Community Involvement Is Part of Monterrey Security “DNA”
For Juan Gaytan, Giving Back Is Central to Mission of His Private Security Firm

Attend a summer concert in Chicago’s Grant Park, cheer on the Bears or Cubs, take a trip to the Shedd Aquarium or run in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and you’re likely to see security personnel hard at work, MONTERREY emblazoned across their red shirts or jackets.

Employed by Monterrey Security—a local operation founded by Juan Gaytan, a former Chicago police officer—they provide services to some of the most iconic venues in the city of Chicago.

With such a widespread, recognizable presence today, it’s hard to imagine that just over 15 years ago the private security firm was little more than a dream.

But when Gaytan formed Monterrey Security in 1999, he commenced operations out of an office space he set up in the basement of his home. “It’s not easy to raise capital when it seems like nobody believes in your dream,” says Gaytan, reflecting on those humble beginnings. “Hard work and commitment took on a whole new meaning.”

Monterrey Security began providing staffing for a variety of small-scale events and locations in Chicago. His company’s breakthrough came, however, when Gaytan landed the contract to provide on-site security during the 2003 renovation of Soldier Field; the company has provided security for Chicago Bears games at Soldier Field ever since. His staff quickly proved itself, paving the way to numerous other contracts at event venues across the city.

A corporate vision grounded in community involvement

As it turns out, Monterrey Security grew out of more than just a dream hatched in a basement: It was shaped by a vision and propelled by passion for the work Gaytan and his colleagues do on a daily basis.

For Gaytan, now President and CEO of Monterrey Security, that means never forgetting those humble beginnings. He named the company in homage to the Mexican city of Monterrey, his parents’ home town before they immigrated to the United States. Monterrey Security’s offices—which outgrew Gaytan’s basement long ago—are nevertheless still located in the Pilsen neighborhood, and many of his employees hail from ethnic minority communities in the city.

“We are proud of the fact that we are a minority-owned business that is bringing jobs to the individuals who live in the communities where we work,” says Gaytan.

“Community is part of our DNA,” he continues. “Involvement in the community directly aligns with our strategy and core values.” Gaytan quotes a statement on his company’s web site to sum up the focus of Monterrey Security: “We don’t just give back to the community; we ensure we are always part of it.”

Whether hosting job fairs in underserved communities, creating internship opportunities for neighborhood youth or donating auction items for nonprofit fundraiser events, Gaytan has done everything in his power to affirm that vision for Monterrey Security.

Business model goes hand in hand with personal commitment

Gaytan’s commitment to the community extends beyond his company’s business model. “I believe I have a duty to be an engaged business leader,” he says. To that end, Gaytan has shown great amounts of generosity to nonprofit organizations in the community, including Erie Neighborhood House.

“I believe in the work Erie House does, day in and day out,” says Gaytan, who is co-chair of the organization’s Raise a Village capital campaign and a steering committee member for its annual awards dinner. His sister, Patty Perez, is president of the Erie House board of directors and serves as vice president of administration for Monterrey Security. She first introduced him to Erie House, and he has never looked back. “I’ve had the opportunity to learn more about Erie’s work in the community,” says Gaytan. “It’s about giving people a hand up.”

Meeting some of the youth participants at Erie House has been particularly meaningful for Gaytan. “It’s one thing to hear about Erie’s work,” he explains, “but it’s an entirely different thing to meet the people and hear their stories and the difference Erie is making in their lives.”

Over the past couple years, Gaytan has made a direct impact on the lives of two former Erie House participants—Joanna Hernández, a sophomore at Dominican University; and Asael Reyes, a freshman at University of Illinois-Chicago—by helping fund scholarships to cover their tuition costs.

“Juan’s generosity means so much to the Erie House community,” says Kirstin Chernawsky, interim associate executive director. “He is a shining example of someone who has achieved so much in their professional life but has nevertheless committed to giving back to their community. It makes a tremendous difference in the lives of our participants.”