Keith Fowler is an entrepreneur, leader, and owner of Lion Shield Protection, a trusted security company based in Orange County, California. His story is one of persistence, purpose, and a drive to build something meaningful from the ground up.
After high school, Keith went on to complete trade school programs and later earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University. That education gave him the tools to lead — not just manage. It taught him how to communicate clearly, make tough decisions, and create a culture built on integrity and accountability.
Keith founded Lion Shield Protection with one mission: to provide reliable, professional security services that people can trust. Today, his company operates across six Southern California counties, offering both armed and unarmed officers to shopping centers, schools, private venues, and events. His leadership style is hands-on and focused on results — he believes the best way to earn respect is to lead by example.
Outside of business, Keith Fowler lives an active lifestyle. He enjoys weightlifting, boating, wakeboarding, playing pool, pickleball, and sports, especially baseball and football. Those activities keep him disciplined and balanced, qualities he brings to his professional life every day.
Keith is also deeply committed to giving back. He supports cancer-related charities including St. Jude Children’s Hospital, CHOC Hospital, Shriners Hospital, the Jimmy Fund, and Orangewood for Kids. His success is grounded not only in ambition but in compassion — proving that real leadership is about service, both in business and in life.
Q&A with Keith Fowler: Redefining Success Through Grit, Leadership, and Purpose
Keith, you’ve built a successful security company from the ground up. When you think about “success,” what does it mean to you personally?
To me, success isn’t about titles or money — it’s about building something that lasts. I started Lion Shield Protection because I wanted to raise the standard in an industry that’s often overlooked. When a client tells me they trust my team completely, that’s success. When one of my officers gets promoted because of how much they’ve grown — that’s success too.
I’ve always believed that hard work and consistency beat luck. You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, but you do need to be the one who keeps showing up, learning, and doing the right thing when no one’s watching.
You’ve mentioned that you learned a lot from both trade school and your degree in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership. How did education shape your approach to business?
Trade school taught me how to work with my hands, stay disciplined, and value time management. It’s where I learned the importance of doing things right the first time — not cutting corners. Later, when I earned my degree from Mountain State University, I learned how to think strategically, lead people, and understand the psychology behind teams.
In the security world, you deal with all types of people — clients, officers, vendors, the public. Having that background in organizational leadership helps me communicate clearly and hold people accountable without losing respect. It’s also helped me create a company culture where every officer understands they’re part of something bigger than themselves.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting Lion Shield Protection?
The toughest part was building credibility. In the beginning, you’re just another new name. You have to prove yourself every single day. There were times I was working 16-hour shifts, filling in for other guards, answering phones, and handling payroll at the same time. I didn’t mind, though — that’s what it takes to build trust.
I remember early on, we had a major event contract where a last-minute cancellation left us short-handed. Instead of panicking, I threw on the uniform and worked alongside the team. That night, the client pulled me aside and said, “I didn’t know the owner worked events.” I told him, “I don’t ask my people to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.” That’s been my approach ever since.
What do you think separates great leaders from average ones?
Great leaders listen. They don’t just bark orders — they get to know their team. They understand what motivates each person and what challenges them. I’ve worked for people who led through fear, and I’ve worked for people who led through respect. The difference is night and day.
Leadership isn’t about being above anyone. It’s about setting a standard and helping others rise to it. If your team doesn’t trust you, they won’t follow you. And if they don’t believe you care about them, they won’t give you their best.
You’re also involved in several charitable causes, especially cancer-related organizations. What inspired that commitment?
Cancer has touched people close to me, and I’ve seen the toll it takes on families. Once you see that, you can’t just look away. That’s why I support places like St. Jude Children’s Hospital, CHOC Hospital, the Jimmy Fund, and Shriners Hospital.
It’s not just about donating — it’s about being present. Volunteering, attending fundraisers, helping spread the word. I always tell people, “You don’t need to be rich to make a difference.” Sometimes your time and energy are worth more than money.
How do you stay balanced with such a demanding career?
I make time for what keeps me grounded. For me, that’s fitness, boating, wakeboarding, and sports. Weightlifting is my therapy. It keeps me disciplined, sharp, and calm. Boating and wakeboarding remind me to enjoy the moment and not get stuck in the grind.
I also play and watch a lot of baseball and football — both sports teach great lessons about teamwork and accountability. You can’t win every game, but you can always control your effort and attitude.
Many people talk about success as an endpoint. How do you keep pushing forward after reaching big goals?
I never look at success as a finish line — it’s more like a moving target. The moment you get comfortable, you stop growing. I always ask myself, “What’s next?” Whether it’s expanding into new areas, training my team better, or finding new ways to give back, there’s always more to do.
One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t just personal. It’s something you share. If your business is thriving but your team is struggling, that’s not success. True success is when everyone around you is winning too.
What advice would you give to someone trying to build their own version of success?
Start small, but start now. Don’t wait for perfect conditions — they don’t exist. Be consistent, stay humble, and outwork everyone. When things go wrong — and they will — use those moments as lessons, not excuses.
And most importantly, remember why you started. If you chase success just for the rewards, you’ll burn out fast. But if you’re doing it for purpose — to build something real, to make a difference — that’s what keeps you going.