Please welcome my newest Featured Guest- Bob Jerome of KidProof Safety!
I came across this company and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the classes they offer for our children. In today’s day and age, there are so many valuable classes with lessons I want my boys to learn- especially how to deal with bullies & not be a bully themselves and how to be safe on the internet. There are many more offered from staying at home alone, walking to school alone, babysitter training and many more!
Bob writes: I am originally from Boston, the son of a police officer. My father taught me a lot about respect for authority and the law. He also provided me with insight into human nature and street smarts. My mother was a teacher. I inherited her curiosity. Parental guidance helped keep me safe and relatively happy as I made my transition into the workforce. Involved with computers for most of my career up north, including 12 years with John Hancock Financial. Got tired of the New England winters, so wrangled a transfer with JHF down to Tampa. Stayed with the company another 6 years before a layoff gave me the opportunity to change careers.
Bob’s business journey…
Kidproof Safety was founded in the year 2000 by former police officer and child safety expert, Samantha Wilson.
For over 10 years, Kidproof has been the ‘go to’ for preventative proactive child safety education for thousands of children in communities all across North America!
Kidproof Safety’s one of a kind courses are designed to teach children ages 4-15 years of age, through interactive games, roll play and scenarios the skills to identify and avoid harmful situations. “CyberSafe”, “Safe Sports”, “Stranger Smarts”, “Never Bee Lost” and “At Home Alone Plus First Aid” are just a few of the 15 course subjects that Kidproof offers. The curriculum is regularly updated by experts in the law enforcement, health and teaching fields.
Local businesses like child care centers and community centers often partner with Kidproof to host classes in their own facility directly to their families. A martial arts dojo might host a “Bullyproofing” course to teach their students what to do if they or someone they know are being bullied. A dance theatre might host “A Girl’s Way” course to teach their group of girls the importance of embracing their uniqueness and learning how to identify and avoid unhealthy relationships. Schools love working with Kidproof, because they can offer programs during lunch hour, after school or even during regular school hours. Many organizations like Rec. Centers, hospitals and churches have the space and the desire to give even more back to their local communities.
Kidproof also offers:
Two parent seminars, “Safe Kids, Safe Families” and “Protecting your Kids Online”
One School assembly on Cybersafety
Our number one “Babysitter Training” course in both a standard classroom setting and an online version
The Kidproof Authorized Delivery Partner program which allows organizations to have their own staff trained to teach Kidproof classes
Q&A with Bob:
When did you start your business?
Kidproof Safety of Tampa opened in April of 2011. We proudly serve all of Hillsborough and Pasco counties. Kidproof Tampa is the fourth franchise in the United States and we are excited to be able to give something back to the children in our community!
What inspires you and your work?
Parents, educators, social workers, business owners – almost anyone – can be excited about children’s safety and well-being. So I get a lot of positive feedback and suggestions. It means a lot to know your work has an impact on young lives that will last for years and the knowledge can eventually be passed on to their children. Occasionally, I get to sit on the sidelines and observe a new class or teacher. Then you get to see real professionalism in action. The level of teacher preparation is inspiring, but they also have a natural gift of connecting with their students.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Walk my two dogs. Exercise. Do crazy endurance things like cycle 150 miles. Or run a relay race across Florida. Come home. The dogs want to walk again. Repeat.
And, just for fun …
What did you want to be when you were 12 years old (did you always want to be doing what you are now, or something different)?
I wanted to be a brain surgeon. Thought the prestige would be worth making the high-pressure, life-or-death decisions. I had a lot of confidence at age 12.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Make politicians and talking heads of all political stripes give their honest and informed opinions. Assuming they have some.
What’s something you want to do before you die?
Live to be 150.
Find Kidproof Safety here:
Business Phone- 813.991.6413
Email- robertjerome@kidproofsafety.com
Be sure to check out the calendar of classes and see when the next is being offered near you!!!
