Our Team

The people behind the standard.

Every Valcor engagement runs on the same discipline: military precision, federal law enforcement experience, and field operators who have done the work.

Executive Leadership

Built by operators.

Jeremy Pelle, Founder and CEO

Jeremy Pelle

Founder & CEO

Former French Marine and international close protection specialist. Over 18 years across France, the UK, and the United States. Founder of Valcor Group Inc. and TYR ONE.

Jeremy Pelle's journey began in the French Army, serving with the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment. His military experience instilled integrity, loyalty, and professionalism, and sharpened his skills in warfare tactics during deployments maintaining peace in Africa.

After his military service, Jeremy transitioned to Close Protection Specialist work for Fortune 500 principals. Based in London, he led security operations for a prominent political figure, overseeing physical protection, estate security, transportation, and coordination both domestically and internationally.

On returning to France, Jeremy served as a Personal Bodyguard and Executive Assistant for high-net-worth clients. Over more than 18 years in the security industry, he has operated across the USA, UK, Brazil, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Spain.

Since becoming a US resident in 2018, Jeremy has excelled as an Account Manager and then Vice President at a security and training company operating across California, Florida, and Tennessee. He went on to found Valcor Group Inc. and its affiliate training firm, TYR ONE.

Certifications

  • Close Protection for Fortune 500 principals
  • Executive Protection, CONUS and OCONUS
  • POST Law Enforcement, CA DOJ, CCW Tactical Handgun Instructor
  • NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
  • CCW CA, UT
  • California Firearms Permit
  • PPO #121535
Vincent Lopez, Vice-President

Vincent Lopez

Vice-President

Former U.S. Army Scout/Sniper, 10th Mountain Division. Extensive work with the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service and multinational Executive Protection units.

Vincent Lopez began his professional career in the United States Army, serving in the 10th Mountain Division as a Scout/Sniper. His deployments to Southwest Asia and the Balkans included Operations Desert Falcon, Desert Fox, Noble Eagle, Liberty Shield, Joint Guard, Joint Forge, and Task Force Eagle.

Following the 10th Mountain Division, Vincent served as an Operations Sergeant with the 40th Infantry Division, further strengthening his expertise in strategic planning and tactical leadership.

Beyond his military service, Vincent has worked extensively with the Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and supported multinational Government Personal Security Detail and Executive Protection units across international theaters.

With decades of hands-on experience across military, diplomatic, and executive security, Vincent brings proven leadership to high-risk protective operations.

Certifications

  • POST Law Enforcement, CA DOJ
  • CCW Tactical Handgun Instructor
  • NRA Certified Instructor
  • NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
  • DOJ Certified Instructor
  • BSIS Instructor
  • Certified Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) Instructor
Salvador Valdez, Chief Security Strategist

Salvador Valdez

Chief Security Strategist

26-year FBI Special Agent and U.S. Army Airborne veteran. 32+ years in leadership, risk management, and intelligence-driven security operations.

Salvador Valdez brings over 32 years of expertise in leadership, risk management, compliance, and security operations. His career spans the FBI and the private sector, with security consulting for Fortune 500 clients and high-profile events in Southern California.

As Senior Vice President for a Southern California security company, Salvador managed comprehensive security plans for sporting and entertainment events and led operations for top-tier clients.

Prior to this, his 26-year tenure as an FBI Special Agent included executive leadership of the Intelligence Program in the Los Angeles Division. He was instrumental in the FBI's transformation into an intelligence-driven agency and spearheaded nationwide information-sharing initiatives. His investigative expertise extends to counterterrorism, cybercrime, counterintelligence, fraud, and public corruption.

Salvador's background also includes military service with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from California State University, Dominguez Hills.

Education & Professional Affiliations

  • FBI Executive Leadership Program, Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management
  • California Association of Private Investigators
  • FBI InfraGard, Los Angeles Chapter
  • Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI

Certifications

  • California-licensed Private Investigator and Guard
  • BSIS California Guard and Private Investigator licenses
  • Certified Gaming Commissioner
Field Operations

Running the field.

