A former police officer from Danville, California, Ryan Walterhouse has worked in law enforcement and security since 2013, when he began working with the Oakland Police Department. Ryan Walterhouse currently works as a contract security officer.
Mr. Walterhouse worked as a police officer for the Oakland Police for three years beginning in 2013. In his current position as a security officer, he protects government buildings, personnel, and sensitive information. He also is involved in risk mitigation related to criminal activity, terrorism, and other threats. He also collaborates with local law enforcement, federal agencies, and private contractors in relation to emergency preparedness, incidents, threat assessments, and compliance.
Mr. Walterhouse interests include day-trading, parenting, the struggles of small business owners, and the various ways that baseball can be applied to work. In his personal time, he enjoys golfing, working out, participating in CrossFit games, and playing baseball (having been a college baseball player in his youth).
Mr. Walterhouse went to Ohlone College, where he earned an associate’s degree in general education. He later earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana State University.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My day starts early with a workout—it sets the tone for focus and discipline. After that, I head into my federal protection post, where situational awareness and communication are key. I plan my day the night before, prioritizing tasks in order of urgency and impact. I stay productive by blocking out time for key work, limiting distractions, and finishing what I start before moving on.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I start by breaking big ideas into actionable steps. Then I test small pieces of it quickly—whether it’s a new safety protocol or a real estate concept—and adjust based on what works. I believe in collaboration, so I bring others in early to challenge my perspective and refine the plan.
What’s one trend that excites you?
I’m excited about how leadership development is evolving in public safety—there’s a bigger focus on communication, emotional intelligence, and mental fitness. It’s no longer just about physical toughness; it’s about balance and adaptability.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I live by the 3-Priority Rule. Every day, I choose three key tasks that will make the biggest impact—no matter what distractions come up, those three get done.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Be patient with progress. The right opportunities take time to line up, but preparation always pays off. Keep your standards high, even when no one’s watching.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
That pressure is a privilege. Most people avoid it, but I see it as the best way to grow. When the pressure’s on, you learn what you’re really capable of.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Train your body and mind daily. Whether it’s lifting, running, or reading—that discipline carries into every other part of life.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I step away and move—a walk, a quick workout, or even 10 minutes of quiet helps reset me. Then I come back to what matters most in that moment and handle one thing at a time.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Consistency. I treat every assignment as if it’s being evaluated for promotion. That consistency builds reputation and trust, which open doors faster than anything else.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on, I hesitated to delegate—I thought doing it all myself showed leadership. It actually limited my team. I learned that empowering others and trusting them builds stronger, faster, more reliable units.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A mobile app connecting first responders and veterans to side-income opportunities that align with their skills—security details, event safety, mentorship programs, etc. It would build community and help people transition smoothly between public service and private sector work.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Notion. I use it to track training goals, real estate ideas, daily priorities, and even family planning. It keeps my entire life organized in one place.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
A quality gym membership add-on for recovery equipment—foam rollers, cold plunges, and massage tools. Recovery is what keeps me consistent and injury-free.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Book: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins—it reinforced the value of mental toughness.
Podcast: The Ed Mylett Show—great balance between leadership, performance, and personal discipline.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Terminal List—it highlights leadership under extreme pressure, loyalty, and the importance of staying true to your mission, no matter what comes at you.
Key learnings
- Structure, discipline, and physical fitness directly influence performance in leadership and business.
- Consistency and preparation create long-term opportunities.
- Pressure and challenge are essential for growth, not things to avoid
- Empowering others builds stronger teams and stronger careers.
- Organization and recovery are just as critical as work and drive.