The Roaring Demand for Executive Protection: "The Luigi Effect" in Action
Rise in personal security demands following healthcare executive's murder coined as the 'Luigi effect'.
The chilling assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Brian Thompson, spawned a wave of security requests dubbed the "Luigi Effect." This phenomenon refers to the heightened demand for robust protection services, particularly among C-suite executives and their families, following high-profile incidents.
Geno Roefaro, the CEO of SaferWatch, a leading security platform, has witnessed an unprecedented surge in inquiries from Fortune 500 companies seeking to bolster the personal security of their executives and family members. This uptick in interest began almost immediately following Thompson's untimely death in New York City.
To tackle this escalating risk, companies are now considering the SaferWatch LTE Panic Button - a state-of-the-art mobile-enabled alert system that offers seamless access to emergency assistance. As Roefaro explains, such measures are essential for the protection of the individuals who steer the corporate ship, "How do we protect our executives? How do we protect their families? How do we protect our key people that really run this operation?"
In addition to affluent corporations, there's been a spike in demand for safety solutions from wealthy families looking to secure their loved ones – such as children leaving for college.
The "Luigi Effect" also shines a light on the importance of protection beyond office walls. Companies are increasingly focusing on securing executives while they travel globally, understanding that assigned bodyguards may not always be practical or cost-effective.
SaferWatch, co-founded by Roefaro and current vice president of product, Shannon Donev, emerged in the aftermath of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida. The aim was to create swift and effective safety solutions for both public and private institutions. To achieve this, they developed a discrete device that empowers executives, employees, and their families to seek help discreetly without drawing unwanted attention.
The company's 24/7/365 monitoring center stands ready to respond to emergency alerts and connect users directly with the relevant authorities. While the premium direct 911 access option comes at a hefty price, it's a popular choice among clients, with approximately 70% opting for this service.
The "Luigi Effect" emphasizes the paramount importance of robust personal and corporate security measures for high-profile individuals in today's world. Evolving technologies, like SaferWatch's panic button, play a crucial role by providing swift and efficient emergency response systems. The goal, as Roefaro suggests, is to eventually make such security measures accessible for more than just executives and the affluent.
SaferWatch is partnering with over 6,000 organizations across America to offer enhanced security, from schools and major corporations to small businesses. Even New York City establishments like bodegas are installing panic buttons beneath their cash registers to ensure a swift response to emergencies without attracting attention. The platform also features robust features such as an anonymous tip reporting system and strategic support from nearly 20 retired law enforcement executives.
- In the wake of Brian Thompson's assassination, wealthier families have demonstrated a heightened interest in securing their loved ones, particularly children starting college, and have been seeking safety solutions like those provided by SaferWatch.
- As the "Luigi Effect" highlights, corporations are increasingly recognizing the importance of protecting their executives both domestically and abroad, often employing advanced technology such as SaferWatch's LTE Panic Button to provide rapid emergency responses.
