About Us

A Life of Purpose and Protection
For Darryl M. Johnson, the path to founding ARDENT Protection wasn’t linear—it was a journey through roles and experiences that shaped his understanding of service, professionalism, and the drive to make a difference. His story is one of discovery and purpose, where each chapter added another layer to the mission he would ultimately bring to life through ARDENT Protection.

Early Beginnings: Security, Service, and Science
Darryl’s journey began at the young age of 18, when he took on his first role in security. Balancing this job with his enlistment in the Army National Guard, Darryl began to develop a passion for protective work—a passion that would remain a steady thread throughout his career. At the same time, he enrolled in college with a major in biology, a discipline that taught him the fundamentals of research and analytical thinking. It was during this period that Darryl learned to thrive in complex environments, embracing the challenges that come with balancing work, service, and studies.

A Winding Road: From Surgical Tech to Law Enforcement
While his career began in security, Darryl’s journey took him through other fields, each contributing to his perspective on discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He trained as a Certified Surgical Technician, a role that demanded precision, composure, and an ability to work effectively under pressure. Not long after, Darryl was accepted into the police academy, where he became a sworn law enforcement officer. Here, he deepened his understanding of public safety, situational awareness, and the critical importance of trust and reliability.

Life eventually brought Darryl back to South Florida, where he returned to healthcare as a surgical tech to help care for a terminally ill family member. But his academic interests endured, and he re-enrolled in college, this time with a double major in chemistry and neuroscience. Even as he pursued his studies, Darryl never let go of his first passion—security. He continued to work as a contract security professional, blending his scientific mindset with his commitment to public safety.

A Constant Calling: Observing the Security Industry’s Shortcomings
Throughout these transitions, Darryl saw the security industry’s challenges up close. He experienced, firsthand, the limited opportunities for growth, the inconsistencies in training and support, and the lack of respect that Security Officers often faced. Over time, it became clear to him that these weren’t isolated issues—they were deep-rooted industry gaps that hindered both Security Officers and the clients they served. If things were going to change, Darryl knew he’d need to take the lead in creating that change.

The Seed of ARDENT: From a Modest Idea to a Larger Vision
Darryl’s initial vision was small but meaningful: a five-person team of skilled protection agents who could deliver high-quality security services, handle exciting assignments, and receive compensation well above market rates. He imagined a team that was tight-knit, respected, and passionate about the work they did together. However, as excited as he was to begin, Darryl quickly realized that he had no formal business experience. This is where his love for research came into play—a love that had been sharpened through years of study in biology and neuroscience.

He threw himself into learning everything he could about business. Each book recommended two more, and each podcast opened up new questions and ideas. Darryl absorbed it all: books, articles, videos, free online courses, and podcasts on everything from finance to management to leadership. What began as simple research became a passion; Darryl discovered he was “in love” with entrepreneurship. His original vision of a small team felt increasingly limiting, and he began to see the potential for something much greater. What if, instead of a single team, he could build an entire company dedicated to professionalizing security and creating new opportunities within the industry?

Founding ARDENT Protection
In 2020, at 28 years old Darryl officially launched ARDENT Protection with the help of two key partners: Richard Castello, a growth strategist with a clear eye for expansion, and Katrina Roper, who brought her expertise in admin and finance. Together, the team shared a commitment to professionalism, transparency, and respect, which became the backbone of ARDENT. What started as an idea quickly became a company, and ARDENT’s reputation for high standards and client-centered service drew attention. That same year, ARDENT Protection achieved seven-figure revenue, a testament to the team’s hard work, dedication, and vision.

Transforming an Industry

By 2030, ARDENT will be a driving force in the professionalization of the security and protection industry. With a team of 800 passionate professionals in Florida and operations in 15 states through our partnerships with over 45 trusted security providers, ARDENT will become the #1 resource for safety & security, services, best practices, and training nationwide. Our purpose will guide every step of our journey: creating a stronger, more professional industry where Security Officers thrive, clients receive top-tier service, and company owners build sustainable, successful businesses.

For Security Officers, we will provide fair pay, real career growth, and the respect they deserve for the essential roles they play. Through specialized training programs and clear paths for advancement, ARDENT will help Officers gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in any career. By creating environments where Officers are empowered and valued, we will raise the standard for what security professionals can expect from their employers.

For Industry Clients, ARDENT will deliver more than just security services, we’ll offer education and support that helps clients understand and demand higher standards. Our verified vendor portal will connect clients with reputable, vetted providers who meet the highest benchmarks of quality and reliability. Through our national partnership program, ARDENT will ensure clients have access to security solutions tailored to meet their local, regional, or national needs, with the personalized attention of a small provider backed by the resources of a national one.

For Security Company Owners, we will provide resources, mentorship, and partnership opportunities  that allow them to scale their businesses or exit successfully. ARDENT will offer best practice guides, educational resources, and operational support to help owners navigate challenges and grow sustainably. Through our partnership program, we will collaborate with small and medium-sized security providers, giving them access to tools and strategies to expand their reach and improve profitability. For those looking to retire, ARDENT will create clear pathways to meaningful exits, ensuring the legacy of their hard work lives on.

Strengthening the Industry Through Collaboration

ARDENT’s vision is not just about growing our own operations but about raising standards across the industry. Through strategic growth and partnerships, ARDENT will set new benchmarks for excellence, innovation, and professionalism.

Our national partnership program will unite small and medium-sized security providers under a shared commitment to quality. By collaborating with these providers, we will create a network of trusted companies that clients can rely on anywhere in the country. This network will also provide Officers with new opportunities to work with reputable employers who value their contributions.

Educational initiatives will play a critical role in our future. We will expand training programs not just for our team but for clients and company owners as well. By sharing proven strategies and best practices, ARDENT will empower the entire industry to grow together.

A Legacy of Excellence

By 2030, ARDENT will leave a lasting mark on the security industry. Security Officers will thrive in careers that respect and reward their dedication, clients will benefit from reliable and professional service, and company owners will have the tools to grow and transition their businesses with confidence.

ARDENT’s story is about more than our success, it’s about making a difference for everyone we serve. By staying true to our purpose, we will create a safer, stronger, and more professional security industry for generations to come.