In May 2022, Patrick Collis found himself in a gut-wrenching situation. It was one that could potential buckle anyone’s knees. It was a straight on challenge to his loyalty to both family and duty.
His mother, Eugenia Smith, was undergoing emergency brain surgery, a time when most sons would rush to be by their mother’s side. However, Collis was on duty, ensuring the safety of the “Real Georgia Speaks Team Trump Bus Tour” – an endeavor he was personally charged of overseeing.
Even when given the chance to leave, he chose to stay. Senior Advisor Lynne Patton highlighted this sacrifice to President Donald Trump. In response, President Trump penned a touching letter to Collis’s mother, expressing gratitude for raising such a devoted son.
This moment was not just an acknowledgment of service. It was an acknowledgement to the values Collis had upheld throughout his life.
A Calling to Service
Collis’s journey into the security field was driven not by a desire for a career but by a deeply set sense of duty. From a young age, he felt a strong inclination toward service, whether through faith, community involvement, or later, military and law enforcement experiences.
His journey began with a grassroots neighborhood watch program in Norfolk, Virginia. Alarmed by increasing thefts in his area, he and a group of veterans banded together to safeguard their community. What started as a local initiative soon blossomed into something much larger.
This sense of duty went beyond just preventing crime. Collis took on the roles of a bounty hunter and private investigator, pursuing fugitives and making sure justice was upheld. He wasn’t solely interested in catching criminals but headstrong about maintaining safety, order, and trust in the neighborhood. These principles would lay the groundwork for his future firm, Spartan Investigations & Executive Protection.
The Early Days of Spartan
In August 2018, Collis co-founded Spartan with Preston Hocker, another veteran committed to security and protection. What started as a small operation quickly evolved into a reputable security firm catering to high-profile clients in the political, corporate, and entertainment sectors.
From the outset, Collis envisioned Spartan as more than just another security company. He wanted it to be one that operated on principles of integrity, faith, and professionalism. Both he and Hocker, who are ordained pastors, made sure that Spartan upheld a faith-based approach in all its operations, merging moral responsibility with tactical excellence.
Collis’s knack for turning vision into reality was clear from the beginning. He established partnerships with prominent law firms, corporate entities, and influential political figures. His expertise in executive protection positioned Spartan as the preferred choice for those in need of security that was both strategic and personal.
Collis doesn’t just lead Spartan – he truly embodies its mission. His approach to leadership is reflected in mentorship, guiding his team with the same principles that have shaped his own journey.
His choice to stay on duty during his mother’s surgery exemplifies his dedication. However, his leadership goes beyond personal sacrifice. Whether he’s overseeing security for high-profile events, mentoring new protection officers, or ensuring his team receives top-notch training, Collis is always at the forefront.
He has established partnerships with organizations like The Behavioral Panel, training Spartan’s team in body language analysis to improve their security operations. Additionally, he has prioritized ongoing legal education, developing courses approved by the Virginia State Bar to train family law firms in investigative techniques.
His influence reaches beyond Spartan’s employees. By collaborating closely with military veterans, law enforcement officers, and security professionals, he helps those transitioning from service careers find meaningful opportunities in the private sector.
The Spartan Standard
Integrity, dedication, and a client-focused approach define the company’s ethos. Unlike many security firms that concentrate solely on physical protection, Spartan combines risk assessment, crisis management, and preventative strategies to deliver long-term security solutions.
Collis has established Spartan with a strong emphasis on trust. Whether providing security for public figures such as President Donald Trump, David Harris Jr., Coffey Anderson, General Michael Flynn, Eric Trump, or Congressman Matt Gaetz, or safeguarding corporate assets, Collis’ reputation is built on reliability.
A key factor in Collis’ success is his future-forward vision. By utilizing modern technology and partnering with experts like Keith Hanson’s Critical Dynamics, Spartan continues to advance. From improvements in surveillance to law enforcement training, Collis ensures that his company stays ahead of the curve.
Beyond Security
Despite his demanding career, Collis is deeply involved in his community. His work goes beyond security operations to address broader societal issues, particularly in violence prevention and justice.
His engagement with organizations like Guardians “United Against Violence” shows his belief in proactive measures to fight crime and protect vulnerable communities. Whether supporting veterans, mentoring young security professionals, or aiding in disaster relief efforts like Hurricane Ida, Collis’s commitment to service extends well beyond executive protection.
Even in social settings, his work is never truly done.
At a fundraiser in 2023, he encountered General Michael Flynn, who recognized him from a previous protection detail. Their conversation went beyond mere professionalism – it highlighted the connections Collis builds through his work.
Patrick’s legacy
Looking forward, Collis sees Spartan as more than just a security company. He plans to broaden its divisions, forge stronger partnerships, and continue to set industry benchmarks. With a growing emphasis on training, education, and technological advancements, Spartan is set to maintain its leadership in the field.
For Collis, the legacy he aspires to leave is one of steadfast service and integrity. His journey—from organizing a neighborhood watch to leading a premier security firm—illustrates that genuine leadership is not solely about authority; it’s about taking responsibility.
At the core of everything, Collis remains a protector—not just in a professional capacity but in his fundamental values.
Whether he’s safeguarding clients, mentoring his team, or serving his community, his mission is clear: security is not just a job. It’s a calling.