How TruProtection Come to be?

Some time ago, a homeowner’s association (HOA) in Tumwater, Washington, approached us with an urgent concern. Their lakeside community, known for its cherished park, had become a hotspot for criminal activity. Vandalism, robberies, and even discarded needles littering the children’s play areas had become all too common, putting residents on edge.

Seeking a solution, the HOA board invited us to present at their board meeting, hoping to secure 24/7 patrol services to reclaim their neighborhood. The need for protection was clear, and the board unanimously voted in favor of obtaining our services. However, a significant challenge emerged—this was an older community, largely made up of retirees on fixed incomes, making funding security services difficult. Our CEO offered to forgo profit and offered services at cost. While that helped, it didn’t solve the underlining issues.

The issue boiled down to three critical obstacles

1. For a security company to act on behalf of a person or organization, a contract granting us legal authority is required.
2. Providing protection services at the park and other common areas required us to contract directly with the HOA.
3. While half of the HOA members could approve an increase in HOA dues of security services, the half on a fixed budget could not afford it, making it financially unfeasible for the HOA to move forward with a contract.

Despite the board’s unanimous vote, there was no immediate solution that satisfied all parties. Unable to resolve the financial and contractual hurdles, the HOA was forced to delay action until the following year—leaving the community vulnerable in the meantime.

Our CEO, deeply troubled by the situation, was determined to find a way to help. Sleepless nights were spent searching for a solution, refusing to accept that a community in need should go unprotected simply due to bureaucratic and financial constraints. That challenge—one that seemed impossible to overcome—became the catalyst for something groundbreaking. From this dilemma, TruProtection was born: a revolutionary alarm monitoring service that is designed to provide effective protection in a way that traditional security models could not.

James VanHoute, our CEO, is a seasoned expert in asset protection and the investigative industry. Raised in Western Washington, at the age of 18 he demonstrated exceptional skill in identifying and apprehending shoplifters, setting records for major corporations. His expertise in conducting investigations and drafting case reports was so outstanding that the Federal Way Police Department offered him a specialized role auditing and composing reports for patrol officers.

Over the past two decades, Mr. VanHoute has remained a respected figure in the industry, having trained many of today’s leading professionals. His contributions extend beyond the corporate world, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Olympia Police Department’s retail theft program, assisted the U.S. Secret Service in counterfeiting investigations, and collaborated with the U.S. Postal Inspectors and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on cases. His expertise and leadership have consistently propelled him to positions of greater responsibility and influence within the field.

Above all, it is James VanHoute’s creativity that sets him apart. His sharp intellect and innovative thinking allow him to see solutions where others see only obstacles. His ability to think outside the box and approach problems with fresh, strategic insight has not only solved critical cases but has also revolutionized the protection industry. He thrives in situations that demand resourcefulness, crafting solutions that are both effective and forward-thinking. His legacy is defined not only by his expertise but by his ability to inspire new ways of thinking and problem-solving in those he mentors and collaborates with.

What is TruProtection?

Our CEO spent months tackling the challenges faced by the HOA, determined to find an innovative solution. He was convinced that it was possible to provide real, effective security to communities without requiring a guard to be onsite 24/7—making TruProtection both effective and affordable for everyone.

This pursuit led to the development of TruProtection, a revolutionary approach to security that answers the following critical questions:

1. How can we provide real, effective protection without the need for a full-time, onsite security presence?
2. How do we integrate proactive deterrence strategies that prevent incidents, especially in today’s increasingly lawless environment?
3. How can we support individuals who are often told, “I’m sorry your home was burglarized—your only recourse is to file an insurance claim,” ensuring they receive real justice despite overwhelmed law enforcement agencies?
4. How do we make high-quality security services accessible and affordable for all communities?
5. How do we implement security solutions that protect our clients while maintaining their privacy?

TruProtection was designed to bridge the gap between traditional security measures and modern-day challenges, delivering a smarter, more effective approach to safeguarding communities. Through innovation and strategic implementation, TruProtection redefines security by providing proactive, reliable, and accessible protection tailored to today’s evolving threats.