Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazz The CEO.
Jazz, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always believed that security is about much more than standing a post—it’s about leadership, preparation, communication, and protecting people. That belief led me to start After Hourz Security in 2019 with a vision of raising the standard for the private security industry.
Like many entrepreneurs, I built the company from the ground up. There were long days, setbacks, and moments where I had to figure things out with limited resources. As a Black gay woman in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated, I often found myself having to earn trust before I even had the opportunity to demonstrate my expertise. Rather than letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation to become an instructor, mentor, and advocate for professionalism in the industry.
Today, After Hourz Security provides security for festivals, businesses, and special events across Maryland while also training the next generation of security professionals through S.E.C.U.R.E. Academy. I’m passionate about teaching officers not just how to do the job, but how to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with confidence.
Recently, I began sharing behind-the-scenes POV videos using Meta glasses to show what security work really looks like. Those videos have reached tens of thousands of people, opened doors to media features, brand partnerships, and new business opportunities, and helped change public perceptions of what our profession actually involves.
Looking ahead, my goal is to continue building a company that creates opportunities, raises industry standards, and shows that security can be both professional and innovative. Whether I’m leading a team at a major festival, training new officers, or creating content that educates the public, my mission remains the same: to make the security industry better than I found it.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
t definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has made me a better leader.
Early on, I had to earn credibility in an industry where I often didn’t fit people’s expectations. As a young, 5’3″, Black gay woman leading a security company, I sometimes had to prove my expertise before people were willing to see it. Instead of allowing that to discourage me, I let my work, professionalism, and results speak for themselves.
The biggest challenge, however, wasn’t security—it was people. When I started the company, I thought my biggest focus would be security operations, firearms training, and protecting clients. What I quickly learned was that running a business is really about leading people.
Managing employees, building a healthy company culture, balancing accountability with empathy, maintaining client relationships, and helping people grow professionally has been the most rewarding and challenging part of the journey. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about being the toughest person in the room. It’s about setting high standards, communicating clearly, holding people accountable, and creating an environment where people can succeed.
Today, I embrace those challenges because they’ve shaped me into a better CEO. Every event, every employee, and every client relationship has taught me something new, and I continue to grow alongside my business.
We’ve been impressed with After Hourz Security, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
After Hourz Security is a Maryland-based private security and training company that specializes in event security, festival operations, executive protection support, security assessments, and professional workforce development.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just provide officers—we build security professionals. Through our training division, S.E.C.U.R.E. Academy, we provide certifications, mentorship, leadership development, de-escalation training, and direct job placement opportunities for aspiring security officers and investigators.
We are known for being highly organized, proactive, and visible at events. Our clients often tell us that they appreciate our communication, professionalism, and the way our officers engage with vendors, attendees, and staff before issues arise. We believe security should be approachable, prepared, and service-oriented.
One of the things that makes our brand unique is that we combine real-world operations with education. I regularly share behind-the-scenes POV content that shows the planning, leadership, and teamwork involved in security operations. That transparency has helped educate the public, attract new professionals to the industry, and build trust with clients.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that After Hourz Security has become a platform for opportunity. We have been able to create jobs, mentor future leaders, and help people gain confidence and careers in an industry that can change lives.
I want readers to know that our services go beyond simply “providing security.” We offer event security, patrol services, executive protection support, site assessments, security consulting, and professional training designed to help businesses operate safely while helping individuals grow professionally. Our mission is to raise the standard of the private security industry through leadership, accountability, and community-focused service.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is impact.
When I started After Hourz Security, I thought I was building a security company. Over time, I realized I was building something much bigger—a platform that creates opportunities, develops people, and changes the way people see the security industry.
I care deeply about raising the standard of professionalism in security. I want clients to feel confident that their events, businesses, and communities are protected by people who are trained, prepared, and truly care. I also want security professionals to understand that this industry can be a career, not just a job.
A big part of my mission is creating opportunities for others. Through S.E.C.U.R.E. Academy, I get to mentor and train people, helping them build confidence, develop skills, and take the next step in their careers.
My journey has also made representation important to me. As a Black gay woman who built a company in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I know what it feels like to have to prove yourself. That experience has fueled my desire to create spaces where people feel valued, respected, and capable of achieving more than they thought possible.
At the end of the day, success isn’t just measured by revenue, contracts, or recognition. Those things are great, but what matters most is knowing that the work I’m doing is opening doors, inspiring others, and leaving the industry better than I found it.
Pricing:
- Security guard card training : $250 sponsorship included
- S.E.C.U.R.E ACADEMY: $8 A MONTH (Online training/mentorship community)
- MD state carry permit: $250
- DC carry permit: $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://afterhourzsecurity.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjazztheceo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elmo.b.lee
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjazztheceo
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYsDKt-xJiB_dAJbilctgrg
- Other: https://creatoraffiliate.atmeta.com/mypage/Jazztheceo
