Gotham Meets Vegas

These days it seems the world is becoming increasingly dark. It hints of Gotham – yet tragically lacks a “silent guardian, watchful protector…a dark knight” like Batman.

But even in the darkness… there’s ALWAYS light.

I recently discovered a brilliant one where you’d least expect it. A protector who’s admirably lurked in the shadows for years, quietly focusing on the darkness so others can focus on the light. Thankfully – in many respects – that’s changing.

Underneath Vegas’ dazzling neon are miles of dark tunnels, home to a burgeoning homeless population plagued by addiction(s). An undesirable setting few would dare to visit and a counter intuitive place to find a beacon of hope and light. Yet that’s exactly where I met Paul “IX” Kemppainen, emerging from the shadows, offering his hand to a young couple who had stumbled upon dark times and resources to help them find their way out of addiction.

From the Shadows to the Bright Lights of Center Stage

Above ground, IX recently and atypically stepped into the public light – accepting the Vegas Chamber’s 2023 Emerging Business of the Year Award for his company SISU Enlightened Protection (NV PILB LIC #4026) which provides what he and his team call “Protection 2.0” for people, places, and things. A win unlocked by a steadfast commitment to the art of protection, serving those around him, and integrating into the fabric of our local community.

It’s hard to go unnoticed though when you’ve hit the unrivaled pinnacle of one’s industry. From protecting some of the brightest stars of our generation to the nation’s highest profile events, to emerging/disruptive technologies that are reshaping life as we know it.

An Owner/Outlier in the Security Space Whose Breadth and Depth of Experience are Unmatched

To say his credentials are impressive would be an understatement; they border on the fantastical. A real-life, modern-day Samurai. Ahem… former Naval Officer who worked with the SEALs, Secret Service Agent, C.I.A. He even built a security program from scratch for Elon Musk and his rocket company SpaceX. He’s a bit of a rocket scientist himself, having studied security at Georgetown, Cambridge, and Harvard. 🤯

At a time when things are increasingly dark, and traditional security measures inspire natural doubt – IX and his company SISU now offer a clear cut alternative.

Serving and Empowering More Broadly

One of the legendary things about IX is his atypical focus on others and not on himself, reflexively conditioned after decades of selfless service and empowerment.

But his journey to the top is epic in its own right – filled with ups, downs, twists, turns, jaw-dropping experiences, and risks few if any would have the courage to stomach. He provided me with a brief glimpse when recounting his decision to open SISU on a recent trek to Mount Everest.

In a world that seems increasingly dark it’s people like IX who inspire us to believe in the existence of real heroes, and perhaps more importantly, to believe in the hidden hero that exists within each of us.

Serving and Empowering Others Beyond the Realm of Protection: IX’s Personal Mission

In addition to his efforts with SISU, IX recently started to share his adventurous personal tale with groups and individuals, inspiring them to have the courage to believe in themselves, equipping them with one-of-a-kind tools to take unthinkable but calculated risk(s), and teaching them how to protect their most ambitious dreams with everything they’ve got. A newer venture called North.

Embark on Your Own Hero’s Journey.

Visit www.north.seatosky.enterprises to learn more about IX’s new venture and to unlock your OWN hero’s journey. Achieve YOUR impossible(s).

Visit www.sisu.la to learn more about SISU, Protection 2.0, and what constitutes award-winning Enlightened Protection for people, places, and things. A refreshingly different option in an era when its most needed, and the clear front runner in a city known for the world’s “best of(s).”

Congratulations to IX and his team for the recent award and recognition. Inspiring and most deserving.

Members of the editorial and news staff of the Las Vegas Review-Journal were not involved in the creation of this content.