Mike Heap Jr. says the company will continue serving clients while expanding security operations and ShieldSeries solutions.
Lonestar Security & Investigations, LLC has announced a new chapter for the company, with Mike Heap Jr. acquiring ownership as of May 8, 2026.
Heap will serve as Owner & Director of Operations. In a letter sent to chamber members, clients, partners and community leaders, Heap thanked Duane Clark for his years of work, dedication and the foundation he helped build within Lonestar Security & Investigations.
“We appreciate his contributions to the company and the community and wish him the very best moving forward,” Heap said in the announcement.
As the company moves into its next phase, Heap said its mission remains the same: delivering professional, proactive and relationship-driven security services across Texas. He said Lonestar Security & Investigations is also investing in strengthening its operations, expanding its capabilities and continuing to modernize the way security services are delivered to clients.
The company also announced key leadership developments within the team.
Mario Gutierrez has stepped into an expanded leadership role as Security Operations Manager, while Billy Clark will continue serving in an important operational capacity as Accounts & Field Operations Manager.
Together, Heap said the leadership team is focused on building a stronger, more scalable organization while continuing to provide the reliability and professionalism clients expect.
Mike Heap Jr., Owner & Director of Operations
Raised in Upstate New York by a farm family, Mike Heap Jr. enlisted in the United States Army following high school. After graduating from the United States Army Intelligence Center at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, he was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum in early 2001. After the events of 9/11, Heap was responsible for assisting in the preparation of 10th Mountain Division, 1st Brigade for deployment.
Following his time in the Army, he eventually found his way to Texas, or as he puts it, “I wasn’t born here, but I got here as quick as I could.” He began his tenure with TDCJ as a correctional officer at the Polunsky Unit, where he eventually was promoted to sergeant on death row. Knowing that training was his passion, he accepted the role of training sergeant at the O.B. Ellis Unit. He was temporarily assigned to the SHSU Criminal Justice Center to assist in rewriting and correcting TDCJ policies. Pursuing other opportunities, Heap then moved to a U.S. Marshals detention facility as a lieutenant, later promoting to captain before deciding it was time for a change.
Since joining LSI, Heap has been successful in building client relationships and helping the company excel in all areas. He now resides in Willis with his family.
Mario Gutierrez, Security Operations Manager
Mario Gutierrez is a seasoned Level 4 commissioned security officer with over two decades of experience in security, supervision and training. At Lonestar Security & Investigations, he provides risk assessments and protection for schools, businesses and large-scale venues, collaborating closely with law enforcement and using expert de-escalation techniques to manage high-stress situations.
Gutierrez brings a rich background in corrections, having served as a sergeant of correctional officers with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where he led life-endangerment investigations and provided extensive training in crisis response, defensive tactics and cultural competency. He has also held leadership roles as a site supervisor with Allied Barton and as an employee trainer at Southwest Key Programs, where he developed and delivered training for frontline and management staff.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Gutierrez is a skilled communicator and former certified interpreter. He holds certifications in Level 4 commissioned security. With strong leadership skills, a calm presence under pressure and a deep commitment to safety, Gutierrez is well-prepared to handle security challenges with professionalism and integrity.
Billy “BJ” Clark, Accounts & Field Operations Manager
Billy “BJ” Clark is an Army veteran and Accounts & Field Operations Manager with a strong foundation in trust, accountability and operational discipline. He takes a people-first approach to managing client relationships, ensuring clear communication, reliable follow-through and security solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
With a reputation for being approachable and dependable, Clark works closely with clients to deliver effective, responsive security services they can rely on with confidence.
In addition to its traditional security services, Lonestar Security & Investigations is continuing to expand its ShieldSeries™ security solutions, including:
• SolarShield™ – Solar farm & infrastructure protection
• SiteShield™ – Commercial & construction security
• SafeShield™ – Residential & community-focused security solutions
Heap said the company is grateful for the trust clients, partners and the community have placed in Lonestar Security & Investigations. He said the company looks forward to building stronger relationships with local businesses, community organizations and industry partners throughout the region while continuing to serve with integrity, professionalism and innovation.
“Thank you for your continued support, and we’re excited for what’s ahead,” Heap said.
Lonestar Security & Investigations, LLC
ShieldSeries™ Security Solutions
SolarShield™ | SiteShield™ | SafeShield™
Office: (936) 439-6106
Mobile: (936) 714-1068
mike@lonestarsecurityllc.com
“SHIELDS: Your BEST Defense.”