We have interviewed Security Management from three of Orlando’s top nightclubs to find out if they feel the stereotypes are true. We think you will be surprised at their answers.

Frank, has worked for Icon Night Club for just over 7 1/2 yrs now. He is currently the assistant manager, as well as head of security. Along with Icon, Frank has also worked at Cairo Night Club, Zinc Bar, and various Adult strip clubs.

Matt is the Security Manager for Club Whispers/Front-Line Promotions. As Security Manager, He is responsible for staffing some of the largest events that take place in the South eastern region of the United States.

Vaughn aka Waterboy is from Element Nightclub in downtown Orlando.

OHH.Com: Being in the profession you are in, you put your life on the line daily to protect a room of 500-1000 people that you don’t know. Explain some of the challenges that you face when you try to protect your Guests from each other.

Frank: Well one of the main challenges is making people happy. You are not going to be able to do this for everyone. Sometimes you may know one of the guest that is involved but have to listen to both sides of the story when you can. Often times there is not enough time to get either side of the story so you have to act accordingly.

Matt: I have learned that most altercations that happen inside a club stem from something else. Whether it be “street beef” or relationship issues it’s normally more than “he stepped on my shoes”. So as a person designated to keep the peace it’s difficult to get between 2 or more individuals who may really hate each other. My team and I try our best to diffuse any situation before it escalates into a fight. However whenever there is enough alcohol involved, people tend to become “tough guys”. I’ve been hit with a video camera, bit, scratched, and even spit on by intoxicated patrons who didn’t want to respect the club, or it’s rules.

Waterboy: The dangers and challenges that we as security face while protecting each patron is on a few levels. Our job is to maintain peace and equilibrium throughout the night, but sometimes we cannot if certain things are or are not in place. People go out to have fun, some take that fun a little far and take no consideration for the next person. Sometimes that ill consideration starts at the entry way when it comes to being searched then payment for the establishment. Sometimes they emit a disdain for these rituals but they are in place for certain reasons. If we search a person and they cannot stand up usually that may mean that they have had a little too much to drink already. So do we let them proceed and pay for entry? Now we shouldn’t because it will serve to be a disturbance later on by that same fellow or woman bumping into other patrons.

OHH.COM: What is the difference between a bouncer and a security host?

Frank: The difference between a bouncer and a security host I think is all just a perception. What I mean is that In all of the movies, music videos etc…That we see a member of a staff that is considered security it’s more often than not that the persons is perceived to be a bouncer. In our line of work we are all actually hosts. I guess how one might be known from the other is the muscle of the house. Bouncers are the ones that do the dirty work and contain fights as well as other problems. And The Front of the house would or the staff working the VIP area’s who see to the customers needs.

Matt: Personally when I think of a “bouncer” I envision someone 6’9 400lbs, in a black tee with a terrible disposition. A good example would be Lil Wayne’s personal bodyguard. Dude is HUGE, and he hates everyone who didn’t come in on the tour bus with Wayne. I had the opportunity to work with him in Tallahassee, and by the end of the event, we were laughing and exchanging numbers, but his first statement to me was “make sure this stage is clear, whoever is on it when I get up there, is getting thrown off!” That’s a bouncer! A security host is someone who is approachable, who can diffuse a situation by only using necessary force. Security hosts are generally clean cut individuals with a strong presence, but not an intimidating force.

Waterboy: Simple…there is none. As longs as a person is in employment of the establishment we have to represent that establishment in the owners place. As a person would protect their own house when that are in it so to must we as well…As you would present yourself as a gracious hot to a guest we too are to be that way.

OHH.COM: When you combine the three deadly sins People, Music and Liquor it can create some crazy situations. What do you feel is the proper way for guests to conduct themselves in a club environment?

Frank:The proper way to conduct yourself when going out could probably be said better in one of those ” Going out for dummy’s” books better than by me. I feel you should be able to go out, have some drinks and know when to say when. But we all at times have one to many and have to deal with the consequences.

Matt: I think that there are 2 types of drinkers, those that drink to loosen up and wind down, and those that drink to drown their personal problems. If you surround yourself with mild mannered people, and recognize that you’re coming to the club to have a good time, and forget about what’s going on in your daily life, your night on the town will be much more enjoyable.

Waterboy: Proper guest conduct is simple as well. You come out to have a good time, do that! But know your own libation limits so as not to be throwing up on the floor, making a scene, bumping into other patrons and so forth. Clubs are escapist venues, mini vaction spots if you will. There is nothing worse then some dude feeling up on some hot heads girl and the hot head not caring that dude is twisted and wanting to fight him. Women do it too. We see it all the time.

