By Hucky Austin

I normally don’t post testimonials, but after having a very challenging week this was just what I needed. Robert, thank you for the kind note.

Mr. Austin, I just wanted to send you a message thanking you for several things, actually. First, it was you that pointed me in the direction of Icon, which after over 2yrs of searching, turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. Second, your advice both on your website and at the course are already proving to be invaluable. I am hoping that both pay off in the very near future. And finally, thank you for being there for people like me who are trying to break into the field. It is refreshing to actually meet someone who is not just in it for themselves. You truly care about this industry and those who want to be in it and it shows in all that you do for us. I hope you still have the card that I gave you and will use it if/when you get down to the Houston area. I’m sure you know that Texas hospitality knows no bounds and I know that all three Texan Alum from this last course would be more than happy to extend to you, anytime. Again, thank you for all that you have done and are doing for the EP world.

Rob Moore

By Harlan (Hucky) Austin

Hiding behind a shroud of decency, claiming that their intentions are noble, Michael Jackson’s bodyguards are the latest to tell-all on their celebrity principals.  In an interview with Good Morning America three of Michael Jackson’s bodyguards spoke openly about his children, family routines, his parenting, and they even spoke about his sexuality in a veiled attempt to bring honor to the pop star’s tarnished reputation.

Showing little regard for the Jackson family’s reasonable expectation of privacy, these three bodyguards eagerly offered an inside glimpse into the private life of one of the world’s most public figures and the children he trusted them to protect.

The public veneer of any celebrity is an image they struggle to maintain while the camera rolls, but when they step into the closed quarters of their vehicles or their private residences it is, or at least should be, their opportunity to be themselves, whoever that “self” might be.

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The footprint of technology can be seen on every aspect of our lives and upon practically every industry.  Statistics indicate that in 1985 only 31 million homes worldwide had personal computers compared with 1069 million in 2007. 

In 1985 there were only 340 thousand cell phone users in the US, compared with 262 million in 2008.  The fact is that over the past twenty years technology has not only changed the way we live, it has changed the way we think and the way we communicate.  Communication is not only the way we send and receive personal information, it defines the way we examine the world and the way the world examines us.

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By Harlan (Hucky) Austin

Although the accumulation of great wealth is a good thing, it does not come without certain concerns.  Basically, the more an individual has the more they have to lose.  This is where executive protection comes in.  In most cases high net worth individuals who earn over $500,000 per year have already begun to take certain measure to protect their wealth including advanced security systems on their homes and vehicles. 

In some cases high net worth individuals hire executive protection companies to provide armed officers to stand static posts at the home and or office. 

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By Hucky Austin

Rodney Dangerfield coined the phrase I get no respect. That’s probably how most of us have felt about the work we do as executive protection specialist. Well finally a little bit of recognition, Bulgaria’s cabinet is considering November 11 2010 as the official day for bodyguards and private bodyguard companies. All I can say is it’s about time,  I think we need to make a petition to get the US  and the UK on board as well. To read more about this article, please click on the following link: National Bodyguard Day