Nicholas G. Lawless, Owner and CEO of Crime Prevention Security 1, Inc. (CPS1) and Phobos Security, has been recognized with the Best of American Security Leadership award from Insider Weekly, marking a defining moment for a company that refuses to accept mediocrity in an industry plagued by “soft targets disguised as protection firms.”
The award acknowledges Lawless’s transformation of CPS1 from a traditional security outfit into what he calls a precision-based protection service that operates more like a tactical unit than a typical guard company. In an era where industry experts warn that “security leaders will need to contend with a threat environment that is not diminishing, in the face of no increased resources,” Lawless has taken the opposite approach — investing heavily in elite training, international partnerships, and a philosophy that treats security as strategic warfare.
“Security isn’t reactive anymore. It has to be predictive, aggressive, and built from hard-won scars. And if you’re not willing to evolve, then you’re a liability,” Lawless states, directly challenging an industry where many firms still rely on outdated approaches and undertrained personnel.
The foundation of CPS1’s tactical security operations rests on Lawless’s extensive background spanning military service, executive protection operations, and high-level coordination roles at the White House and Department of Homeland Security. This real-world experience shapes every aspect of the company’s approach, from personnel selection to field deployment strategies.
Under Lawless’s leadership, CPS1 has expanded its operational footprint across multiple high-threat sectors including construction and industrial site security, critical infrastructure and utilities, residential and apartment complex patrol, retail and loss prevention, executive protection and VIP movement, emergency response augmentation, and international operations consulting on defense and innovation. The company has also conducted elite training exercises with the Swiss Tactical Academy and performed discreet assessments in Germany, London, and Northern Italy.
“We don’t compete with other firms. We eliminate excuses they leave behind,” Lawless explains, articulating a philosophy that permeates every level of CPS1’s operations. This approach has attracted personnel who share his vision — many with military or law enforcement backgrounds who undergo rigorous retraining under the CPS1 Operating Doctrine.
The timing of this recognition coincides with the publication of Lawless’s forthcoming book, “Lawless Leadership: Hardwired for Hardship – The Survivor’s Guide to Unstoppable Leadership.” The book outlines his three-phase leadership evolution model: Recognition, Activation, and Integration, built on what he calls the Lawless Identity Triangle — Pain, Power, Presence.
Industry observers note that Lawless’s approach addresses critical gaps in the security sector at a time when “The biggest threat facing many companies in 2025 will be a lack of money and resources due to an uncertain economic environment.” His response has been to create a force multiplier effect through superior training and strategic thinking rather than simply adding more bodies to a site.
“Training a German Shepherd is no different than leading a team. If your presence is weak, the mission will collapse. The animal, like a squad, will mirror your confidence or your chaos,” Lawless explains, drawing parallels between his approach to canine training and team leadership.
The award from Insider Weekly comes as CPS1 enters a new phase of growth, expanding beyond traditional security services into strategic defense innovation and consulting. The company now offers expertise in defense capital strategy, national security consulting, and international partnerships — positioning itself at the intersection of physical security and strategic intelligence.
Lawless has been particularly vocal about emerging threat vectors that many in the industry are unprepared to address. He points to the fusion of fentanyl, mental health crises, and homelessness that transforms routine site security into complex public safety operations. He also warns about the limitations of AI-driven surveillance systems, advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes boots-on-the-ground deterrence while leveraging technology appropriately.
“Leadership is not about being loud. It’s about being the last one standing when things go dark,” Lawless states, encapsulating an ethos that has resonated with clients seeking more than traditional security theater.
The Best of American Security Leadership award recognizes not just CPS1’s operational excellence but also Lawless’s broader impact on industry standards. His public criticism of competitors who cut corners by hiring illegal immigrants or deploying undertrained personnel has sparked conversations about professionalism and ethics in the security sector.
For potential clients, the message is clear: CPS1 offers strategic dominance in environments where hesitation means loss. Whether guarding a construction site at midnight, advising on defense capital strategy, or training the next generation of security professionals, the company operates under a simple principle — no excuses, only outcomes.
As the security industry faces what experts call “the most challenging wave of change the channel has ever seen,” driven by AI, technology upheaval, and evolving threats, Lawless and CPS1 represent a different path forward. One forged not in boardrooms but in real-world crisis situations where leadership is tested and proven.
“Security is war — even if the battlefield is a parking lot at 2am,” Lawless concludes, offering a stark reminder that in a world increasingly defined by uncertainty, the difference between safety and vulnerability often comes down to who’s standing watch.