Today we’d like to introduce you to Corey Smith.
Hi Corey, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I came to the U.S. from Jamaica in 2012. At the time, I had a background in sales and marketing, but I hadn’t found the right opportunity yet. A friend of mine suggested I get my firearms license and security license as a way to get started while I figured things out.
At first, security was just a temporary plan, but once I got into the field, I moved up quickly. I was promoted fast because of how I carried myself and the discipline I brought to the job. But the more I worked, the more I noticed something was off: there was a serious lack of retention. Good people were leaving, and I wanted to understand why.
So, I started asking questions and what I found was simple but troubling: many officers didn’t feel valued or fairly compensated. That stuck with me.
That’s when the idea hit me: what if I started a company that actually took care of its team? One that recognized the people doing the work and gave them something to grow with?
And that’s how this journey started, not just from a business idea, but from wanting to do better by the people who protect others every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. The security industry is tough, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. We put our lives on the line, yet the recognition and compensation often don’t match the level of responsibility we carry. In many ways, we’re on the front lines, just like law enforcement, but the respect doesn’t always reflect that.
On top of that, the industry is saturated. It can be cutthroat, and not every company plays fair. You really have to stay focused on your mission and values to survive and stand out.
One of the biggest turning points in my life, and in this business, was a day I’ll never forget. I was protecting a high-profile, French Montana when a shooting broke out in Miami Gardens. I was hit several times. That moment completely changed my life. It made everything more real, more urgent. It reshaped how I show up as a leader, and it deepened my commitment to building a company that values its people and takes this work seriously.
As you know, we’re big fans of 1st Class Executive Protection. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
1st Class Executive Protection is a private security firm based in South Florida, serving clients across Miami, Broward and Palm Beach counties. We specialize in executive protection, event and venue security, mobile patrol, and custom security solutions for individuals, organizations, and high-profile environments.
What sets us apart is our standard. Our officers are more than just licensed, they’re trained in tactical awareness, client interaction, and real-world readiness. Many come from law enforcement or military backgrounds, and every member of our team is hand-selected not just for skill, but for professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
We’re known for our ability to show up calm, calculated, and fully prepared, whether we’re protecting a CEO, managing crowd control at a gala, or standing post at a private school. Our clients trust us because we operate quietly, confidently, and always with integrity.
What we’re most proud of is the culture we’ve building. We don’t just protect our clients, we also take care of our team. This company was created after I personally experienced how overlooked and under-appreciated security professionals can be. That changed how we do business. Our mission is not just to deliver high-level protection, but to set a new standard in the industry, for both clients and officers.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s this:
Real protection doesn’t get in the way, it gets ahead of it.
At 1st Class, we’re not just here to respond. We’re here to lead.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about South Florida is its diversity. It’s a true melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and experiences and as someone who genuinely loves people, that energy is something I connect with deeply. From the food to the music to the vibrant Miami skyline and beaches, there’s always something new to experience. That’s actually one of the reasons I chose to settle here when I migrated in 2012.
If I had to pick one downside, I’d say the weather can be unpredictable and the traffic definitely tests your patience, but for everything else this place offers, it’s worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.1stclassep.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stclassepfl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/1st-Class-Executive-Protection/61577759432192/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/1stclassepfl
- Twitter: https://x.com/1stclassepx
Image Credits
Richard Williams (Rich Photo Works)
