For Bruce Porterfield, protecting others isn’t just a profession; it’s a continuation of his life’s work.
As the founder of Lindemann Group, a private security firm specializing in executive protection, Porterfield leads a team of elite individuals from the country’s premier military, law enforcement, and intelligence organizations. Alongside his business partner and co-founder, Adam Pietrzak—a retired Navy SEAL who spent a decade with SEAL Team Six, the nation’s most elite counter-terrorism unit—Bruce has built a company trusted by celebrities, corporate leaders, and high-net-worth individuals.
But if you ask him, it’s not about the apparent allure of the job; it’s about providing the best possible service to his clients.
“Some would say I’m obsessed with always refining and improving our tactics, techniques, and procedures as it relates to protecting our clients. My wife would probably tell you I spend far too much time chasing that perfection, to the detriment of time spent with our family.” However, Porterfield says, “My primary obligation outside of work is maximizing quality time with my family, which can be challenging in this line of work, but that will always take priority.”
That innate drive to protect others has guided every chapter of his career, from his time in the military and law enforcement to his current role leading a global security firm with an unwavering, hands-on presence.
A Legacy of Service
Porterfield’s sense of duty is deeply rooted in family history. His father, a World War II-era Marine who fought in the Korean War’s most grueling battles, never pushed his children to serve. But something about those quiet stories—tales of Pusan, Inchon, and the Chosin Reservoir—stuck with Porterfield.
Porterfield joined the Young Marines when he was 11, a decision that eventually led him to Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, followed by a commission as a Naval officer. He served eight years on active duty and remains in the reserves nearly two decades later, where he serves as chief of staff for the United States Special Operations Command-North.
Even after transitioning from military life, Porterfield wasn’t ready to hang up his sense of mission. He spent a decade in law enforcement, eventually leading him to executive protection—a field that allowed him to continue serving, albeit in a different capacity.
“While not ‘serving’ in the traditional sense of community, state, or nation, we serve and protect our clients and their families,” Porterfield says. “We bring with us decades of applicable experience that’s invaluable in the private sector.”
Building a World-Class Team
While Porterfield is quick to deflect attention from himself, those who know him recognize the leadership he brings to Lindemann Group. The company has grown to include a core team based in Texas, with a highly selective network of affiliates across the country and internationally.
That elite circle includes veterans of military special operations, intelligence, and both federal and local law enforcement. But technical skill alone isn’t enough. Porterfield emphasizes the importance of “soft skills” like emotional intelligence, discretion, and adaptability.
The operators he hires are not only highly trained and experienced, but also hand-picked based on one critical requirement: the ability to build rapport with anyone.
“In this field, you spend an incredible amount of time interacting with the public on behalf of your clients, so it’s vitally important that you not only present yourself well, but serve as an ambassador for your clients,” Porterfield explains. “People will judge them based on your behavior. You have to know when to be diplomatic and when to be direct.”
“Depending on the client, one might find themselves at the White House one day and a child’s soccer game the next,” he continues. “Knowing when to be social and when to be a fly on the wall is crucial.”
Lindemann Group’s ability to blend into any environment, anticipate threats, and de-escalate situations without force is a testament to Porterfield’s philosophy: The best protection feels invisible.
Why Clients Call
Lindemann Group clientele aren’t always facing an immediate threat. More often, they’re focused on preventing one. That prevention can take many forms, from securing local and international travel, to providing active shooter response training for corporate teams, to offering firearms and situational awareness training for individuals and groups. Sometimes a client might require immediate protection, such as during a hostile divorce with threats of violence or an adverse corporate termination. Porterfield and his team provide peace of mind in an unpredictable world. Their clients seek discretion, competence, and calm professionalism that comes only from years of real-world experience.
Behind the Glamour
From the outside, executive protection may appear sleek and thrilling and conjure images of suits, motorcades, and luxury travel. But Porterfield is candid about the realities behind the curtain.
“There’s an extraordinary amount of administrative work that goes on behind the scenes,” he says, including days of advance work, coordination with law enforcement, route mapping, contingency planning, and medical preparedness. It’s not glamorous, but it’s essential. People also need to keep in mind that while we might be accompanying a client to an exotic locale, we’re not on vacation. We’re working the entire time.”
That level of detail and preparation comes with a personal cost, like long hours, last-minute travel, and missed birthdays, holidays, and school events. For the men at Lindemann Group, the job doesn’t always end when the client goes home. “With some clients, you’re always on call,” says Porterfield.
“Burnout is a real challenge,” he admits. “You’re essentially living your client’s life and schedule, which can be brutal. One of our teams recently worked 75 hours in four days, then had to jump right back into a full week of work.”
Still, the team dynamic offers support that few outsiders understand. “Because of the time spent together, you get to know your teammates extraordinarily well, and we look out for each other,” Porterfield shares. “Humor and a positive attitude are critical, just like in the military or law enforcement.”
The Power of the Team
Porterfield may be the founder, but he’s the first to say Lindemann Group’s success is built on the backs of the exceptional men who work alongside him, many of whom are legends in their own right, with decades of experience in military leadership, federal law enforcement, and high-level security operations.
“This work is only possible because of the team,” Porterfield says. “We each bring something to the table, and together we put in the hours, solve problems in real time, and hold ourselves to the highest standard of integrity and professionalism.”
It’s a team built on mutual respect, shared values, and years of operating in environments where trust is non-negotiable. Together, they form the backbone of Lindemann Group’s reputation as an elite unit forged in service, refined in the field, and united by purpose.
A Mission That Matters
Despite its challenges, Porterfield is unwavering in his commitment to the work. He’s driven to protect his clients while building a company where others like him can thrive.
“The phenomenal feedback we receive from our clients is rewarding,” he says. “But giving others the opportunity to make a great living while providing world-class service is a close second.”
For Porterfield, Lindemann Group is a continuation of a life spent in service, built on a foundation of honor, humility, and excellence. It’s where men of service continue their mission of guarding others, supporting each other, and honoring the calling to protect.
LindemannGroupLLC.com
Sidebar:
Mercury Human Performance: Training Beyond the Range
Co-founded by retired Navy SEAL Rick Andstrom of the Lindemann Group, Mercury Human Performance (MHP) in Dripping Springs delivers elite training that fuses combat expertise with cutting-edge technology. With a synthetic gunfighter system and unlimited virtual “ammo,” clients can practice moving, shooting, and making split-second decisions under pressure. Led by Special Operations Forces veterans, MHP offers precision-focused training in a safe, temperature-controlled environment. Whether you're law enforcement, military, an athlete, or a driven civilian, this training is built for adaptability, discipline, and peak performance. MercuryHP.com