DFW News App

Before starting Black Rhino Group in 2014, founder Frank Roberson worked in politics. Now, his Mansfield-based company provides executive protection services across North Texas. (Courtesy photo | Black Rhino Group)
” data-medium-file=”https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/unnamed-2-2.jpg?fit=300%2C289&ssl=1″ data-large-file=”https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/unnamed-2-2.jpg?fit=780%2C753&ssl=1″ tabindex=”0″ role=”button”>
Arlington native Frank Roberson wants to keep people safe.

The security industry veteran started his company, Black Rhino Group, in 2014 to provide private investigations and executive protection. 

Black Rhino meets two sets of client needs: companies and individuals that require professional security services — such as trained bodyguards — and individuals seeking training in how to protect themselves.

Roberson and his wife, Christy Roberson, run the company. She books security for weddings and special events and said the clientele continues to grow thanks to word-of-mouth.

“We have picked up more contracts as we’ve gone,” Christy Roberson said.

Black Rhino prides itself in hiring the best of the best, Roberson said. Agents in the company have backgrounds ranging from the CIA to the military.

“At this point in my career, I’m trying to train the next generation of executive protection agents the correct way, particularly in advance work, and trying to help our community because it’s not getting any safer,” Roberson said.

Roberson was first introduced to the executive protection industry when he worked for politicians. On top of his advisory and campaign responsibilities, he was also in charge of protection details.

After leaving politics, Roberson found work as part of an advance team, the group of staffers sent ahead of an event as protection for politicians made him an expert in a niche. 

“Apparently I’ve been doing advance work for eight years and not knowing it,” Roberson said, with a chuckle.

Early in his protection career, Roberson worked for high-profile individuals in Northern California, including Charles Schwab and George Lucas. 

Eventually, Roberson moved back to North Texas and started working for a family in north Dallas. Then, he decided to create Black Rhino.

The future

The demand for executive protection is growing in Texas. Black Rhino recently signed a contract with six retail stores in Austin.

Demand is also growing on a national scale. Events, such as the attempted assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump, have reminded people of the growing importance of security, Roberson said. 

Roberson noted that the pre-event indicators of the attempted assassination are patterns that anyone can learn and apply on a daily basis.

Black Rhino launched its Situational Awareness for Employees program in April. The program teaches people how to be better aware of their surroundings while in public. 

Roberson said the coursework is meant to teach tactics and knowledge that wouldn’t raise suspicions in a crowd.

Services offered center around understanding the danger signs individuals could encounter on a day-to-day basis.

“We teach it in a way that, when you go out in public, it doesn’t look like you’re doing it. But if you’re able to see one or two things that make you feel weird, and then you rush away, and you find out something happened, or someone was arrested, then you’re like, ‘Wow, I learned that in that class,’” Roberson said. 

Information in the course is valuable to anyone, Roberson said.

“You learn the things that the Secret Service is taught, you learn the things that the best protectors in the world are taught, and you learn those skills to be able to keep yourself safe,” he said.

Ismael M. Belkoura is a reporting fellow for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at ismael.belkoura@fortworthreport.org.

At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.