OHH.COM: You deal with a lot of athletes, celebrities, Vip’s etc who don’t have to adhere to the dress code, where the average club goer has to follow the dress code and feels that their money is just as good as any ball player. How do you respond to that?

Frank: With athletes, and celebrities, we have actually been know to turn them away just as the normal customers. There are times when said athlete comes in if he and his party handle themselves like adults we have no problem taking care of them. To explain to the average customer who, or why that person get’s special treatment can be a real pain in the ass sometimes. Sometimes you just got to walk away!

Matt: That’s a touchy situation, and there are several ways to look at it. Dress codes are put in place for 2 reasons, when you’re dressed nice you’re more likely to think twice before throwing that punch, also the average trouble maker is too uncomfortable in jeans that fit,and a collar shirt to put forth the effort in shopping and sizing.Nearly every black athlete, and entertainer comes to Frontline Events when they’re in Orlando, and that is what makes Club Whispers so hot, you never know who may show up. The reason that I say it’s a touchy topic is, we may have a regular patron, who comes every Saturday night, pay to get in, and spend $150 at the bar, and that person gets no breaks as far as dress code is concerned, we appreciate the business, but they can’t break the code. Now if a recognizable celebrity decides to drop by, they get in the club for free no matter how they are dressed, and if the club is fortunate they may drop a few grand at the bar, this doesn’t happen that often, but the possibility is always there. But over the course of 52 weeks, that regular patron is going to spend more than what the celebrity did. Is it fair? Not my place to say, however I do know that people come to Frontline Events, simply because they get an opportunity to party with Athletes and Entertainers. If we advertise a party hosted by Vince Carter, we’re probably going to get a better turnout than if we advertise that John Doe is in the building. I try to explain to people that their money is just as green as the celebrity’s, however that recognizable face, and potential networking they do with other celebrity’s is priceless to the club, it gives us an opportunity to continue to bring “HOT” events and keep the price of admission reasonable.

Waterboy: You know this question is a hot one. Personally, celebs are people too, So what they make a little or a lot more than the average Joe? I feel they should adhere to the same rules and regulations as anybody else. They should pay like anybody else and if they cause trouble they should be kicked out as well. Now if they are coming to perform, sure certain things should be overlooked because we commissioned that person or persons to come through for our benefit. I am never one to be star struck, they will receive the due respect that they deserve but no more…funny thing is I know a lot of Celebs and they feel the same way no joke!

OHH.COM: What are some of the perks or advantages that you receive?

Frank: The perks can be good for sure. Working in the bar industry you meet people pretty much every night that may work downtown, or in Miami, or Tampa that also work the bars. It’s great to be able to go out not have to wait in a long line. Sometimes there is no cover, and you and you can get taking care of at the bar. I have had on occasion where athletes would come in and could get tickets to the local Magic games, or Football games in Jacksonville or Miami. So the perks can be plentiful!

Matt: I hope that this doesn’t get anyone in trouble! The perks are endless, I’ve gone to movie screenings with no ticket, and been escorted to the front of the line by the theatre manager. I get discounts at places that I shop, I eat free at certain restaurants in Orlando, I get tickets to Magic games, tickets to concerts, I don’t wait in line at clubs across town, and I’ve developed strong relationships with some celebrities that take me out to eat, invite me to come play video games. I just recently celebrated my birthday, Ihad pro ball players sending bottles of champagne to my table! The perks are endless!

Waterboy:Umm perks? I guess you can say if the owner(s) allows, some will give staff drinks, I don’t drink. You meet people that you may be able to network with you hear good music and see beautiful Women. Many try to tip me at the door but I won’t take it because I feel that if I do that, it means I owe that person in someway shape or form. There are a lot of Hosts that will take it and think nothing of it but I have seen it come back a bite a nigga in his nuts from time to time.

OHH.COM: As we know there is a level of arrogance that comes with nightclub security. Some security hosts abuse their power because they are on the other side of the rope. Where does the ego come from?

Frank: I really don’t know what the deal is with security host, or bouncers that have this ” I am greater than you attitude”. There is a time and a place that we may have to get it thru to the customer that yes we are the one’s in charge, but to go over board is not called for. I am sure though that we all (host, and bouncers) have taken it over board one of two times before. Guess it just comes with the job.

Matt: The ego comes with time. My personality at the club is totally different than when I’m at home. I’m a very serious individual while at the club, and one of the goofiest people you will ever meet outside. Personally, I have a great respect, and admiration for Pat Nix, and Willie Fisher. Their opinions of me, and how I conduct myself mean a lot, therefore I try to not let them down. I’m not willing to cut you any slack, it’s black and white, there is no gray area as far as I’m concerned. So to most I may come across as arrogant, but at the end of the work day, I have bosses to answer to, and they don’t want excuses.

