy their product, you may want to demo their product, right? All these things can happen, but you need to probably be using the app for all things, what sessions do I go to, who do I want to see on the floor? Is use the technology and the information.
Yoyo:I think the apps only available on Android right now, but I think the WhatsApp, yeah, the WhatsApp groups definitely confirmed it's available on Android, but I've just created a little Excel spreadsheet. Actually it was Mike Hurst's Excel spreadsheet, but I need it because I need to track where I'm going to need to be during the day. And I haven't even been that thorough yet. But I'm presenting a couple of times. are you doing any kind of. speaking or anything. Can anyone come and see you anywhere during the event? I heard a little rumor you're going to be signing some books somewhere. Is it a certain booth number beginning with two?
Chuck:So, um, on Monday and Tuesday on the floor, you can find me, uh, at the, uh, Blitz T, uh, booth, right? And I think that you, you have the booth number in front of you do share with folks. What was the number you have a
Yoyo:22, 2287 Chuck.
Chuck:Yes. That's what I was going to say, but I didn't want to say out of turn. So I'll be there from one to 3 PM on Monday and Tuesday doing a book signing. And I may just have a Texas Ranger coin to trade with people. Um, these are coveted, these 200 year old, uh, 1823 to 2023 Texas Ranger celebration. They were a big hit last year. So boy, paying for the ship. They're so heavy. They're, they're massive in size and I just shipped off, uh, cost what, 600 just to ship this. Really? Oh my goodness. So yeah, I will be there and can be found to meet and greet. Um, yeah. So Friends of Chuck is, um, working, uh, and has a direct relationship with Blitz T and, uh, and this is all about helping people with careers. And job applications and getting work and finding work. This is going to be the future and uh, Forensic truck is powered by the Blitz Tm network and career network. So this is a really good fit
Yoyo:You do a great deal of work and i'm not saying this just because it's you chuck because if your book was shit I wouldn't mention it. Your book is incredibly good. And I I tell a lot of people now. I I I mentor a number of young People Individuals. And I think there are just so many key things that I wished I'd had that book 10 years ago. You know, so, um, there you go, you know, but it's yeah, no, it's for real Didn't no money exchange hands during the making or recording of this podcast I want to say I
Chuck:just want to say yes, sir strategy and relationships
Yoyo:Yeah makes it honestly. It's a great great book. Like I said, I really wished i'd had it So, um, I know everybody is already super psyched Um To even the whatsapp groups are going nuts because everybody is super buzzed just to see each other Which is why I call it like security camp because I get to go and go away Stay away. I'm staying in a house. Mike Hurst and I have a house each on, a complex that's very nearby. We're sharing it with individuals and cannot wait. And everyone's buzzed, everyone's, do you remember last year, how buzzed everyone has anyone who's landed? I'm landing. There was this whole socks thing because some guy took his socks off on the plane and it went into the WhatsApp group. And then everyone was like, would you take your shoes and socks off on the plane and all these socks. Photos get coming up as everyone's coming into land. They're taking pictures of their socks. It was just, the excitement is tangible and I am promising to attend at least one karaoke night.
Chuck:So Monday and Tuesday night, lots of events going on. Right in the evening. I think I have 10 after hours events already scheduled, as I've done for the last few years. Can you give us the names?
Yoyo:Yeah, can you? I know the ISRM one. I know the Canada Night one.
Chuck:uh, Women in Security, Young Professionals, um, I think, uh, Mark Ledlow has an event going. Yes,
Yoyo:and the Hyatt.
Chuck:There's a house. Yeah. Yeah. Let me know because, um, I've got, uh, you know, the only way I can make all these is, is I, you know, I have, uh, two, uh, escalades and, uh, the entourage and we just pop from event to event. That's the only way I can get around and I've been doing this for the last few years. So if you want friends of Chuck to come by and say hi. Please, uh, let me know and I'll add you to my list and we will come by and, uh, hijack
Yoyo:you. Hijack you.
Chuck:Right, but you gotta let me know. The list is, uh, literally we spend a little time and then we, uh, we move on. It's a lot of fun. It's a lot of fun. This'll, uh, actually, uh, uh, Blitz, uh, BlitzT is going to, uh, sponsor all of that this year for Monday night and Tuesday night with the, uh, offensive truck run, as I call it. It'll be fun. It's gonna be a good time.
Yoyo:Well, listen, um, next year, 2025, when you have all the details for the security crews, I want it, I want the scoop. And I want it on the Security Circle podcast, right? Awesome. We'll put all the details. Yeah. I'll book you for that. and yeah, look, see you in a couple of weeks I know there's been a little hurricane around Bermuda. I know Bermuda gets a lot of hurricanes, but I hope there's some of Bermuda by the time I get there. purely selfish, of course. Right. Looking forward to seeing you, looking forward to seeing everybody else. Chuck, all the best for making it happen. Well done for making it happen.
Chuck:can't go unless you register, so please register very, very quickly. Remember I told you halfway through this podcast that you needed to pause, register, and return. And listen, if you'll do that, you will thank me at Texas Night by shaking my hand and say, Chuck, thanks for reminding me to register. Otherwise, the barn doors are going to close on you. We'll see y'all there!
Yoyo:Awesome. Thanks, Chuck.