About
Demand for private security has grown over the last decade, and when it comes to finding the best fit for your needs, you have choices. Due to the philosophy that underpins our approach to our work, and the manner in which we engage our clients, their patrons, and the public as a whole, CTS has become the go-to provider for the security needs of community events, cultural celebrations, municipal buildings, and businesses of all sizes throughout Chittenden County and beyond.
Our clients typically seek a security solution that is professional and effective, yet also welcoming and non-intimidating. They want a service that can represent their business and their brand while ensuring the safety of their patrons and their property. As members of the community we serve, CTS staff are well-attuned to the needs and issues our clients are seeking to address with licensed security professionals, and work closely with them to plan and deliver exceptional service.
Thanks to our proprietary training regimen, with its focus on observation, clear, calm communication, and de-escalation, CTS guards are prepared and equipped for whatever they may face on the job. As they are often the first person a patron sees when arriving at an event or entering a building, CTS staff are keenly aware of the importance of having a friendly, professional demeanor when greeting guests. However, understanding that things can change quickly, our guards are also trained to expect the unexpected, to stay vigilant and read the crowd—even in the midst of a celebration—and maintain situational awareness so they can adapt their approach according to the needs of the moment.
From weddings and festivals to municipal buildings and emergency shelters, our goal is to create an environment that enhances the peace of mind and enjoyment of all involved, with a non-judgmental, compassionate professionalism and decency that respects everybody’s rights and basic human dignity. Our guards and their approach are the reason we are the first call security solution in our community, and this approach itself is based on the personal and professional experience that led to our founder’s transformative vision for the industry.
Services
We provide a variety of professional services, including:
• Crowd & Capacity Control
• Entry & Exit Security
• DLC Certified ID Checking & Credentialing
• Parking & Valet Services
• Bag, Vehicle & Wand Screening
• Loss Prevention
• Hotel Security
• Personal Security
For all kinds of gatherings, such as:
• Festivals & Concerts
• Breweries, Distilleries & Vineyards
• Openings & Special Events
• Farmers Markets & Makers Markets
• Trade Shows, Conferences & Product Launches
• Political & Civic Engagements
• Non-Profit Fundraisers
• Parties (Corporate Events, Weddings, Graduations, Greek Life, etc.)
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. During this time he also worked at Club Metronome, and with Green Mountain Concert Services (GMCS) at special events like Phish’s Lemonwheel and Berkshire Mountain Music Fest. Mikey’s exceptional aptitude and positive presence at these events led to him becoming a first call operator, who was flown in to perform special security functions at various major festivals around the country, and he was among the core staff– the head of security, specifically– when Burlington’s legendary Higher Ground opened on April 15, 1998. Mikey, his wife, their son and daughter reside in Burlington, enjoying and actively participating in all the Queen City and surrounds have to offer.
Paul Tenney joined Chocolate Thunder Security in 2022, serving as the Human Resources Manager and Marketing Director. Paul and Mikey are life-long friends, having first met at Camp Abnaki in their youth. Paul grew up in Shelbure before venturing out into the world to work in the theatre and arts communities of Boston, New York, and Denver, where he worked with large concert production and ticketing business, handling all sorts of logistics and HR duties. He returned to the Burlington area to work as an Associate Publisher for his family’s business, Mill Publishing, and their longest running magazine, Business People - Vermont. Paul lives in Fairfax with a housemate who has too many dogs. A semi-finalist in 2022's Vermont's Funniest Comedian Contest, he can often be seen performing at comedy events throughout Vermont and beyond.
Tom Baggott handles sales, client relations, and operations for Chocolate Thunder Security. He attended UVM for his undergrad and grad studies, before embarking upon a long career in the music industry. After developing the careers, brands, and associated small businesses of dozens of North American touring artists, Tom accepted an offer in early 2019 to serve as the Executive Director of a non-profit that funded music education for underserved youth. This was unfortunately cut short by the Covid-19 pandemic. Tom had known Mikey since the late ‘80s, and came on board in July, 2022, to use his decades of experience to help grow and maintain the burgeoning Chocolate Thunder business. Transplanted to Vermont in 1981 from a Connecticut farming family, Tom came of age in the Northeast Kingdom, and lives in Colchester with his wife, daughters, and cats. He is an avid gardener, loves making pickles and hot sauces, and playing music whenever the opportunity arises.