Juan Gaytan, Jr.
President & CEO, Monterrey Security

Juan Gaytan, Jr. serves as President & CEO of Monterrey Security, the premier Chicago-based security and guest services firm that has revolutionized the industry by focusing on innovation, exceptional customer service, specialized training and top-level project management.

As a former member of the Chicago Police Department, Juan has set the bar for shaping the security and service techniques Monterrey Security staff employ every day. During his ten years on the police force, Juan began his career in safety and protection serving as a beat officer and later as a member of the Community Alternative Policing Strategy CAPS) team. Juan was also a member of the Mayor's Housing Enforcement Task Force, enforcing City building regulations to reduce criminal activity and charging absentee landlords for negligence to their properties in areas where crime was fierce. He was spotlighted for his efforts through the City of Chicago Police Department's "Crime Watch" program. Through his experience in law enforcement serving the people of Chicago, Juan has built Monterrey Security around the operating philosophy of protection, prevention and service: “The Best Protection comes through Prevention.”

Juan has used his life experience to positively identify the needs of the security industry. He works closely with his team to systematically compile best practices, which are included in the firm’s extensive training regimen. In fact, Monterrey Security goes above and beyond the normal requirements for training, surpassing State of Illinois requirements by nearly double. He understands the big picture and has recruited a management team that draws on the expertise of police, firefighters, public safety professionals, client relations directors, risk managers and professional sports executives.

Beyond safety, crowd management and other crucial skills for security, Juan built a guest services practice for Monterrey Security as he believes guest services techniques not only provide for a better customer experience, but provide overall people skills that ultimately enhance the security environment. Regardless of the position held – ushers, ticket takers, event services specialists or licensed security officers – every employee undergoes a specialized customer service training program developed by The Disney Institute, the gold standard in customer service, placing an emphasis on helping customers feel special and welcomed in their care.

Since establishing the firm in 1999, Juan’s efforts has led him to achieve numerous industry awards and recognition including being named Entrepreneur of the Year Rising Star under 40 in 2003, being listed twice on Hispanic Business Magazine’s list of 100 Fastest Growing Companies in the U.S., as well as maintaining a spot on their list of 500 Largest U.S. Hispanic-Owned Companies. Juan has also been featured in Public Venue Security magazine, Access Control and Security Systems magazine, and is routinely tapped by prominent Chicagoland media to provide expert commentary on safety and security procedures.

Juan Gaytan, Jr. serves as a member of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC), Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA) and the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM).

Stella Gaytan
Vice-President of Partnership Development

Stella serves as Vice-President of Partnership Development. In this role, she oversees the quality control aspects of Monterrey Security and works closely with all department heads troubleshooting issues, evaluating overall performance and ensuring frequent communication among the teams.

Having been with the organization since its conceptual phase, Stella has played an integral part of shaping its message and leadership team. Working hand in hand with company president Juan Gaytan, Jr., she has helped the company achieve recognition in Hispanic Business Magazine as one the fastest 100 growing Hispanic businesses in the U.S. As a direct result of her sales and marketing efforts, Monterrey Security has maintained a position in the top 500 of all Hispanic Businesses in the U.S. for the past five years.

The success achieved under Stella’s sales and marketing direction has led Monterrey Security to become the premier security firm serving Chicagoland area clients large and small.

Monterrey Management

The entire management team at Monterrey Security is dedicated to consistently delivering the best security services available as well as outstanding customer service to our partners. Our team has decades of experience in a range of complementary industries from policing and counterterrorism, to large event management and guest services. Our team is focused on continual improvement, adherence to best practices and frequent communication among ourselves and with our clients.

Steven Gaytan
Vice-President of Operations

As Vice President of Operations, Steven oversees operations at Monterrey Security. He works closely with all department leaders troubleshooting issues, evaluating overall performance and ensuring frequent communication among them to ensure the organization is working seamlessly to provide the best service possible. Steven also is responsible for ensuring all qualifications set by our partners, including the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Department, are met at each location Monterrey Security serves.

Steven served in the United States Marine Corps for 10 years, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003/2006-Kuwait/Iraq) and Operation Southern Watch. He ended his tour as a Drill Master at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, CA as a Staff Sergeant. His military education is extensive and includes Basic Reconnaissance, Anti-Terrorism Awareness, Black Belt Martial Arts Instructor School, Drill Instructor School, Aviation Mechanic School, among others.

He also was in charge of the Aviation Mechanic Division. Steven is a highly decorated Marine and has been awarded numerous honors including, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2dAwd), Iraq Campaign Medal (3dAwd), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal to name a few. Steven is commended as a “true American hero,” by his brother, CEO/Founder of Monterrey Security, Juan Gaytan, who is proud to have Steven by his side providing great leadership.

Daniel Ramos
Director of Security Operations

Daniel Ramos joined Monterrey Security in 2005. As Director of Security Operations, he oversees 375 full-time employees providing armed and un-armed security and guest services at more than 120 locations across Illinois.

Daniel has been instrumental in building and implementing systems to streamline the firm’s 24-hour security services and training. Today, Daniel is responsible for overseeing client relations, contract fulfillment, workforce management, development and quality control within the firm’s security division.

Every day, Daniel instills and upholds Monterrey Security’s belief: “Through training and prevention, we base our success on what didn’t happen today.”

Daniel has more than a decade of experience working in the event management industry. Prior to Monterrey Security, Daniel was supervisor at Sport Service Inc. located inside Soldier Field, where he he gained valuable guest services experience with responsibility for day-to-day and game-day operations of the Chicago Bears Online Store.

Daniel is a graduate of DePaul University in Chicago where he doubled majored in Criminal Justice and History.

LaCoya Foster
Human Resources Director

LaCoya Foster joined Monterrey Security in 2014. As Human Resources Director, she is responsible for all aspects of human resources including talent acquisition, training & development, benefits, and employee relations. LaCoya is highly proficient in developing and implementing innovative recruitment and retention strategies, developing employee policies and procedures, managing employee relations, developing competency frameworks, performance management and measurement systems, compensation and benefits systems, recognition programs, and safety programs. Previously, LaCoya worked for Cintas, Walmart, and Goodwill where she oversaw the Human Resources department for up to 7000 employees.

LaCoya has over 12 years of Human Resources experience and holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Lewis University, a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Loyola University, and a bachelor’s degree with a concentration is management from Clark Atlanta University. She is also certified in Six Sigma.

Michael Boyle
Director of Event Services

Michael Boyle joined Monterrey in 2003. As Director of Event Services, he is responsible for all event operations including client relations, event planning, event-day management, risk mitigation and the development of comprehensive event staffing solutions. Michael also oversees the firm’s industry leading guest services program, which has become the model for public assembly facilities throughout the region. He works with Monterrey Security’s vast pool of law enforcement officials, customer service professionals and public safety consultants to ensure all guests experience a safe and enjoyable atmosphere at Monterrey venues.

Previously, Michael served as event staff supervisor for the Chicago Bears/Chicago Park District during the newly-renovated Soldier Field’s inaugural season.

Michael compliments his experience with continuous training and education through the world renowned Disney Institute and the International Assembly of Venue Manager’s Academy for Venue Safety and Security. He is a magna cum laude graduate of Saint Xavier University in Chicago where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice and Business Writing.