• SPECIALIZING IN SAFETY

    Founded in 2010 by veteran security professional Michael “Mikey” van Gulden, Chocolate Thunder Security (CTS) has become a top choice solution for the safety and security needs of events, institutions, and businesses of all sizes. Our licensed guards’ focus on compassion, de-escalation, and non-judgmental respect for the dignity of others is the key to our success and the safety of our clients. In some scenarios, we simply provide a needed peace of mind, and function as brand ambassadors for our clients, greeting their patrons with a smile. With this approach, we have earned awards and recognition throughout Vermont.

HISTORY

A fixture of Burlington’s thriving social scene, Michael van Gulden— “Mikey" to all he meets— is the founder and CEO of Chocolate Thunder Security. Mikey grew up in Williston as part of a large blended family. His father, Norman “Van” van Gulden, was the revered long-time director of Camp Abnaki, where Mikey and his brothers spent their Summers as kids.

Mikey majored in advertising and rugby at Johnson State College, and public relations at Champlain College, but it was on Grateful Dead and Phish / Santana tours where he honed his budding entrepreneurial skills making screen printed apparel. Upon returning to Burlington in 1991, Mikey started doing informal security for local parties, which led to his first security guard gig at Burlington’s legendary Nectar’s, where he stayed for close to 9 years... READ MORE!

JOIN OUR TEAM!

Chocolate Thunder Security is seeking strong-minded individuals who enjoy working with the public and assisting with the safety and well being of others. Our flexible scheduling is great for students, part-time workers, or folks looking for a second job. We offer free training through our proprietary educational program, which meets or exceeds the traditional requirements of the profession, and leads to licensure with the State of Vermont’s Office of Professional Regulations (OPR). We would love to have you join us, and enhance your skill set, develop confidence, and play an important role in your community, as we work to meet the demand for our services in public and private events of all sizes.