Grayson Merritt
Glendale
Summary
GSOC-focused physical security professional with 5+ years of 24/7 command-center and frontline security leadership. Proven ability to maintain situational awareness across multiple data streams (OSINT, telemetry, social media), lead real-time incident responses, represent physical security in cross-functional crises, and deliver concise executive briefings. Strong track record of auditing incident documentation and finalizing shift reporting to support trend analysis and continuous improvement.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Protective Operator
Protector Armed - Presidio Global Risk Solutions
Nashville
07.2025 - Current
- Conducted advance assessments, coordinated secure movements, and maintained continuous situational awareness to identify and mitigate threats to personnel as primary protective operator.
- Executed immediate emergency responses, communicated with venue teams and public safety partners, and documented incident actions for follow-up and reporting.
- Enforced safety protocols and safeguarded confidentiality while maintaining a professional, low-profile posture.
Security Officer / Guard Roles
Various (GardaWorld, Ocean East Resort Club, Quanta Manufacturing, Allied Universal, KIPP Schools)
03.2017 - 02.2026
- Performed access control, CCTV monitoring, patrols, alarm response, incident documentation, and coordination with first responders across multiple facilities including manufacturing, education, hospitality, and resort environments.
- Maintained firearms readiness where required, practiced defensive tactics, and adhered to state licensing and reporting standards.
Security Team Lead
American Protection Services and Investigations
Orlando
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Supervised multi-post security operations, led shift briefings, managed staffing, and enforced SOPs across client sites.
- Acted as on-site incident commander for escalations; coordinated with law enforcement and internal stakeholders and produced detailed incident and shift reports.
- Trained operators on access control, de-escalation, emergency response, and quality control of logs and notifications.
Assistant General Manager
Planet Fitness
Ormond Beach
05.2024 - 02.2025
- Experience in staff scheduling, shift handovers, reporting accuracy, performance management, and stakeholder communication.
Head Lifeguard & Swim Instructor
YMCA
Ormond Beach
10.2019 - 04.2024
- Led emergency response efforts, trained and supervised rescue staff, and executed incident reporting and readiness drills.
- Developed and maintained emergency preparedness plans, conducted live audits of procedures, and coached personnel on situational awareness and response.
Manager
Hidden Treasure
Ponce Inlet
07.2023 - 03.2024
- Experience in staff scheduling, shift handovers, reporting accuracy, performance management, and stakeholder communication.
Head of Security
Razzle's Nightclub
Daytona Beach
12.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed venue security operations, crowd-control strategies, and emergency procedures for large events; served as primary point of contact with local authorities.
- Implemented and enforced access control and incident-reporting processes; performed after-action reviews to reduce repeat incidents.
Education
Bachelor of Business -
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL01-2022
Skills
- Incident Response & Command
- Situational Awareness
- OSINT & Social Media Monitoring
- CCTV/Alarm/Access Control
- Mass Notification
- Incident Reporting & After-Action Reviews
- Cross-Functional Coordination (Facilities, EHS, Legal, Operations)
- Quality Audits of Logs & Recordings
- Executive Briefings
- Staff Training & Supervision
- Shift Handover Management
- Crisis Management
Certification
- Armed Security License - AZ, FL, TN (active)
- Guard Card / Class D / Class G - FL
- Unarmed License - TN, AZ
- Certified Security Officer (CSO)
- CPR, AED, First Aid, Lifeguard Training
- Executive Protection Security (ESS)
- Driver's License
Relocation
Phoenix, AZ, 06/01/26
References
Available upon request.
Availability
Phoenix, AZ, 06/01/26, Willing to travel up to 5%
Selected Achievements
- Led coordinated venue responses and maintained safety with no major injuries during high-risk events.
- Implemented reporting and quality-check processes that improved documentation consistency and supported trend analysis.
Desired In Progress
- ASIS CPC
- ASIS PSP
Timeline
Protective Operator
Protector Armed - Presidio Global Risk Solutions
07.2025 - Current
Assistant General Manager
Planet Fitness
05.2024 - 02.2025
Manager
Hidden Treasure
07.2023 - 03.2024
Security Team Lead
American Protection Services and Investigations
01.2023 - 06.2025
Head of Security
Razzle's Nightclub
12.2021 - 03.2023
Head Lifeguard & Swim Instructor
YMCA
10.2019 - 04.2024
Security Officer / Guard Roles
Various (GardaWorld, Ocean East Resort Club, Quanta Manufacturing, Allied Universal, KIPP Schools)
03.2017 - 02.2026
Bachelor of Business -
University of Central Florida