Tobias Schmidt, Field Manager

Tobias Schmidt

Field Manager
Division 101

Two decades in security and personal protection. Former German Defense Force Staff Sergeant, Special Operations, 1998–2015. Executive protection for high-profile principals in Los Angeles.

Tobias Schmidt brings over two decades of specialized experience in security management and personal protection. His career began in the German Defense Force where he served as a Staff Sergeant in Special Operations from 1998 to 2015, providing a strong foundation in tactical operations, strategic planning, and crisis management.

Following his military service, Tobias transitioned to the private sector as an Executive Protection Officer. He offered personalized security services to high-profile individuals in Los Angeles, ensuring their safety and privacy through thorough threat assessments, bespoke security protocols, and emergency response strategies.

Education

Graduate of Helmut Schmidt University of the German Defense Forces, Bachelor's Degree in Security Management. Additionally completed HiSET at Friedman Occupational Center.

Skills & Expertise

  • Customer relations and principal protection
  • Self-defense instruction and weapons handling
  • Patrolling procedures and incident reporting
  • Physical readiness and tactical decision-making
Adrian Castro, Field Manager

Adrian Castro

Field Manager
Division 102

Background in loss prevention and security operations. Former Loss Prevention Supervisor at Target and Macy's. Bilingual English/Spanish. Runs scheduling, HR coordination, and logistics.

Adrian Castro brings a strong foundation in security operations and management. With a proven track record in loss prevention, risk assessment, and team recruitment, Adrian plays a pivotal role in assembling and managing high-performing teams.

His career began in the retail security sector, where he held key positions as Loss Prevention Supervisor at both Target and Macy's. In these roles, he enforced safety protocols, led security teams, and collaborated with law enforcement on investigations, sharpening his skills in risk management, incident response, and operational leadership.

Education & Certifications

  • Business studies, Rio Hondo College
  • Graduate of Schurr High School
  • Certified Proprietary Private Security Officer (California)
  • Loss Prevention Certification
  • Risk Assessment Manager
  • Senior Expert Recruiter

Skills & Core Competencies

Precision, organizational acumen, and technical ability. Proficient in diagnosing and troubleshooting security systems, installation, and maintenance. Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish enables seamless communication across teams and clients.

Alexander Kolesa, Field Manager and Technology

Alexander Kolesa

Field Manager & Technology
Division 103

Senior Diver and Safety Officer with LA County Sheriff's Department Reserve Dive Team. FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot. Leads drone surveillance and security technology programs at Valcor.

Alex serves as a Senior Diver and Safety Officer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Reserve Dive Team, where he leads underwater recovery operations, interagency counter-terrorism missions, and critical emergency response deployments. These responsibilities require decisive leadership, technical mastery, and rapid problem-solving under pressure — all of which inform his approach to managing site operations at Valcor.

A licensed FAA Part 107 drone pilot, Alex specializes in aerial surveillance, reconnaissance, and real-time intelligence support. His integration of drone systems into operational planning enhances situational awareness and provides clients with a significant tactical advantage.

In his role at Valcor, Alex oversees site operations and supports the development of security technology programs, including drone surveillance, emergency response coordination, and residential and corporate protection.

Education & Certifications

  • Cyber Security studies
  • FAA Part 107 sUAS Remote Pilot
  • BSIS Guard Card, Firearms Permit, Baton, and Chemical Agents
  • Emergency First Response Instructor; First Aid CPR AED Oxygen Instructor
  • PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Instructor with NAUI, SDI, and NASE
  • Public Safety Diving Instructor
Photo Coming Soon

Rodel Parejo

Assistant Field Manager
Division 103

Supports Division 103 site operations and technology programs alongside Alexander Kolesa. Full bio to follow.

Careers

Join a team that takes the work seriously.

Valcor hires experienced security operators and field staff across Southern California. If you hold the standard, we want to meet you.

Apply Now