About Us
V&O Risk Consulting is a small tech-forward consulting firm that specializes in security, safety, investigations, and business resilience. V&O Risk provides these specialized consulting services to technology companies, start-ups, local and state governments.
V&O stands for ‘videmus omnia’ in Latin. This translates to ‘We See All’ in English. Security, safety and investigations personnel and consultants must have vigilance, knowledge and flexibility in everything they do, to be able to have 360° awareness of every ongoing situation they are in. Videmus Omnia is a standard here at V&O Risk, this ensures that we are always there for our clients and able to see all on their behalf.
Business Model
We strive to help our clients as Subject Matter Experts for any and all projects. Instead of having 100s of consultants hired directly by V&O Risk, we contract out projects based on expertise needed. These contracted consultants will be vetted and the client will have the opportunity to review their resume before the project begins.
The majority of the projects will be assigned to a full time V&O Risk staff member and not a contractor. Contractor’s are available to strengthen our ability to help you with all your needs.
Vision, Values and DE&I
Vision
V&O wants to help make your business a more safe and secure place.
The world is becoming a more dangerous place, no industry or location is immune to that risk. Budgets are always becoming tighter, especially when it comes to departments that house security, safety and investigation, as it’s a cost center. Many start-ups do not have the budget, time or personnel to focus on security and safety topics, that’s where V&O Risk fills the gap. We exist to help start-ups build out programs and processes to ensure the safety and security of clients, personnel, assets and customers.
We ensure that our price point is lower than many of our competitors. This will allow start-ups and other organizations with tight budgets to work with V&O Risk to mitigate and reduce risk without breaking the bank.
Values
Knowledge- As consultants we will be looked to for answers. We strive to have knowledge in many different facets to provide those answers. Here at V&O Risk we believe in life long learning from experience, conferences, books and also just living.
Vigilance- When working in security and safety it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and happening at all times. V&O will ensure that we constantly provide the utmost vigilance when it comes to our clients needs.
Flexibility- We believe that when it comes to working in safety and security, you have to be ready to work in the “grey”. We are familiar with the phrase “it depends”. We know that won’t change in consulting, so we believe staying flexible to our clients needs
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
V&O Risk fosters an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us to our customers and the communities we serve. We are inclusive. We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view. We believe diversity drives innovation.
Team
Michael Brinkofski - Owner/Founder
Michael has worked in the security and safety industry since 2010 when he joined the U.S Air Force. After he left the military, he went on to receive a Bachelor’s and Master’s from both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Purdue University in Aviation and Aerospace Management with a focus in homeland security. Michael brought his talents to the US Government where he worked as a Special Agent focusing on national security crimes for five years with a deployment to the Middle East under his belt. He then took a chance and moved to work in Corporate Security in the tech industry where he rose through the ranks at Zendesk.
At Zendesk, Michael realized that start-ups needed help, and many traditional security and safety consultants do not have the business structure to support them. Michael currently holds a senior position in the US Government and is a consultant as well. He believes in helping people by ensuring their security and safety.
Michael has a Physical Security Professional and Certified Professional Investigator through ASIS International. He also holds a Certified Member certification through American Association of Airport Executives. Michael is currently working towards the Certified Fraud Examiner position and will continue to take every opportunity to continue his education.