ADAM PIETRZAK
Co-Founder & Principal
Adam is a seasoned combat veteran and retired Navy SEAL with over 20 years of service to our country. In 2001, he was screened and selected to go to the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) to support global counter-terrorism operations. Adam spent the next ten years deploying to the Middle East before becoming a SEAL instructor at the end of his career.
While at DEVGRU, Adam completed the High Threat Protective Security Detail Course with the US Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). He led personal security details for multiple heads of state, diplomats, and POTUS/FLOTUS.
For nearly the last decade, he has worked in private-sector protection services. Adam's expertise lies in executive protection, security consulting, and team development for high-net-worth clients and corporations in the United States, Europe, and Central America.
WHO WE ARE
Bruce Porterfield
Founder & Principal
Bruce is a decorated combat veteran with 25 years combined service (active and reserve) as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He began his career as a Surface Warfare officer and subsequently attended and graduated from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Ordnance Clearance Officer course at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Eglin, FL. For the last 20 years, he has served in a direct support capacity for both the Navy Special Operations (EOD) and Navy Special Warfare (SEAL) communities. He currently serves as the Chief of Staff (NR) at US Special Operations Command North (SOCNORTH) and has attained the rank of Commander (0-5).
Concurrent with his military career, Bruce served for 10 years as a commissioned police officer with both the San Diego and Austin police departments. Prior to beginning his career in local law enforcement, he briefly served with the US Department of State (DoS) Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), where he was assigned to the San Diego Resident Field Office. He also spent three years working as a private military contractor for the United States Government.
Bruce has spent 25 years dedicated to public service and shifted his focus to the private security sector in 2020. Since then, he has worked as an executive protection professional for an internationally recognized high-net-worth client and his family.
Rick Andstrom
Project Manager
Rick Andstrom, a decorated Navy SEAL with 25 years of distinguished service, possesses an innovative mindset and excels in managing challenging circumstances. He is adept at developing and elevating team members. His military career commenced in 1994, and he ascended to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Throughout his career, Rick participated in eight combat deployments, sharpening his expertise in intelligence operations, trauma medicine, and non-standard mobility.
During his tenure, Rick was deployed eight times, trained over 200 intelligence operators, and led or participated in over 50 combat missions. He played a crucial role in conducting over 100 sensitive intelligence operations across numerous countries. Remarkably, two of these operations significantly influenced U.S. foreign policy.
In his role as a Team Leader and Mentor for a U.S. State Department program, Rick led a small, decentralized Ukrainian intelligence service and special operations team. His leadership was instrumental in executing 30 insurgent-style direct action missions and reconnaissance operations, particularly notable due to the lack of conventional support.
Rick is also a co-founder of Rally Ready Tactical, a venture that mirrors his passion for driving and tactical training. Here, he developed a specialized program focused on military and government mobility in austere environments.
Rick's ability to strategize and execute plans in challenging environments stands as a testament to his exceptional leadership and strategic skills. His extensive experience in international travel security in high-stakes environments further underscores his remarkable capabilities.
COL Michael T. Ripley
Director of Operations
COL Michael T. Ripley began his military career as an Infantry Officer and was subsequently selected for, and graduated from, the Special Forces Qualification Course. He was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) as a Detachment Commander where he participated in the Colombian Counternarcotics Initiative and deployed to Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Paraguay. In 2001, he was assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) in Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. He served as a Detachment Commander in Operations SILENT JEOPARDY and SECURE TOMORROW in Haiti. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th SFG(A) in 2004, where he commanded the CENTCOM Crisis Response Element during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. COL Ripley deployed in 2007 and 2008 with 7th Group Headquarters as the CJSOTF‐A J35 for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM X and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM XII. In 2008, he assumed command of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) and deployed to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.
From 2010 to 2013, COL Ripley served in Joint Special Operations Command as Aide‐de‐Camp to Commander JSOC, J5 Strategic Plans Officer, and J35 Future Operations Officer. COL Ripley assumed command of the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) Brigade Special Troops Battalion in June 2013 in Bamberg, Germany and later that year moved the Battalion to Vicenza, Italy where he led the unit through multiple international exercises. COL Ripley was assigned to NATO SOF Headquarters as Military Assistant to Commander NSHQ in August 2015, and assumed the Chief of Staff position from June 2016 – July 2018.
Most recently COL Ripley served for two years as the Deputy Commander, 7th Special Forces Group at Camp Bull Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He now serves as the United States Army Special Operations Command liaison to Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas.
COL Ripley brings over 20 years of military special operations experience and leadership to Lindemann Group. He is an expert in international security, counterterrorism, and intelligence operations.
ROBERT CAUDILL
Project Manager
Robert began his professional career as a United States Marine Corps infantry officer where he served for 6 years attaining the rank of Captain.
He transitioned into law enforcement and has served 26 years as a police officer and detective in both the Virginia Beach and the Austin Police Departments. Robert has worked most of his career in specialized units including Metro Tactical, SWAT, CAST (Active Shooter Response Team) and as a Gang Suppression Unit Investigator assigned to the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Robert has spent 32 years dedicated to public service. In 2022 he began working executive protection in the private sector serving high net-worth and celebrity clients.
MICHAEL T. RIPLEY
Project Manager
COL Michael T. Ripley graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 as a Distinguished Military Graduate and was commissioned as an Infantry Second Lieutenant.
As an Infantry Officer, he served as a Rifle Platoon Leader, Company Executive Officer, and Support Platoon Leader in the Republic of Korea with the 9th and 20th Infantry Regiments. He later served as a Company Executive Officer and Support Platoon Leader with the 87th Infantry Regiment in the Republic of Panama. COL Ripley graduated the Special Forces Qualification Course in 1999, and was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). As a Detachment Commander, he participated in the Colombian Counternarcotics Initiative and deployed to Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Paraguay. In 2001, he was assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) in Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. He served as a Detachment Commander in Operations SILENT JEOPARDY and SECURE TOMORROW in Haiti. He was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th SFG(A) in 2004, where he commanded the CENTCOM Crisis Response Element during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. COL Ripley deployed in 2007 and 2008 with 7th Group Headquarters as the CJSOTF‐A J35 for Operation ENDURING FREEDOM X and Operation ENDURING FREEDOM XII. In 2008, he assumed command of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th SFG(A) and deployed to Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.
From 2010 to 2013, COL Ripley served in Joint Special Operations Command as Aide‐de‐Camp to Commander JSOC, J5 Strategic Plans Officer, and J35 Future Operations Officer. COL Ripley assumed command of the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) Brigade Special Troops Battalion in June 2013 in Bamberg, Germany and later that year moved the Battalion to Vicenza, Italy where he led the unit through multiple international exercises. COL Ripley was assigned to NATO SOF Headquarters as Military Assistant to Commander NSHQ in August 2015, and assumed the Chief of Staff position from June 2016 – July 2018.
Most recently COL Ripley served for two years as the Deputy Commander, 7th Special Forces Group at Camp Bull Simons, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. He now serves as the United States Army Special Operations Command to Army Futures Command in Austin, Texas.
COL Ripley’s military and civilian education include: the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Airborne School, Ranger School, Special Forces Qualification Course, SERE School, Special Forces Advanced Reconnaissance and Target Exploitation Techniques Course, Joint Targeting Course, Command and General Staff College, and the School of Advanced Military Studies. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Texas A&M University and a Masters of Military Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
