Protection with Purpose: The Story of Mario Rodriguez and Forseti Protection Group
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this thought-provoking episode of the Pain Points Podcast, Lauren Lewis sits down with Mario Rodriguez, President of Forseti Protection Group, to discuss how his journey from law enforcement and security to entrepreneurship shaped a company built on trust, innovation, and community impact. From protecting people and assets to empowering other business owners to think proactively, Mario’s story embodies the power of leadership rooted in purpose.
Founding Forseti: From Frustration to Vision
Forseti Protection Group was born in 2012 out of a simple but powerful realization: the security industry could do better. After years of working for companies that treated clients like numbers, Mario and his team decided to create a firm that prioritized relationships, trust, and accountability.
“The clients were just checkboxes,” Mario recalled. “We wanted to stop complaining and start changing the way security was done.”
Even the name Forseti reflects that mission—it’s derived from Norse mythology and means God of Justice. Many of the company’s team members are former law enforcement or military professionals who bring discipline, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility to their work.
Security That Goes Beyond the Surface
Forseti’s approach to security spans the full spectrum—from physical safety and risk management to cybersecurity and active threat prevention. “We protect you from your front door to your firewall,” Mario explained.
While many clients reach out after a crisis—whether it’s a break-in, cyber breach, or hostile termination—Mario’s team emphasizes the importance of proactive protection. Through enterprise risk assessments, grant management, and strategic design, Forseti helps organizations of all sizes strengthen their defenses before issues arise.
In 2023 alone, they project-managed over $5 million in client security enhancement grants—covering everything from access control systems to ballistic windows and doors. “Five years ago, you couldn’t get a door that looked like wood and was bullet-resistant,” Mario said. “Today, you can—and that’s the power of innovation over intimidation.”
Innovation Over Intimidation
Mario’s philosophy—innovation over intimidation—captures the heart of Forseti’s culture. Rather than relying on fear, his team leverages new technology and human insight to design safer, more welcoming environments. From schools and nonprofits to large corporations and law enforcement facilities, they help leaders balance aesthetics with safety.
“Security shouldn’t make you feel unsafe,” he said. “It should give you peace of mind.”
Their work often includes advanced tools like drone surveillance, biometric access control, and risk modeling, but Mario emphasizes that technology alone isn’t enough. “It’s about people first,” he explained. “You can have the best systems in the world, but without training and trust, they don’t mean much.”
Training for Real-World Situations
Beyond technology, Forseti offers specialized training programs in active shooter response, de-escalation, and risk awareness—tailored to schools, nonprofits, corporate offices, and hospitality teams. One of their most impactful programs teaches staff how to recognize behavioral cues and diffuse potential conflicts.
“It’s about phrasing and presence,” Mario shared. “Saying ‘You can’t do that’ triggers defensiveness. Saying ‘You might not know this, but our policy is…’ changes the whole tone.”
Forseti’s trainings empower people to be more aware—and more present—without living in fear. “Awareness is really about being present,” Mario said. “It’s noticing the details that help you make smart, calm decisions.”
Cybersecurity and the Human Element
Mario also discussed how today’s biggest risks often start with the smallest habits—especially in email communication. “With the rise of AI and phishing, one wrong click can open the door to major breaches,” he warned.
Forseti helps clients implement cybersecurity SOPs, train staff to spot red flags, and create response plans. “Technology changes fast,” he said. “But the human element is constant—and that’s where most vulnerabilities start.”
Entrepreneurship, Systems, and Scaling
As a business owner, Mario’s lessons go beyond security. He shared candid insights into the realities of entrepreneurship—long hours, tough payroll weeks, and the importance of structure.
“The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make is wearing too many hats,” he said. “If you don’t have systems, you’re not running your business—it’s running you.”
For Forseti, success came from building SOPs (standard operating procedures), streamlining proposals, and implementing documentation systems that turned chaos into consistency. “One mentor could generate a full proposal in five minutes,” Mario recalled. “That lit a fire under me. We got organized, and it changed everything.”
Scaling Through Relationships
Today, Forseti operates offices in Buffalo, NY, and Boston, MA, serving clients across the country. Their expansion reflects Mario’s belief in trust, relationships, and community engagement.
“Networking isn’t about transactions—it’s about connection,” he said. “Some of the best opportunities come from showing up, shaking hands, and being part of your community.”
That approach has earned Forseti partnerships across industries—from law enforcement and higher education to healthcare and cannabis operations.
Purpose in Protection
At its core, Forseti’s mission is to create safer, more confident communities—both locally and nationally. Whether it’s designing a security plan for a police department, providing risk assessments for nonprofits, or helping a company recover after tragedy, Mario and his team approach every project with empathy and precision.
Following the 2022 Tops Friendly Markets tragedy, Forseti helped multiple local organizations find peace of mind through strategic, trauma-informed security improvements. “Those moments remind you why you do what you do,” Mario reflected.