Patriot Services grows safety biz, helps war vet start own venture

Patriot Services isn't just about growing its own business. The founders of the homeland security firm, who are active members of the U.S. military who recently served tours in Afghanistan, are also helping improve the economic prospects of fellow veterans. The Commerce Township-based firm recently brought an unemployed Iraq War veteran onto its staff. That opportunity led to the veteran starting his own security and self-defense business called Sol-Tac, thanks to Patriot Services mentorship. "I am continuing to mentor him to this day," says Stephen Potter, president and co-founder of Patriot Services and a colonel with the U.S. Army. Patriot Services has also been growing its own safety consulting business, hiring four people in 2011. It recently landed a statewide contract to provide security assessments for schools in West Virginia, and is looking at adding to its client base of schools in Michigan. Potter expects that sort of growth to continue for small businesses like his in 2013. "There is an increased focus on connecting small businesses and government contracts," Potter says. "That's going to help businesses like Patriot Services." Source: Stephen Potter, president of Patriot Services Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.