FEDERAL PROTECTION AGENCY, INC

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 ???

Today, we pause to remember. On this day, September 11th, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who rose in the face of tragedy, and the families forever changed. We also remember the unity that carried our nation through those dark hours. As a faith-driven organization, we believe in the power of prayer, hope, and resilience. We lift up all who still carry the weight of that day, and we pray for peace, protection, and healing in our communities and across the world. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5 May we never forget, and may we continue to live with courage, compassion, and faith. — Federal Protection Agency Inc.

🌟 Finding Motivation in the “Goldilocks Zone” Have you ever noticed how we’re most engaged when our work isn’t too easy or too hard—but just right? That’s the essence of the Goldilocks Rule. When a challenge feels impossible, we get discouraged. When it feels trivial, we get bored. But when it’s just beyond our current abilities, it sparks growth, curiosity, and motivation. That’s where real progress—and fulfillment—happens. At work, this means: Stretching a little beyond comfort: tackling projects that push us, but don’t overwhelm us. Celebrating progress: every step forward proves we’re stronger than before. Supporting each other: together, we can shift tough challenges into achievable goals. Let’s aim to keep ourselves in that sweet spot—the place where learning feels exciting, not exhausting. That’s how we grow individually, and as a team. Keep leaning into challenges, keep leveling up, and remember—progress thrives in the “just right” zone. 💪 Let’s keep moving forward, together. #WednesdayWisdom

From the classroom… to the kitchen… From the job site… to the boardroom… From early mornings… to late nights… Work is part… of the rhythm of life… In the beginning, God created us to work… To create, to build, to learn and to care… But He also gave us a gift… A rhythm of rest… A reminder that our worth isn’t in our productivity… And that true rest is found in Him
So this Labor Day… we pause

We honor the work we’ve been given and we thank God for the strength to do it
. We accept God’s calling on our lives and we receive the rest He provides
. Because in Christ, Our work has purpose and our rest is sacred
. So to all the workers and dreamers, to the learners and leaders. To the parents and teachers — and to all who labor in love — This year, may you lead with integrity and may you serve with strength. May you work with joy and may you rest in his grace
. Happy Labor Day. ✝️🙏🇺🇸

🙏 In Loving Memory of Officer Philip Wagner 🙏 Today, our hearts are heavy as we lift up prayers for the family, friends, and fellow officers of Lorain Police Officer Philip Wagner, who gave his life in the line of duty. Officer Wagner, 35, was ambushed while sitting in his patrol vehicle, preparing to share a simple moment of fellowship over lunch with a colleague. Though two other officers were also wounded—one critically—we are thankful one is expected to survive. The suspect is deceased. Officer Wagner was more than a badge. He was a Marine veteran who bravely served our nation in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. He had just returned from parental leave, earned a place on the SWAT team, and was continuing his call to serve and protect his community. He was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. He was real. He was loved. And he was known by God. At Federal Protection Agency, Inc we believe that God is close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). As we grieve this tragic loss, we trust that Officer Wagner now rests in the arms of our Savior, where pain and violence no longer exist. Please join us in praying for comfort, healing, and strength for all affected by this tragedy. May God's peace that passes all understanding surround those mourning today. Rest in peace, Warrior. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. 🇺🇸🕊️ #ThinBlueLine #FaithOverFear #HonorAndSacrifice #Psalm3418