Team TSS

Jim Richards is the co-founder and CEO of Total Security Solutions (TSS), where for more than 20 years he has led the company in becoming a national leader in the design, engineering, and installation of custom bullet-resistant barrier systems.

Jim and his father founded the company with a singular focus of stopping bullets to save lives. They started the business at a time when bullet-resistant barriers were primarily used by banks to protect assets. 

He believes the best way to protect people is with systems tailored to the unique threats and operations of each client, designed with materials tested to the highest standards for bullet-resistance and forced entry. 

Under his leadership, the company has grown to three locations and more than 140 team members in Michigan and California. They have protected more than 30,000 buildings, including corporate offices, schools, banks and credit unions, healthcare facilities, government agencies and more. 

He has contributed many industry articles and has received numerous personal and company awards, including being a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year, a recipient of Crain's 40 Under 40 Award, INC 5000 List of the Fasted Growing Companies in America and most recently, a national winner of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work for for the sixth consecutive year, both in Metro Detroit and the nation. 

Jim has a bachelor's degree of Business Administration and a Master's degree in business from Aquinas College. In his free time, he enjoys barbecuing, beekeeping, fishing and finding ways to become 1% better every day. 

Christine Sermak is the Total Security Solutions Chief People Officer. In her role, she ensures that all human resources and business operations run smoothly, solves problems, oversees professional development, and promotes a positive company culture. Christine was the recipient of the Michigan Manufacturers Association prestigious 2024 Talent Champion award.

Christine came to TSS after nearly thirty years in the education field, where she worked as a principal, athletic director, teacher, and coach. Christine is passionate about removing barriers to enable success and empowering people to achieve their goals. She was drawn to the high-performance nature of the TSS team, the company culture, and it's focus on safety and security.

Christine holds a Bachelor of Arts from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration from Michigan State University. She also served on the Executive Board of Directors and in the role of President for the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan for many years. Christine has been inducted into two Halls of Fame as a student-athlete and coach.

Christine enjoys experiencing the world through travel, supporting women in sports, and bringing EOS to life. Her recommended read is The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.

Rick Knappe is Total Security Solutions’ Chief Financial Officer. In his role, Rick handles all financial reporting activities, risk management, banking relationships, treasury management, day-to-day management of the financial department, and planning and forecasting. 

Rick came to TSS after thirty years working as a certified public accountant, and as CFO at privately-held manufacturing companies. As the TSS CFO, Rick is passionate about being part of a successful, growing business and supporting TSS’ achievements. He also enjoys finding new ways to improve the financial results of the company.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Michigan State University. He’s a two-time finalist for Crain’s CFO of the Year award! Rick is passionate about volunteering with his church, boating, golfing, traveling, and reading. His recommended read is anything by John Grisham.

Eric Hatty is Total Security Solutions’ Chief Revenue Officer. In his role, Eric is responsible for the Revenue Vision & Growth Strategy, Customer Acquisition, Product Vision & Strategy, Forecasting, Pricing, and Day-to-Day Management of the Sales Organization.

Eric came to TSS with over 20 Years of Global Sales & Marketing Leadership and General Management.  As the TSS CRO, Eric is Passionate about Evolving and Leading the TSS Sales Organization to Drive Increased Customer Engagement and Innovative Safety & Security Solutions for TSS Customers.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from The University of Michigan. 

Eric is passionate about Fitness, Traveling with his Family, Volunteering, Gastronomy, and Grilling.  His recommended read is Good to Great by Jim Collins.

Paul La Vigne is the Total Security Solutions Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Information Officer. In his dual role, Paul leads the TSS' strategy and activities in marketing, IT, innovation, and technology.

Paul came to TSS after thirty years in marketing, communications, and technology. Over his career, Paul has founded four companies and two non-profits. He is passionate about leading TSS’s marketing and technology efforts to help deliver the highest quality physical security systems that save lives.

Paul holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications and Marketing from Eastern Michigan University and multiple post-graduate certifications. He serves as an advisor to Cornerstone University's digital marketing program.

Paul is passionate about community service, traveling with his family, and teaching taekwondo. His recommended reads are Start With Why by Simon Sinek and What the Heck is EOS by Gino Wickman.