Arnie Lipson is the founder of the C.A.P.S. program, Combatives, Awareness, Personal Security, a personal safety and security company that provides security and self-defense training

Arnie Lipson, age 45

founder of C.A.P.S.—Combatives, Awareness, Personal Security—a Stafford-based safety company that specializes in crime prevention seminars, and training citizens, security personnel and law enforcement to prevent and survive violent confrontations and high risk encounters.

EDUCATION: Bachelors of Arts in biology from Adelphi University in Garden City, N.Y., with a minor in social sciences.

CAREER HISTORY: Fairfax County Police Department on street patrol; Fairfax County Sheriff's Office as a state certified advanced defensive tactics instructor and academy instructor.

Provided protective services for Fairfax County judges. Team leader for Sheriff's Emergency Response Team. Instructor for a major company that trains American law enforcement officers.

HOW DID YOU END UP FORMING THE C.A.P.S. PROGRAM? I have a 31-year martial arts background and I spent the last 10 years studying reality-based combatives and high-risk environment survival. I also have spent 20 years in law enforcement. I felt it was time to start my own business—not only to train law enforcement and security personnel for high-risk confrontations, but to teach crime prevention and violent crime survival to the community.

WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR BUSINESS IS CHANGING THE MOST? I think more people are increasingly fed up with violent crime and are prepared to do whatever it takes to prevent themselves and their loved ones from becoming victims.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT SITUATION FACED ON THE JOB? I had to fight a violent man who was under the influence of alcohol and PCP.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WOULD CHANGE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I would like to be able to train people to concentrate solely on personal safety without having to include liability issues. That is, however, a reality in our society. The fear of lawsuits or being charged criminally inhibits the ability of many people to effectively protect themselves from violence.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB NOW? I enjoy the feedback I get from those who I have trained. When someone survives a high-risk situation and tells me that something that I had taught them had saved their lives, it makes everything I do worthwhile.

WHO IS THE MOST PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS LEADER YOU KNOW? WHY? I would have to say J. Kelly McCann of Crucible Security. He took a small group of guys who did combative and reality-based training for a hobby and developed a tremendous business from it in a relatively short time. I have a great deal of respect for him.

FAVORITE VACATION SPOT? West coast of Florida. I've been vacationing there since the 1960s.

FAVORITE BINGE FOOD? Coffee or mocha flavored ice cream.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT? I was at a high-class restaurant for dinner years ago. The server poured a little wine into my glass for me to taste and approve. I, not knowing why, looked at the wine, looked at him, and said "Is that all I get?"

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BUSINESS BOOK? WHY? Jeffrey Gitomer's "Little Black Book of Connections." It's a down-to-earth, basic book about how people should treat each other, and how that applies to business.

WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I like to spend time with family, whether it is on a trip, activity or just relaxing. I also enjoy my workouts and my training as much today as I did 30 years ago.

WHAT IS THE CLOSEST YOU'VE COME TO A BRUSH WITH A CELEBRITY? I had the opportunity to work out with Chuck Norris at his school in Virginia Beach in 1985. I met him down there while on a vacation with friends. It was an awesome workout and he's a super nice guy.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP? I wanted to be a veterinarian as I enjoyed working with animals when I was younger. I developed a greater interest in law enforcement as I was finishing my degree.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up in Queens, N.Y., in the Glendale / Middle Village area.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT? I had the opportunity to work a weeklong protective detail for one of the world's wealthiest men and his family.

WHAT'S THE BEST CAREER ADVICE ANYONE HAS GIVEN YOU? Seek to help others first. The success will follow if you do.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS TRYING TO ENTER THIS FIELD? Train and teach with reality in mind so that you know for sure what works and what doesn't. Remember also, no matter how big your business may get, don't EVER stop training and learning.

— Kafia Hosh