Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaelon Pedford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I founded ZeroDay Protection Group with a deliberate goal: to redefine what professional security looks like by bringing structure, accountability, and executive level service into an industry that often operates without it.
My journey started at 19 years old as an unarmed security guard making $11 an hour. That role gave me a ground-level view of the industry, where I began to notice gaps in professionalism, training, and leadership. Instead of accepting that as the standard, I used it as a blueprint for what needed to change.
After two years, I transitioned into the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, where I developed a deeper understanding of discipline, chain of command, and working consistently under pressure. That experience sharpened my ability to assess risk, respond decisively, and operate within structured environments where accountability is a must.
From there, I moved into the private sector, contracting across a range of assignments that ultimately led me into executive protection. Working around high-net-worth individuals, executives, and corporate leadership environments exposed me to a completely different standard where discretion, precision, and presence are critical. In those rooms, security isn’t just about protection, it’s about trust, reputation, and risk mitigation at the highest level.
At the same time, my exposure to corporate America gave me the operational tools that aren’t always prioritized in the security industry, including scalable systems, client communication frameworks, brand positioning, and leadership infrastructure. I began to understand that long-term success isn’t just about manpower, but about structure, vision, and leadership at the top.
ZeroDay Protection Group was built to solve that.
From day one, we focused on building a company, not just filling posts. That means standardized operating procedures, clear communication channels, problem solving, and a strong emphasis on how our agents present themselves, because presence alone can prevent incidents before they happen. We don’t just deploy security personnel; we deliver a layered approach to security that includes deterrence, visibility, and rapid response capability.
We began with local contracts for events, venues, and private clients, then scaled intentionally through performance and reputation. Today, we support executive protection details, corporate environments, large scale events, and high responsibility assignments where there is zero margin for error.
What separates us is simple: we operate with an ownership mindset at every level. Our security agents are not just bodies on-site, they are trained to think, communicate, and act with purpose. We emphasize proactive security over reactive response, and we hold a standard that reflects directly on the environments we protect.
We are not focused on being the largest firm in the market. We are focused on being the most trusted by clients who value professionalism, strong leadership and results. Every decision we make is aligned with that vision.
ZeroDay Protection Group isn’t just participating in the industry, we’re raising the expectation of it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road and I think that’s where most of the growth came from.
One of the biggest challenges was stepping away from the corporate structure. I came from environments where everything was already built, including set schedules, defined roles, and clear chains of command. When I left corporate and traditional roles, that structure disappeared overnight. I went from following systems to being responsible for creating them.
At the time, I didn’t have all the answers. I just knew I wanted more control over the standard and the outcome. That transition forced me to quickly learn how to lead, how to manage operations, how to communicate with clients, and how to build something that people could actually rely on.
Now I’m responsible for scheduling and overseeing over 20 security agents, managing multiple sites, and maintaining consistency across every assignment. That didn’t come naturally, it came through a lot of trial and error, long hours, and figuring things out in real time.
Another challenge was credibility. Being young, but a veteran in this industry, especially in leadership, you’re not always taken seriously at first. I had to earn respect through performance, not titles. Showing up prepared, operating professionally, and delivering results consistently, is what changed the perception over time.
There were also moments of uncertainty early on. Leaving corporate stability without a guaranteed outcome isn’t easy. There’s no safety net. I was responsible for everything. But once I committed to building ZeroDay Protection Group, I knew it had the potential to change the industry in a positive way. That belief kept me pushing forward, even when things weren’t clear.
Looking back, those challenges were necessary. They forced me to build structure where there was none, lead with intention, and hold a higher standard, not just for myself, but for everyone on the team.
We’ve been impressed with ZeroDay Protection Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ZeroDay Protection Group is a Dallas–Fort Worth based security firm focused on delivering high level, professional security services with structure, accountability, and consistency. We’re not built on volume, we’re built on quality standards.
We provide executive protection, event security, corporate and commercial security, mobile patrol, residential security, fire watch services, and secure executive transportation. We also support municipal and public sector operations, along with federally regulated environments. Whether it’s a private client, a large venue, or an ongoing contract, our job is to create a strong presence, maintain control, and prevent issues before they escalate.
What we specialize in and what we’re known for: professionalism and presence. Our team doesn’t just “show up,” they operate with purpose. Many of our agents come from military or law enforcement backgrounds, and every individual is vetted and held to a high standard. You can see the difference immediately in how they communicate, how they carry themselves, and how they handle situations.
What sets us apart is simple: we don’t treat security like a commodity. A lot of companies focus on filling positions as cheaply as possible. We focus on building reliable coverage with trained professionals who understand the responsibility behind the role. We’re proactive, not reactive. Our goal is to deter problems before they happen, not just respond after the fact.
Another difference is leadership. I built this company from the ground up and still stay close to operations. I’ve worked the same roles our agents work, and now I oversee a growing team across multiple assignments. That hands on leadership keeps our standards consistent and eliminates the disconnect that can happen as companies grow.
Brand wise, what I’m most proud of, is the reputation we’re building. When clients hire ZeroDay Protection Group, they know they’re getting a team that takes the job seriously and represents their environment the right way. There’s a level of trust we’ve earned by being consistent, professional, and reliable every time we show up.
Not all security is created equal. The difference is in the details of training, communication, awareness, and what’s maintained when no one is watching. With ZeroDay Protection Group, that shows up in fewer issues, a stronger presence, and results you can actually see. That’s what our clients can expect every time we show up.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
As an entrepreneur, risk isn’t something you step into once, it’s something you manage every day.
In this business, things don’t run on a perfect schedule. You can be off the clock, on vacation, or handling something personal, and a client call comes in that needs immediate attention. That’s the reality of it. The difference is how you respond. With ZeroDay Protection Group, that “something” gets handled, quickly.
I don’t take reckless risks. Everything is calculated. Whether it’s taking on a new client, deploying agents to a high responsibility environment, or expanding operations, I make sure we have the structure, the personnel, and the leadership in place to execute at a high level. If we can’t do it right, we won’t do it at all.
We don’t take on every job that comes our way, and that means turning down work that doesn’t align with how we operate. Those decisions protect the brand long-term and ensure that every client we take on gets the level of service we’re known for. That’s the risk with maintaining a higher standard.
Risk also comes with responsibility. I’m responsible for my team, my clients, and the environments we protect. That means staying ready, making decisions under pressure, and being accountable for the outcome, good or bad.
Risk is a part of life. The goal isn’t to avoid it, it’s to stay prepared, stay focused, and make sure every decision is intentional.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies based on the scope, risk level, and specific needs of each operation. No two security details are the same, so we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like location, hours, number of agents, level of protection required, and overall risk all play a role in how services are structured and priced. Our focus is on building the right solution for the client, not just quoting a flat rate. Our clients are investing in trained professionals, strong communication, and a level of service that prioritizes prevention and reliability. For accurate pricing, we typically conduct a brief consultation to understand the full scope and provide a tailored plan that aligns with the client’s needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zerodayprotectiongroup.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/zerodayprotection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/ZeroDay-Protection-Group-LLC/61576701334974/
