Jack Byrd Guides Solaren’s Approach to Modern Security Challenges

Security needs have transformed dramatically in recent years, with threats becoming more sophisticated and varied. Jack Byrd III, CEO of Nashville-based Solaren Risk Management, has developed a tactic that balances traditional security expertise with technological advancement.

“The company kind of skyrocketed as soon as it started,” explains Bethany Gill, Solaren’s chief operations officer. “Jack has a lot of connections. He knows the industry. He’s definitely a professional when it comes to security. He knows the ins and outs of the law and the regulations and who to talk to about what.”

This foundation of industry knowledge has allowed Byrd to recognize which security technologies truly add value and which might create false confidence. Under his direction, Solaren has grown from a two-person operation to employing over 300 contractors across the Southeast.

Combining Human Expertise With Technology

Jack Byrd’s approach to modern security emphasizes that technology should enhance rather than replace human judgment. “A lot of people think that it takes away from the physical security aspect, but it really doesn’t. If anything, it supplements it,” Gill notes. “You still have to have somebody that audits what that AI is detecting. It still makes mistakes.”

The company has embraced mobile surveillance systems through a partnership with LiveView Technologies. These solar-powered trailers equipped with cameras, speakers, and AI detection capabilities provide security coverage for large areas that would be difficult to patrol continuously.

“It’s AI detects even from pretty far away. It’ll detect a face and it’ll be like, ‘Oh, this is past certain hours that they put in our system as work hours,'” Gill explains. The system then activates a customized warning message through its speakers.

Communication technology has also transformed how Solaren operates. The company’s transitioned from traditional landlines to mobile-based phone systems. “Everything that we use for our phone and communication is mobile-based because all of our operations team is out in the field almost all the time,” says Gill.

Addressing Emerging Threats

Byrd’s positioned Solaren to respond to newer security concerns, including cybersecurity. “Our CEO is actually exploring a device that will detect based on a certain square footage if there’s some kind of digital hack coming into that certain zone, and it’ll shut it down immediately,” Gill reveals.

This expansion into cybersecurity reflects Jack Byrd’s understanding that modern security threats often cross the physical-digital divide. The company now conducts evaluations for potential wiretaps and digital vulnerabilities alongside traditional security assessments.

Supply chain security has become another focus area, with Solaren adapting its services to protect critical infrastructure. “There’s definitely more industries that are dealing with more security issues, like critical infrastructure is a big one right now,” Gill notes.

Byrd’s also implemented comprehensive training programs to ensure security personnel can address modern threats. “We regularly hold in-person courses,” Gill explains. “We have a training coordinator, Darrell Webb, he’s phenomenal. He’s active law enforcement and he knows his stuff for sure.”

The training includes both traditional security skills and newer competencies like report writing and documentation that can be critical for legal proceedings. Solaren has also developed specialized courses like the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care program, which teaches security personnel how to use tourniquets and perform other emergency medical interventions.

This investment in training has produced tangible results. In one instance, a Solaren officer applied a tourniquet to help a stabbing victim who turned to him while working at a bar. “The fact that he had that know-how, and he was trained in that capacity, and he actually used that knowledge in the field helped save a life,” Gill recounts.

Solaren’s Risk Management Philosophy

Beyond physical security, Byrd’s method encompasses broader risk management. By analyzing potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, Solaren aims to prevent security incidents rather than simply responding to them. This requires continuous learning and adaptation as new threats emerge.

“We’re very comfortable exploring those new avenues,” Gill states. “We want to try to widen our scope as much as possible and be able to provide services to as many people as possible.”

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