Industry veterans Carl Stark and Dave Torgerson, who previously founded and sold the security integration company Qualified Systems Contracting to Convergint in 2013, have reunited at Facility Protection Group (FPG) in Tampa, Fla. 

With a shared vision and complementary expertise, Stark tells SDM that he and his longtime business partner are focused on building a new company with the goal of eventually passing it on to their leadership replacements. “We want to grow a large company that remains privately held and bucks the trend of being owned by private equity companies,” he said. 

Stark joined FPG in July as vice president and co-owner, bringing a wealth of experience from his leadership roles at national security integrators. The business partners are drawing on the lessons learned from their past ventures to build FPG into a dynamic and resilient organization. This includes strategically applying several key lessons to the new venture, such as remaining rooted in small business values and traditions. 

“One key insight we’ve gained is the critical role of cultivating a strong, positive culture as the bedrock for growth,” Stark explained. “We’ve also recognized the importance of social responsibility, committing to give back to the communities we serve and ensuring our impact extends beyond business to meaningful community support.” 

After founding FPG in 2018, Torgerson returned to his small business roots, focusing on local values and a personal touch. Stark, meanwhile, spent five years leading the national accounts division for Security 101 before deciding to partner with Torgerson again. Reflecting on his decision, Stark said, “As vice president and 50 percent owner of Facility Protection Group, I lead our sales and marketing efforts while my partner oversees daily operations. This division of responsibilities allows us to leverage our respective strengths and expertise.” 

Moving into 2025, the partners are focused on expanding market share in Central Florida and establishing a new office. Stark and Torgerson are also prioritizing the recruitment of top talent, offering equity to attract and retain skilled professionals. 

In the rapidly evolving security integration space, FPG stays ahead by investing in advanced technologies, maintaining strong partnerships with technology providers and tailoring solutions to meet client needs. Also key is prioritizing ongoing training and development for team members to ensure they are well-versed in emerging technologies and best practices. 

“By fostering strong partnerships with leading technology providers, we gain early access to innovative solutions that address evolving security challenges,” Stark noted. “This proactive approach ensures we remain at the forefront of the security integration space, delivering exceptional value and protection to our clients.”