By Andres Huertas Rodrguez on April 21, 2025
In the heart of southeastern Wisconsin, just outside Milwaukee, a retired veteran is transforming the way local communities think about safety. Meet Mark Zirtzlaff, CEO of MZ Security Consulting, a business dedicated to offering practical, cost-effective security solutions to schools, small businesses, and families across Wisconsin.
Mark’s journey into the world of security consulting started after he retired from a 27-year military career focused on force protection and anti-terrorism. Inspired by a wave of school incidents and a deep desire to serve his community, he decided to bring his knowledge and experience into the civilian world.
“I realized I had all this experience, and I needed to share it for the benefit of my community,” Mark explains. “It was never about the money. It’s about making people safer.”
Unlike large corporations with extensive budgets, many small businesses and schools struggle to afford proper security measures. That’s where MZ Security Consulting comes in. Mark is committed to providing assessments, training, and consulting that are accessible to everyone.
“Because I receive a military pension, I can keep my prices low and focus on what matters most: safety.”
One of Mark’s most impactful initiatives is his self-designed school safety program, H.E.L.P., which stands for Hide, Evacuate, Listen, and Protect Yourself. This program is tailored specifically for pre-K through 8th-grade students and is in the process of being trademarked.
Unlike traditional active shooter trainings, H.E.L.P. is age-appropriate, easy to understand, and designed to minimize fear. Older students assist younger ones through simulations, reinforcing the message in a supportive and empowering way.
Mark doesn’t stop with students. His training also equips teachers with de-escalation tactics and behavioral awareness skills, creating a more secure and prepared learning environment. For parents, he promotes transparency—a critical factor often missing in school security protocols.
“My daughter has anxiety, and I understand what it feels like to not know what’s happening at school,” Mark shares. “Transparency builds trust and safety.”
Whether it’s a school, small business, or personal home, Mark starts every engagement with a security assessment. He walks clients through everything from building access points to landscaping that might obscure visibility.
From there, he delivers practical recommendations without upselling expensive equipment. His focus? Secure the building, manage visitors wisely, and train people to respond effectively.
John McKinney, an operations executive who worked alongside Mark during his time with the U.S. Department of Defense’s TSWG, shared this about him:
“Mark was instrumental in assisting me in placing enhanced surveillance and screening equipment that had been developed by my office into his operations. He was able to look at all facets of his task and see how to best employ new technologies, and developed a strong working relationship across multiple agencies and functional groups. He was a strong leader, and had a unique ability to resolve difficulties and build consensus.”
Born and raised in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Mark now resides in Oak Creek. Though his business is currently focused locally, he has national ambitions for the H.E.L.P. program. The goal is simple: prepare children early so that by the time they reach high school, safety is second nature.
“If we get it right early, high schoolers will already know what to do. They’ll be confident and prepared.”
Mark’s five-year vision includes hiring facilitators to help scale the H.E.L.P. program across the country while he remains its spokesperson and guiding force. As a family man and an artist who picked up acrylic painting post-retirement, Mark brings a refreshing mix of structure, compassion, and creativity to everything he does.
“Start with passion,” Mark advises. “You’ll make mistakes, but that’s part of the journey. If you wait until it’s perfect, you’ll miss your chance.”
Security solutions with real results—that’s the motto behind MZ Security Consulting. And with Mark Zirtzlaff leading the way, the communities of Wisconsin are undoubtedly in good hands.
Website: www.mzsecurityconsulting.com
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