Alumni Run Largest Privately Owned Hampton Roads Security Firm By Michelle Nery Like the Incredibles, the family of superheroes in Pixar’s recent animated film, the Stuarts are a crime-fighting family – only their super-mobile is a Monarch blue Toyota with the license plate ODU BLU and their sidekick is a 1-year-old English bulldog named Barney. Nicole Maust Stuart ’92 (M.P.A. ’95) is president of Top Guard Security in Hampton, the largest privately owned security firm and second largest woman-owned business in Hampton Roads. Her husband, Chris Stuart ’93 (M.A. ’94), serves as the firm’s general manager. Former high school sweethearts, Nicole and Chris both earned their undergraduate and graduate degrees at Old Dominion. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a criminal justice minor and her master’s in public administration with a criminal justice emphasis. Chris earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history. “Both Chris and I took classes in history and political science under Dr. William Whitehurst. We also took a number of Dr. Donald Smith’s sociology courses, which were always interesting. Chris recalls Dr. Carl Boyd as challenging, and as one who hosted numerous student get-togethers that were great for discussions, introspection and fun.” The duo also remember fondly trash can-lid nachos at O’Sullivan’s, tacos with Professor Boyd’s hot sauce, CAA basketball championships and study nights in the library from their days of living on campus. Nicole’s father taught her the ins and outs of the security business during his 27 years in the field. “From an early age, I went to work with my father and learned the business from top to bottom. It was only natural for me to make a career in the industry that I knew so well and thoroughly enjoyed,” she said. Inside Business honored her recently with a 2004 Women in Business Achievement Award. Founded by Nicole in 1996, Top Guard and now employs more than 350 security officers. The firm serves commercial and office properties, manufacturers and distributors, even museums and universities in cities throughout Hampton Roads. “We both enjoy the opportunity to work with so many diverse people and the new challenges that the industry regularly offers,” said Nicole. “It is a very competitive business and we have found it critical to provide innovative and proactive solutions to today’s security-related issues.” Barney accompanies Nicole and Chris to work every day. He follows in the paw prints of his predecessor, Dudley the bulldog, who was with the company eight years before his death in 2003. Another newcomer will join the Stuart family in March 2005: Nicole and Chris are expecting their first child, Shelby Chandler. Months before her due date, they had already picked out her first presents from the University Bookstore – an ODU infant jumper and Monarch bib.