John Bruce Lopes is not only a Minority Business Owner; he is also a 73-year-old Veteran who brings four decades of experience to the Private Investigation industry.
As the founder and owner of The Agency: Private Detectives, Inc., John has built a trusted name in investigative services throughout the Washington, D.C. area for over 30 years.
As a high school senior in 1970, the military draft was John’s inevitable future. In fact, his draft number was only two digits: 32. Facing the prospect of the U.S. Army choosing his Military Occupational Specialty for him, John decided to take matters into his own hands and enlist.
In 1974, following his service, John began his academic journey at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, located in Southeastern Massachusetts, where he pursued a major in Psychology and a minor in Photography.
In his sophomore year (1975-1976), John applied his photography skills to the school’s yearbook and the Black Student Union newspaper. By Fall of 1975 he had become an experienced photographer.
In 1976, the Black Student Union invited the political and social activist Dick Gregory to speak at the university. Gregory told the eagerly listening audience of his plan to hold a ‘Food Run,’ sponsored by OXFAM, aimed at bringing attention to world hunger. John was selected to join the eight-member team as the Chief Photographer for the OXFAM ‘Food Run.’
On July 4th, 1976 the ‘Food Run’ crossed from New Jersey into New York City via the George Washington Bridge, just as tall ships sailed beneath it into the harbor, entering New York City while America celebrated its 200th anniversary. John had more than one thing to celebrate, however. During the run, he met none other than Mohammed Ali.
Mohammed Ali ran alongside Dick Gregory’s team for the duration of the event, which drew an incredible amount of attention to the run, and gave John a truly inspirational acquaintance and an experience he would never forget. This additional new contact later proved to be a valuable one. The number of celebrities in the Southern California region that would seek the services of a discreet, honest private detective would later connect the private detective to Mr. Ali and would reward him with new clients
II. The California Years
After briefly returning to Massachusetts to finish school following the ‘Food Run,’ John moved to California. It was here that John would meet Private Detective James E. Myers.
John’s field work as a Private Detective began in 1979 in Los Angeles, California, following over five years of mentorship and experience under the guidance of two distinguished professionals: James E. Meyers, a retired FBI agent, and Michael J. Dixon, a former investigator from the UK. With their support and mentorship, John earned his own Private Detective license in California in 1985.
Over the next few years, he served the residents of California and Nevada with his work exclusively focused on civil investigations. This included cases of adultery, child custody, and “honey checks.”
III. Now Serving The DMV
By 1994, John had moved across the country to expand his reach as a PI. That same year, he also started a radio talk show with WHUR 96.3 called “Listen Live.” The show was initially a self-funded passion project, but as word of “Listen Live” spread, sponsors began to take notice. Between the show’s success and John’s blossoming PI enterprise, things were going in John’s favor.
However, after nearly a year of weekly trips from John’s home in the Commonwealth of Virginia to Lanham, Maryland for his field work and the radio show, the commute began to take a toll on John’s health. He developed a case of Shingles and had to step back from the work he was so passionate about. But John couldn’t stay away for long.
By the end of 1995, John had not only recovered, he’d formally registered his company, The Agency: Private Detectives, in the state of Maryland, incorporating it only a year later. The company name was chosen in honor of James E. Meyers, who often referred to his previous employer as the Agency. James’ influence and support were instrumental in shaping John’s career.
More than a business, John’s work has always been driven by a deep passion for justice and a strong sense of service. He has often provided assistance to those in need, regardless of financial compensation—an ethic which continues to define his approach to work.
The Agency is thriving, having employed over 29 field operatives and maintaining full-time office staff. However, like many small businesses, the company faced significant challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic. John’s commitment to the business and his team—especially long-time assistant Rosy, who has worked faithfully alongside him for over seven years—remains unwavering.
IV. The Future of The Agency
The sale of 49 percent of The Agency includes the following proposal: to utilize a portion of the sale funds to begin a major marketing campaign. This campaign will offer all Military Veterans a 50% discount on a “Skip Trace” search service.
What is a “Skip Trace” search? This type of investigation involves searching for a “foxhole buddy” or fellow military service member, associate, or friend who served with the client, or simply anyone the veteran client wishes to contact.
Note: Once the individual is located, our investigators will reach out to that person and ensure they are interested in speaking with our client.
Typically, the charge for the service is $150.00. However, with proof of military service, we would reduce the cost to $75.00.
As The Agency stands at a pivotal crossroads, potentially transferring ownership with this sale proposal, John reflects on his decades of service with pride, gratitude, and the hope of choosing the best path forward.