Meet Chaz Gormley of TSG Security in 5 Points

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chaz Gormley.

Chaz, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve been a “protector” since childhood, the oldest of two boys raised by a single mom – I remember being referred to as the “man of the house” around six years old, and I took that title very seriously. Feeling responsible for my younger brother and mothers’ well-being, shaped my ideology of caring for others and a more compassionate demeanor. Serving in the U.S. Air Force provided structure and knowledge which further shaped this mentality, also providing the foundation of a skill set that I’ve continued to build upon.

TSG Security has been a dream that I’ve wanted to bring to fruition for almost a decade. The history of organizations such as The Deacons for Defense and Justice & The Black Panther Party for Self Defense have always inspired me, motivating me to continue the tradition of self-reliance and community-centered goals. Growing up in an environment where you cannot trust or rely upon those who’re supposed to ‘protect & serve’ the community, I used to imagine an entity that employed people from the community that could serve that same purpose.

After working as a security guard for the Denver Public Library system, I transitioned to the cannabis industry where I learned the in’s and out’s of operating a private security firm. As a licensed security professional for various entities, I was able to see how different companies were run, the administrative systems and programs used to streamline operations and the legalese needed to become and remain a legitimate security provider.

With this knowledge in hand, I worked 14 hours a day, seven days a week for four months in 2018 and used the funds acquired to create The Samori Group LLC, which launched TSG Security and is now the umbrella which TSG Training operates under as well.

Has it been a smooth road?
Initially, there were plans to regionally expand my previous employers security business, but that idea never came to be. I found myself left with two options when that company folded: take the remaining security contract we had to another company or dedicate myself to fulfilling my entrepreneurial dreams. The saying, “If it was easy, everyone would do it” absolutely applies to self-employment and entrepreneurship. Managing people and personalities is a challenge that I never considered when I envisioned starting a business, I was solely focused on running the entity itself. A ‘no-call, no-show’ weighs heavier when you’re the person responsible for negotiating a contract and assured a client that operations would run a certain way.

In addition to managing people, the financial and legal requirements can be daunting when you lack guidance. The majority of my experience starting a business came via OJT (on the job training) whether it was how to estimate insurance premiums or negotiating contracts, everything has been a trial by fire. Without access to capital or business loans it has truly been pure grit and determination that got The Samori Group to where it is, but hard work and proof of concept has attracted mentors and grants – so every sacrifice has been well rewarded.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the TSG Security story. Tell us more about the business.
The Samori Group LLC is the parent company to TSG Security and TSG Training. TSG Security is our private security entity specializing in cannabis industry businesses, private events, residential and commercial properties. TSG Training is our weapons training and self-defense entity which provides NRA certified instruction, offering classes that cover Basic Pistol and Concealed Carry Weapons training.

TSG Security is closely associated with the 5 Points Neighborhood and dedicated to providing service to the community in that area. We have developed a good relationship with Councilwoman Candi CeDebaca and have continued to make ourselves available to her when it comes to protecting our leaders. The fact that TSG Security primarily operates in a historically Black neighborhood means it’s important that we reflect the people we serve, something that many private security companies in Denver tend to overlook. Providing security and protection services often requires you to understand the culture of the spaces you occupy, and our staff represents the collective experiences of the residents, patrons, and businesses we provide service for.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
With current events such as COVID-19 impacting everything from the economy to agriculture we unfortunately see a growing need for protective services. Lack of finances and access to resources often leads to an increase in criminal activity in order for people to provide for themselves and their families. The result is individuals, organizations and businesses looking to secure properties and possessions, which is a positive for us as a business but a sad reality for the society we operate within. The private security industry is already a $350 billion dollar industry in the U.S., in the next 5-10 years, we believe that number could easily increase to $500-700 billion.

Pricing:

• Licensed, Bonded & Insured Security Guards please contact for pricing
• NRA Certified Concealed Carry Weapons Training $80 per student
• NRA Certified Basic Pistol Training $125 per student

Contact Info:

• Website: thesamorigroup.com
• Email: info@thesamorigroup.com
• Instagram: thesamorigroup (business) or chzmkl (personal)

Suggest a story: VoyageDenver is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.