The Evolution of Security: Insights from Bill Schultz

In today’s shifting security landscape, the traditional guard isn’t going away—but it is evolving. In a recent conversation on the LandSkyAI podcast, we sat down with Bill Schultz, CSO, ASIS, a decorated veteran and CSO of Integrated Security Consulting. We explored his journey, real-world challenges of manned guarding, and the future of hybrid guarding through the integration of AI and drones.

Who Is Bill Schultz?

Bill Schultz has had an extensive career that began in the United States Air Force in 1987. He has spent most of his adult life immersed in security—both manned and unmanned solutions.

“I like to joke around sometimes… I’ve been in a blended guarding model all of my life,” he shared. His military experience involved surveillance technology, conventional warfare, and varied air support strategies. After a lengthy detour into physical medicine, Bill returned to security in 2008. He cut his teeth in the manned guarding space, starting from unarmed guards to later roles in executive protection.

His experience spans sales, private investigations, national business development, and advisory roles with firms across the U.S. However, it’s his work as the founder of Integrated Security Consulting (ISC) that defines his mission today. Through ISC, Bill helps Managed Guard Service Providers (MSPs), OEMs, and product manufacturers align their operational models with modern security expectations. His consultancy acts as a sales enablement partner, guiding firms through the transformation from traditional guarding to intelligent, well-designed blended strategies.

“At ISC, we’re helping companies break out of the old way of thinking,” Bill said. “We’re not just selling manned services—we’re reengineering security programs to be proactive, tech-enabled, and scalable.” Whether helping startups structure their offerings or advising larger firms on integrating drones and AI into guard operations, Bill’s focus is on empowering the industry to adapt.

The Current State of Guarding: Challenges and Realities

Bill believes that many of the biggest challenges in manned guarding haven’t changed in decades.

“There’s just a lack of qualified applicants at the levels that are needed to truly mitigate risk,” he explained. Guard companies often fall into a reactive mode—hiring quickly to fulfill contracts without investing in proper infrastructure or strategic forecasting. He emphasized that successful guard firms are not just filling shifts; they are building cultures and staying within their capabilities.

“Staffing then and now… it’s still always a big component. The successful organizations are analyzing, planning, and preparing all the time,” he noted.

Unfortunate as it is, many companies remain stuck in old habits. “They kind of follow the lead of others—what’s always been done—and don’t do enough to be innovative or add their own identity to the mix.”

Overcoming Traditional Limitations

The security industry must evolve. This evolution involves adopting innovative strategies and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement. Keeping pace with technology is essential for success. It’s vital for companies to invest in training and development to ensure their teams are prepared for the future.

When organizations prioritize staffing improvements and foster a culture of innovation, they become more resilient. Leaders must emphasize forecasting and adaptability in a rapidly changing environment.

What Is Hybrid Guarding? And Why It Matters Now

So what exactly is hybrid or blended guarding? Bill defines it as the layered integration of people, processes, and technology. “It’s the implementation of all the true layers of security… combining different levels of manned guarding, emerging technologies, proactive management, and communication and analytics tools.”

These layers can range from unarmed and armed guards to high-level executive protection, including off-duty police and military operators.

“The training and experience dictate the capabilities at each level,” Bill explained. It’s not just about replacing guards with tech; it’s about enhancing their capabilities and understanding the full security ecosystem.

At the heart of this model is the right balance. “Technology should act as a force multiplier,” Bill noted. Most operations today are still 70–80% manned, depending on budgets, client education, and understanding.

The Benefits of Hybrid Security Models

Hybrid guarding allows businesses to leverage technology while still maintaining essential human oversight. For instance, cameras and sensors can gather data, while trained guards can assess the information and take action.

This approach not only enhances security but also increases efficiency. Guards can focus on higher-level tasks, while technology manages routine monitoring. By integrating these layers, organizations can create a security solution that is more robust and resilient.

Embracing Change

Organizations must be proactive in embracing these changes. This involves investing in training and infrastructure to ensure that both personnel and technology work seamlessly together. The integration of drones and AI can significantly reduce response times and improve situational awareness.

Where Drones and AI Fit In

As AI and technological adoption grow, Bill sees drones playing an increasingly vital role. From verifying alarms to providing real-time situational awareness, drones can augment guard duties—especially for routine and mundane tasks.

“The boring, non-gameified tasks that guards perform can be augmented properly… it’s not just checking boxes but gathering information to learn and improve,” he stated.

But he’s also realistic. “We’re still only as good as that human-in-the-loop element,” Bill emphasized.

Technology, no matter how advanced, requires real leadership, strategy, training, and the right people behind it. His vision? A future where adding drones, robotics, and AI-powered protective intelligence seamlessly communicates with well-trained responders.

“We’re not just using drones because it’s a cool tool to have in place. We have a strategy, an infrastructure, and we’re mapping everything we do at all levels.”

Leading the Shift

Bill's broader goal is to help the industry shift from what he calls “bro science” (from his exercise background)—decisions made on gut feelings, habits, and tradition—to a model backed by data, threat assessments, and academia-based best practices.

“I’ve been applying real tools for years, but the industry is just now starting to connect the dots,” he remarked. “The future of guarding lies in a fusion of skill, strategy, and smart systems.”

Through ISC and his podcast, The Security Shift, Bill is pushing the industry conversation forward. He’s gathering C-level leaders, collaborating with top consultants, and experimenting with real-world deployments—now working with firms like LandSkyAI to demonstrate what hybrid guarding looks like in action.

The Takeaway

Bill Schultz doesn’t believe in magic silver bullets—but he does believe in measured progress. His insights reveal a security industry at a crossroads: still reliant on manpower but increasingly needing to be empowered by technology. With drones, AI, and a new generation of security professionals, hybrid guarding is not a trend—it’s a necessity.

As Bill put it: “If you do what’s always been done, you’ll be where you’ve always been.” For security leaders, the message is clear: it’s time to evolve.

Are you interested in connecting with Bill and Integrated Guarding? Reach out below!

https://integrated-guarding.com/

bill@integratedsecurityconsultants.com

Written by *Colton Teri, Marketing Director at LandSkyAI

Published June 11, 2025