Team TSS

Jim founded TSS with his father based on the belief that everyone deserves to be safe at work and the values of working hard and doing what’s right. As CEO Jim oversees company operations and strategic goals. He’s been named to the Crain’s 40 Under 40 award, an EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist, among other awards and recognitions. His articles on ballistic security have been featured in Campus Security Today and the Security Industry Association.

Honors and awards include

• EY Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist
• Crain's 40 Under 40 Award Recipient
• Inc 5000 List of the Fastest Growing Companies in America
• John G. Thodis Michigan Manufacturer of the Year
• Michigan 50 Companies to Watch

Jim holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Business from Aquinas College. Jim spent 10 years coaching youth basketball and is a BBQ champion, beekeeper, and avid fisherman.

A passionate lifelong learner, Jim is committed to getting 1% better every day. His recommended reads are Atomic Habits by James Clear and Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven.

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.