THE OFFICIAL
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A RATING
Michael Braun:
Raising the Standard in Executive Protection
For Michael Braun, a career in protection and security was never simply a profession, it was part of his upbringing. Growing up in Germany in a family of police officers and soldiers, Michael developed an early appreciation for discipline, service, and responsibility. His father served as a police officer, and while he initially pursued competitive athletics, becoming a six-time German WAKO Kickboxing Champion and three-time International German Kickboxing Champion, a conversation with his sister ultimately changed the trajectory of his life. Encouraged to follow in his father’s footsteps, he set his sights on law enforcement and earned a coveted position with the Bavarian Police Force, where only 90 candidates were selected from approximately 15,000 applicants.
Michael excelled in the German Police Academy before advancing to the elite USK special unit, where he also served as an arrest techniques instructor. His future, however, took an unexpected turn during a vacation to the United States. While visiting Paradise Cove in Malibu, he met the woman who would become his wife. What was to be a four-week visit to Germany for her became 2 years. Their relationship evolved into a lasting relationship, which led to marriage, and ultimately a move to California in 2012. Although he had received an offer to join Germany’s prestigious SEK hostage rescue unit, family priorities led him to the United States. Just six weeks after arriving, he launched his career in executive protection, beginning a journey that would eventually lead to the founding of MSB Protection.
Building an Elite Security Organization
Founded in 2024, MSB Protection specializes in executive protection and residential security for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, prominent families, and private estates throughout California. As CEO, Michael oversees executive protection operations, residential security programs, threat assessments, risk mitigation strategies, team development, and customized security planning designed around each client’s lifestyle and risk profile.
A Different Approach to Protection
What sets MSB Protection apart is its emphasis on Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM), a methodology Michael believes is often overlooked in the private security industry. Rather than focusing solely on physical protection, the company evaluates every aspect of a client’s environment, including residences, travel routes, venues, vendors, and daily routines.
Michael compares the firm’s approach more closely to intelligence operations than traditional bodyguard services. Protectors are trained to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, often appearing more like trusted colleagues or friends than security personnel. This discreet presence allows the team to identify vulnerabilities, mitigate threats, and provide informed guidance while preserving clients’ privacy and lifestyle.
Leadership Through Experience
Before launching MSB Protection, Michael served as security operations director and senior team leader at Gavin de Becker & Associates, one of the most respected names in executive protection. Combined with his law enforcement background, specialized tactical training, and years of experience protecting high-profile individuals, he has developed a security philosophy rooted in preparedness, professionalism, and continuous readiness.
Michael Braun
CEO
MSB Protection
Website: https://msbprotection.com