CLIENT'S CHALLENGE

An internationally acclaimed founder and former CEO of a Fortune-ranked entity had recently purchased an office facility near his residence.  The location served as the incubation center for a radical new business concept.  Several weeks after the acquisition, a local security system vendor approached the CEO.  The vendor, who had previously installed a network of surveillance and monitoring equipment in the building, began to demand “services fees” for the use of his equipment.  “Either pay me my original monthly service rate or I’ll notify local building code and fire department personnel that you’re in violation of codes and regulations.”   

When the CEO refused, the vendor became irate and began to levy additional threats against the facility and employees.  Given the nature of the physical and cyber threat, and the man’s volatile behavior, the owner engaged Matador to provide on-premises security, ensure no unauthorized individuals accessed the incubation center, and establish a high-visibility presence that would help assure the company’s employees that they and their workplace were safe and secure.

MATADOR’S SOLUTION

Matador posted security personnel immediately – within an hour of the client’s phone call.  At the same time, Matador gathered intelligence and engaged in risk analysis which resulted in clarifying the man’s identity, home address, business and other basic information, including an image of him.  Several days after posting enhanced security at the building, Matador personnel observed the individual driving past, parking nearby, and approaching the business on foot.  Recognizing these key indicators, Matador immediately requested a police response and two law enforcement officers arrived within minutes.  

Using a range of conflict resolution tequniques, law enforcement and Matador personnel were able to reason with the man and deescalate the situation.  He was advised he could not be on the premises and that further interactions or threats could result in legal action.  The individual left without causing further disruption.

IMPACT ON THE CLIENT

Matador provided personnel onsite around the clock until the matter was resolved.  As precautions, the Matador team suggested and secured a formal police incident report and documented a witness’s statement – two elements that would prove necessary if the client ever decided to request a restraining order.  Shortly thereafter, the company engaged a neutral third party to remove the vendor’s equipment and had it delivered to the man’s business address.  Events like this one don’t always end peacefully.  A prompt and professional response, in this case, helped avert more trouble and ensure uninterrupted operational continuity for the new business.