Chris Copenhaver grew up in Roanoke, VA and is a proud alumnus of the Virginia Military Institute, holding a BA in Business/ Economics. Chris embarked on his professional journey in the bustling Washington DC area, where he gained valuable experience in the telecommunications sector, working in vendor management & business analyst for Sprint and Nextel. His career path also led him into the defense contracting industry, working in business analyst for SAIC.
After some time away from his hometown, Chris felt the pull to return to Roanoke to be closer to family. Here, he and a fellow VMI alum embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure that would redefine an industry. In the basement of his home they started Protos Security, and set out to modernize and revolutionize traditional physical security (armed, unarmed, off-duty police and remote monitoring) through technology and processes. Protos, a tech-enabled security company, provides real-time security management, transparency, and incident reporting, streamlines billing, and compiles comprehensive data analytics, which provides business intelligence to their clientele. What began as a startup venture with a handful of employees evolved into the fifth-largest security provider in the United States, boasting over 5,000 dedicated staff members and annual revenues reaching and exceeding $750 million. Chris and his co-founder partnered with an equity company in 2019 to maximize growth potential, and currently remain active members of the board.
Outside the realm of business, Chris has a deep passion for real estate. He manages a diverse personal portfolio worth $12M, encompassing short and long-term rentals, commercial properties, multi-family residences, and mobile home parks.
Outside of his entrepreneurial pursuits, Chris holds his Christian faith and his family close to his heart. He currently resides in Charleston, SC, with his wife and three lovely daughters. He loves to travel, enjoys boating, fishing, hiking, fitness, and creating memories with his family.