Waterboy: Egos…There are those who choose to use their position in a bullish manner because the average host it a bit larger than the average patron, Why? I have never had an ego like some that I have worked with, I would rather verbalize someone out of the door instead of putting my hands on them. Sometimes I have to when a swing is taken at me or at anyone of my staff, but on the norm I can get people out by speaking and Im said to be one of the largest in the industry. It takes nothing away from a person to do it that way. So yeah there are a lot that because of there attitude and ego would rather put their hands on people just “because” or walk through the crowd without so much as an excuse me and these things cause problems as well.

OHH.COM: Everybody’s on the list or they know the owner etc. What are some of the craziest things you have seen people do to get into a club?

Frank: Oh every night I think I am told at least once ” I Know the owner I will have you fired”! People love to say they know somebody. Sometimes it works, but it is great when somebody comes up and says “Frank said I am good” And they are talking directly to me. I can’t help but laugh. As far as the craziest things…I have seen girls 2 to 4 make out together, show us their breast, lift up their skirts. like I said sometimes it works sometimes it don’t. Not to get in the club but still crazy watched a girl masturbate with a miller lite bottle.

Matt: That’s true, everyone knows Pat, and Willie, in the case of Club Whispers everybody knows Omar! I’m generally at the door so I’ve heard it all! Whenever someone is out of dress code, they automatically know Pat, or Willie but they just so happened to change phones and don’t have their number. One guy actually acted as if he were calling someone, and handed me a phone with no one on it!

Waterboy: The Craziest? A chick told me she would suck my dick if I let her into see Freeway…she had to pay $20 to get in

OHH.COM: I’m sure every night you are propositioned by many women to go home with your or get in vip etc. How do you handle such advances? Or do you want to plead the fifth?

Frank: Ah the women, what guy gets a job in a night club and does not like the attention of the women? There have been a time or two I might have snuck off to take care of a customers personal needs ha ha yeah I plead the fifth or is it too late for that?

Matt: I’ve had my share of indecent proposals, but I don’t feed into it. Orlando has several groupie chicks who carry NFL rosters around in their purses. The same chick that is willing to do whatever to get in VIP, will be the same one to leave at the end of the night with the ball players. Generally, I just pass the groupies on to the athletes, and tell them “this is my man right here, show him a good time,” by doing this, normally there is another perk involved, tips!

Waterboy: I really don’t get advances like that actually. But when I do mostly they are to have me get them in the club for free so they will act interested but I have been doing this for a hot minute. You get to know what to look for. That’s why the chick in the previous question had to pay. Now others well I know a few who get suckered in

OHH.COM: People have a perception that security hosts are uneducated, whores, on drugs. For those who are looking to get in your profession, what elements do you look for besides someone who can fight really good? Or think they can?

Frank: Honestly it is good for a potential employee to be able to fight. But I would much rather end my night without a fight. So sometimes it is good to look for someone who can defuse a situation. There is going to be whores, and druggies in any field of work. This again is the bar scene so it may be more frequent. Unless if interferes with the work they do for me and do not put myself, other employees or customers in danger then so be it.

Matt: I think that perception goes beyond just security, I think that people think that anyone who works in a club, is an uneducated whore, on drugs, or can’t work a 9-5. Most people don’t know that working at the club is my hustle. During the day I work in the Automotive Industry, and I’m in Upper Management. I played football in college, however because of poor decisions, I didn’t finish. Even though I blew my opportunity at pro sports money, I never gave up on my ambition of providing for my family. Whenever someone interviews for a security position, first, I check their appearance, next I ask why do you want to work in a nightclub. The answer to that question, physical appearance, honesty, and the ability to communicate with myself as well as the entire security team, are the determining factors to whether or not we can work together. I have to be able to trust that when things get crazy, you will have my back!

Waterboy: There is this consensus that bigger the dumber. I graduated with a 4.0 and am pretty much known as a nerd so I shatter that thinking. Do all of us? Nah but they are far from stupid. There are some that take roids and other things to beef themselves up, don’t know if it is for the position or for the girls, but there are some who fit that stereotype. I look for those that are not all pumped on them selves. I hire nobody that says they can kick ass because that person just wants a job so they can do just that, so to me they would be a liability. I look for those that carry themselves in a calm manner and attentive. Now the Owner(s) may want size but really size doesn’t cover everything they have to be professional and dependable to think through a situation fast and make the right decision.