Greetings from Down Under...

[savior]

Hi to All...

it's Hans van Beuge calling in from Australia.

I'm a Jurassic Era Bodyguard from the early 1970's and still operational despite pushing 60!

Came across this forum whilst browsing the net and really appreciate all the profound advice offered.

Thanks Guy's.

[SonnyPI]

Welcome aboard youngster Hans, I already hit 6 zero.
Cordially, Sonny

[Geo]

Welcome Hans...

[Local Talent]

:welcome: Hans! And glad you're enjoying the forum. Your perspective on EP is probably unique so feel free to share it, too. One doesn't get to be that old (:D) without racking up a good amount of wisdom on or off the job, after all...

[SonnyPI]

:welcome: Hans! And glad you're enjoying the forum. Your perspective on EP is probably unique so feel free to share it, too. One doesn't get to be that old (:D) without racking up a good amount of wisdom on or off the job, after all...

LOL, LT, careful, us old guys still have a few tricks that we keep in reserve!:D
Cordially, Sonny

[Local Talent]

Don't I know it!

http://www.zazzle.com/never_pick_a_fight_with_an_old_man_hell_kill_you_a pron-154279536796902329

Not quite up there myself, but I've learned to pick my battles. Not as fast as I used to be, but not any less dangerous, so I know better than to mess with the old guard... :devil2: :)

[savior]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome!

Although I’ve never been impressed with the ageing process I’ve got to admit, that as long as you keep yourself in good shape and maintain your hard skill sets, having some grey hair in this profession has some definite benefits.

I wish that I had resources such as this forum back when I first started out in this profession but am grateful that in my twilight years I now have the ability to tap into the combined esoteric wisdom/experience/advice from such working professionals as you guy’s.

Thanks!

[Local Talent]

Although I’ve never been impressed with the ageing process I’ve got to admit, that as long as you keep yourself in good shape and maintain your hard skill sets, having some grey hair in this profession has some definite benefits.
At 42 I interviewed to lead an estate protection detail for an elderly couple. Aside from one guy my age, the rest of the team were in their twenties. We were kids to these clients and I could see that they had doubts it could work: they were expecting "mature" gentlemen. It did work out, BTW, but there were some challenges.
3 years later I'm no spring chicken, but I too stay in shape and look younger than I am... and I can see that some people don't take me that seriously, at times, so I definitely see your point.

OTOH, the yound celebs we have in LA tend to see agents past 35-40 as too square, it seems (no one has used the word "Jurassic" yet, but I know that's what's on their minds!), so there's a job for everyone, I guess. As usual, the trick is to know yourself (and how others perceive you) and therefore where you'll fit in best.

As for your nice comment on the resource that a forum like this one can be, I agree, but as the profession comes out of the obscurity and loses its mystery, the competition also gets fiercer. So it's hard to say whether a rookie would have an easier time today, I feel.

How's the EP market in Australia? What kind of clientele have you been focusing on, Hans?

[savior]

Originally posted by Local Talent...
OTOH, the yound celebs we have in LA tend to see agents past 35-40 as too square, it seems (no one has used the word "Jurassic" yet, but I know that's what's on their minds!), so there's a job for everyone, I guess. As usual, the trick is to know yourself (and how others perceive you) and therefore where you'll fit in best.......

I hope I’ll figure my way around how to properly quote soon LT!

Taking aside the obvious benefits of being older in this profession such as increased experience/credibility and an expanded network of contacts, personally, I’ve also found a wider demographic of clients that I seem to be compatible with compared to when I was younger.

A lot of CEO’s and other successful or wealthy individuals are in the 50 – 60 + age bracket and a similar aged Agent have more shared history/life experiences/mutual cultural interests etc. than far younger Agents. This aids in general client compatibility which is an important component in any Protector/Protectee relationship.

I also now encounter fewer concerns from boyfriends/husbands of young female Clients than when I was in my 20’s & 30’s.! These people often seem quiet pleased when they find out ‘the older guy is the BG who will be traveling/ constantly spending 24/7, with their partner/girlfriend/wife!

I’ve also found that younger male clients feel a little less ‘emasculated’ or having their ‘machismo’ threatened by an older male Protector compared to a younger Agent. There is more of a paternal/fatherly feel than that of a ‘male competitor’.

I remember reading an article about Michael Jordan in ‘Time’ magazine about 10 years ago. It stated that he had 4 BG’s, all ex Chicago PD. They ranged in age from 58 up to his primary guy who was then 72! The article said that this guy was actually a pseudo father figure to Jordan and actually Jordan seeked his counsel on all matters, not just security related! This definitely illustrates how some Principals come to rely on us in many varied ways.

I recently just completed an assignment escorting four, seventeen year old girls on a vacation to the Bahamas. The girl’s parents allowed them to go on vacation by themselves as long as they had security. Obviously some-one of my age, as well as being the father of three daughters had advantages as far as the girl’s parents were concerned!

As far as the situation in regards to work in Australia LT, well the market is small; we only have 22 million people in a country the same size as CONUS.
However, by being flexible in relation traveling and working in multiple States and in nearby Asia, we keep pretty busy.

Our primary market is Celebs/Famous Individuals, with about 20% of our clients being
Corporate CEO’s.

[Local Talent]

Very thoughtful and informative response, thanks! There's such a large pool of protectors here (off-duty LE and more) that I rarely see anyone beyond their early fifties. The flip side is that many guys I encounter are often very green, if not on their first assignment. You make a lot of great points, Hans. :thumbs:

[Sumo]

Hi to All...

it's Hans van Beuge calling in from Australia.

I'm a Jurassic Era Bodyguard from the early 1970's and still operational despite pushing 60!

Came across this forum whilst browsing the net and really appreciate all the profound advice offered.

Thanks Guy's.
is that a speed or an age hans? cuz even as a younger agent i still have realized you old dawgs are the ones who know how to handle it when the shtf lol

[savior]

is that a speed or an age hans? cuz even as a younger agent i still have realized you old dawgs are the ones who know how to handle it when the shtf lol

:) Definately age mate! and yeah, I've found my Zimmer Frame to be the ultimate impact weapon!

http://i469.photobucket.com/albums/rr57/saviorservices/old_dog_with_zimmer_frame_516435.jpg

[Local Talent]

LOL! They'd never see it coming! :D

"Si jeunesse savait, si vieillesse pouvait." (If the young knew, if the old could - French saying). Hopefully in our middle age, however long that lasts... we both know and can, for a while.