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The passing of a beloved friend Shamir Bolivar inspired a group of Pacific security guards to form one of Aotearoa’s top events and private security companies. Shamir suggested that co-founders Cess Uale, Harry Crichton and Anton Chand create their own company for young Pacific security guards seeking to get into the private protection industry.
In 2019 ‘Uso’s Keepers Protection Ltd’ was born providing a security presence that can be seen by their ‘big bodies amongst big crowds’.
The name Uso’s Keepers Protection stems from the bible verse in Genesis 4:9, ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’ A term now used to describe making sure you keep your brother safe. Uale admits it is special, treating each other like brothers and plays an important part for their happiness as a collective. “I wouldn’t just call anyone my uso (brother), these boys mean a lot to me,” he says.
International sporting stars such as UFC fighter Israel Adesanya and former World Number One female tennis player Ashleigh Barty as well as popular international music stars like Fiji Veikoso are just some of the clients they have provided security for. However, according to Crichton, there is one special guest who stands out from the rest.
Crichton recalls, Indian actor and singer Salman Khan provided one of the biggest learning experiences for the security crew and one they hold key to their growth in protection services. “The whole level of service that was required was an eye-opener for me. Word got out that he was at Cordis Hotel and people were in the foyer just to get a glimpse of him. We learnt how important it is to stay on top of your game at all times, no matter how much sleep you’ve had,” says Crichton.
With more than 40 guards on their roster, Uso Keepers Protection has a good base to choose from for all types of events. The ‘tough looking’ old-school bouncer mentality is something Uale tries to eliminate from his crew. He believes this attitude is why they continue to form great relationships with their clients. “We don’t want people to come to a party and are afraid to party hard because the security guard is power tripping people.”
He adds, “it’s 2022, we tell our boys just to be normal, be yourself and there’s no need to be that tough guy. Treat people how you would want to be treated.”
Both Uale and Crichton are happy with their growth as a crew in the protection industry. The trio had more than 10 years experience in the sector prior to the formation of Uso Keepers Protection. They hope to inspire the next generation of Pacific security guards. “This company is all about opening up the lane for future uso’s. To teach them that they can make a name for themselves in the industry”
“I want them to come, learn from us and do it better. It will open up more opportunities for them for sure,” Crichton says, “it’s important for them not to move fast but move correctly, so they can handle each request from clients that is put in front of them.
Uale says most of their success can be seen through the boys who are putting in the hours in the busy areas. “The work that our boys put into at our bars, clubs and hotels, they’re the ones who really deserve the credit. They’re the ones who are there putting in the work and we just get the props. But it’s them we are grateful for.”
To learn more about Usos Keepers Protection visit: https://www.usoskeeperprotection.co.nz/
