The modern security industry is less James Bond and more Mr. Bean. So says Insta360 brand ambassador Paul Kemppainen, who goes by “IX” (pronounced “nine,” inspired by a military callsign).
IX has made a career out of protecting national treasures – be they people, places, or things. Starting his career as a naval officer who worked with the Navy SEALs, he went on to serve in the U.S. Secret Service, as the head of security and intelligence for the National Park Service (think Statue of Liberty and other treasures like the gun that shot Lincoln), and, most recently, as a pioneer of SpaceX’s in-house security organization.
After 8 years at SpaceX, IX decided to strike out on his own and open SISU Enlightened Protection, a Las Vegas-based security provider that specializes in ensuring the safety of high-profile clientele (think headlining Vegas DJ’s) and large, complex events.
The problem that motivated IX to start his own company is that, according to him, the security industry has been stuck in a rut for decades.
“Security eats into a company’s bottom line”
“The private sector is counter-intuitively underdeveloped in the security world,” IX said. “Why? Security eats into a company’s bottom line. Every dollar spent on security is one that could have been spent elsewhere to push a company forward. Security is rarely if ever a primary mission -- as opposed to the government."
For example, IX said that the tools and techniques security professionals use to survey a space before a sensitive event — haven’t seen innovation in decades.
SISU is focused on changing this. Among the tools IX uses to bring this change are compact, ultra-stabilized action cameras like the Insta360 GO 3 and Insta360 X3.
We chatted with IX about how he uses Insta360 cameras to make his clients safer and what he learned from 8 years protecting Elon Musk’s mission to put people on Mars.
1. What led you into the security industry?
My dad introduced me to the James Bond films as a child. The time we spent watching them together left an indelible mark and a deep-rooted interest in adventure and protecting people, places, and things.
2. How did you make the jump from government roles to heading up the security team at SpaceX?
Public Service Announcement: In life, take bold and unthinkable risks.
In 2013, I applied to be an astronaut - even though I didn’t have a realistic chance of getting selected (I lack a STEM degree). I didn’t apply online. I tracked down NASA’s lead recruiter instead, called her, introduced myself, and sent along a personal letter, a photo, and a resume.
I was ultimately rejected. But not long after that, I used the rejection letter NASA sent (which they don’t customarily send to online applicants) to land a job at SpaceX.