About Us

Founding Story: From Vision to Reality

ARDENT Protection wasn’t born from a traditional business plan; it emerged from a deeply personal mission to reshape an entire industry. Founder Darryl M. Johnson’s experiences in law enforcement and executive protection highlighted a critical need for greater professionalism and respect within the security industry. He envisioned a company that could set a new standard, where Security Officers would be valued, respected, and empowered. With that goal in mind, ARDENT Protection was set in motion.

The Spark of an Idea
The early days of ARDENT were humble, to say the least. Darryl began laying the groundwork from his mother’s one-bedroom apartment, turning her living room into a makeshift office and  brainstorming space. His mother Katrina provided more than just a couch, she lent constant encouragement, reminding him that his mission was more than just a business. Determined to make it a reality, Darryl put in long hours studying, networking, and planning.

As Darryl refined his vision, he realized that he needed partners who shared his passion and could help bring his ideas to life. This is when two critical figures entered the story: Richard Castello, a strategist with an eye for growth and an instinct for making things happen, and Katrina Roper, whose steady hand in finance and administration would prove essential. Katrina’s role was immediate and profound, she helped Darryl file for incorporation, opened the first company bank accounts, and even watched client cameras all night on her home tv to ensure operations ran smoothly in those critical first days. More than a partner, she was the anchor that helped keep ARDENT’s early ambitions grounded.

From Idea to Reality
With Richard’s strategic direction, Katrina’s finance and admin rigor, and Darryl’s unshakable commitment to their shared mission, ARDENT Protection launched. Each partner brought their expertise to the table: Darryl crafted ARDENT’s foundational values and operational blueprint, Richard mapped out a pathway for growth, and Katrina made it all official, legal, and financially sound. These early decisions weren’t just about structure, they were about creating a strong, values-driven company that could scale with integrity.

The Early Days of ARDENT
ARDENT’s early days were defined by a tenacious drive to deliver security services that went above and beyond the norm. Starting with just a few contracts, the team approached each client as an opportunity to redefine security, building relationships based on transparency, respect, and accountability. ARDENT quickly developed a reputation for high standards and a client-centered ethos that set it apart from competitors.

Every new client brought growth and new challenges, and as ARDENT expanded, so did its approach to training, accountability, and Officer support. ARDENT’s “Officer-first” philosophy became the backbone of the company, ensuring every Security Officer felt valued, equipped, and empowered to deliver exceptional service. It was this commitment that allowed ARDENT to attract like-minded team members who saw themselves not just as security Officers but as professionals contributing to a larger mission.

Growth and Expansion
With each new contract, ARDENT continued to expand its capabilities and services. The company’s growth was strategic and deliberate, driven by a commitment to quality over quantity. Richard’s focus on data-driven growth allowed ARDENT to enter new markets while maintaining its core values, and Katrina’s years of professional experience ensured that the company’s standards of excellence were upheld at every level. ARDENT’s growth was built on a foundation of innovation, respect, and client trust.

Future Vision: The Path to 2030
Looking to the future, ARDENT’s mission has only grown more ambitious. By 2030, ARDENT aims to be the driving force behind the professionalization of the security industry, with a team of 800 passionate professionals, operations in 15 key states, and partnerships with over 45 quality security providers around the country. This vision isn’t just about expansion; it’s about impact. The founding team envisions an industry where Security Officers have meaningful career pathways, fair compensation, and the respect they deserve. In ARDENT’s future, security clients will have trusted, quality-driven options that meet their needs on every scale, local, regional, and national.

ARDENT’s commitment to elevating the entire industry also extends to supporting other security companies. With resources designed to help companies scale and plan meaningful exits, ARDENT aims to create a landscape where security company owners can retire from the businesses they’ve built with pride. This isn’t just about ARDENT’s success; it’s about creating lasting change for the entire industry.

Looking Ahead: A Legacy in the Making
ARDENT’s story is one of passion, purpose, and resilience. By 2030, ARDENT intends to be a leader in an industry transformed—where every Security Officer is empowered for success, every client has access to quality service, and every agency owner has access to the support they need. The future may be big, but so is ARDENT’s heart, and as Darryl likes to say “We haven’t even started yet”.