Help and support can come in many forms. When used to its highest advantage, it can oftentimes lead to astronomical growth and success, especially in the business community. J. Kevin McIntyre, a former Army Officer, knows just how far a little help can go.

Kevin is the owner of Samson Protection Services, LLC , a property protection and security company based out of Prince George’s County. As a former combat veteran and attorney, Kevin saw an opportunity to help improve the quality of the security industry by using skills he learned during his time in service. While Samson Protection Services opened in 2017, Kevin struggled with the expenses of running a quality security company, oftentimes digging into his own pocket for funds.

Kevin realized that in order to provide the quality of service his customers deserved, he needed a helping hand. This led him to the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Military Personnel and Veteran-owned Small Business Loan Program (MPVOLP). MPVOLP  provides no interest loans of up to $50,000, from one to eight years, for businesses owned by military reservists, veterans, service-disabled veterans, National Guard personnel and for small businesses that employ this demographic.

After completing the application process, the business was approved and received the loan during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, the company had only two employees and just one active contract. Through MPVOLP, Samson Protection Services used the loan funding to drastically improve its business plan. The company was able to pay rent at its new office space for an entire year, pay employee salaries, hire new employees, buy supplies, create a new logo along with advertising, and even purchased its first patrol car.

The business has increased its workforce to 40 employees and has continued growing day by day, serving the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region. The business is proud to put people to work and provide employment to its surrounding community, while also aiming to hire veterans and former police officers. Along with providing services to the state of Maryland, Samson Protection Services has gained a number of well-known clients through this growth opportunity and now holds service contracts with Lowes, REI, Marriott, CVS, and Pandora, as well as various homeowners associations, apartment complexes, small businesses, and clinics throughout its service area.