Security assessments you can act on and defend
1st Stage Strategies LLC delivers independent physical security and emergency-preparedness assessments, plus licensed investigations, for Texas utilities, energy operators, care facilities and public agencies.
David Franklin, Principal
More than 30 years of protective, investigative and security leadership: Yankee White security Marine, DPS Trooper in the Capitol District and the Texas Highway Patrol, DPS Sergeant through Captain in Criminal Intelligence and Organized Crime, Inspector in the Office of Audit and Inspection, Assistant Chief with UT System Police, Chief of Staff for Albuquerque PD, and Data Center Security Manager.
Read David's full bio →- ProtectionYankee White Marine at Camp David; DPS Trooper, Capitol District protective duty
- Law enforcementDPS Trooper, Capitol District and Texas Highway Patrol; Sergeant through Captain; CID Criminal Intelligence and Organized Crime; Inspector, Office of Audit and Inspection; Assistant Chief, UT System Police; Chief of Staff, Albuquerque PD
- Private sectorData Center Security Manager
- EducationMaster's in homeland security, Naval Postgraduate School CHDS; FBI National Academy, Session 258
- CertificationsCritical Infrastructure Protection, Texas A&M TEEX; NIMS/ICS 100, 200, 700, 800, 300, 400
- MilitaryUSMC Reconnaissance Team Leader, Iraq (OIF-III); Purple Heart
Four sectors, one disciplined approach
Field-verified findings, tailored to the facilities and requirements of each sector. Fixed fee agreed before any work begins.
Electric Utilities
Substations, control centers and utility campuses.
How we work →Oil & Gas
Well sites, tank batteries and theft exposure.
How we work →Healthcare & Assisted Living
Emergency preparedness and compliance, including HB 3595 power outage plans.
How we work →Municipal & Public Sector
Public buildings that are open by design.
How we work →We can act on what we find
Most consultancies hand over a report and leave. As a Texas DPS-licensed investigations company, we can run down the risks an assessment surfaces without you hiring a second firm.
- Background checks on contractors, haulers, vendors and new hires
- Insider-threat, theft and sabotage investigations
- Case packages for law-enforcement referral
- Follow-up visits to verify corrective actions
Start with a 30-minute scoping call
Tell us the site or facility that worries you most. We'll outline the approach and quote a firm price before any work begins.
1st Stage Strategies LLC · 605 West 9th Street #1028, Austin, Texas 78701 · Texas DPS Private Security Bureau licensed investigations company, License No. A31262501 · Veteran-owned
© 2026 1st Stage Strategies LLC. All rights reserved.

