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At Nightlife Security Consultants (NSC), we take pride in pioneering the nation's premier online and in-person hospitality security training programs. Tailored specifically for hospitality security professionals, our courses are designed to meet the unique challenges and demands of the hospitality industry. As the preferred choice for security professionals and highly recommended by top insurance providers, our training modules span critical areas including conflict resolution, legal compliance, emergency preparedness, and effective communication strategies. Our commitment is to provide security personnel with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in their roles, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all guests while limiting criminal and civil liability.
Robert C. Smith, a native of San Diego, has a rich background marked by distinguished service and commitment to safety and security. Beginning his career with over a decade in the United States Navy, where he specialized as a Navy Diving Medical Technician, Robert transitioned to a pivotal role in law enforcement with the San Diego Police Department in 1990. Over 20 years, he held various positions, culminating in his final years as a Juvenile Crimes Investigator. His experiences on the force, especially his interactions within the service industry and responses to incidents at nightlife venues, fueled a deep understanding of the unique challenges and safety requirements of this sector.
Leveraging this invaluable insight, in 1998 Robert founded Nightclub Security Consultants, now known as Nightlife Security Consultants, developing specialized training programs and liability solutions that have been implemented by both small and large alcohol service venues nationwide. His expertise and methodologies have garnered the attention and request for training from prestigious governmental agencies, including the California Alcoholic Beverage Control, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Control, and police departments from San Diego, Boulder, Colorado, San Jose, Cheyenne, Wyoming, Metro DC, San Antonio, and Las Vegas.
Robert has been an esteemed contributor to the Bar & Restaurant Expo (formerly Nightclub & Bar Tradeshow) for 22 consecutive years, as well as a regular contributor to the Gentleman's Club Owner Expo for 15 years. His contributions to enhancing hospitality safety and security are recognized through over 40 television and print media interviews, along with published articles in industry periodicals. Recognized for his expertise in alcohol liability and security standards, Robert's expertise is a sought-after source by media and legal professionals alike.
A crowning achievement of Robert's career is the creation of the HOST Training program in 2001, marking the nation's first certification for hospitality security professionals. This program has received endorsements from several reputable associations and has been adopted as a standard for training in multiple cities across the country, as well as an industry standard approved as a risk mitigation program by insurance underwriters and brokers alike. Robert C. Smith's journey from a dedicated serviceman to a pivotal figure in hospitality security underscores his passion for ensuring safety and setting high standards within the industry.
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Manny Marquez embarked on his hospitality journey in 1997 as a bartender while attending college. His passion for creating memorable guest experiences was ignited during this time, and it wasn't long before he realized that his true calling lay in the world of hospitality, diverging from his initial path as an information system design student at Fresno State University of California. In 2000, Manny took a significant step in his career, becoming the General Manager of the renowned Henry's Pub in San Diego's historic Gaslamp District. It was here that Manny first crossed paths with NSC founder Robert C. Smith and was introduced to Smith's innovative hospitality security training program. Recognizing the potential impact of such training, Manny integrated these principles into the security teams at his venues, consistently working with NSC and Smith throughout his career.Manny's expertise and dedication soon earned him a reputation as an expert "opener," successfully launching several restaurant and club locations across San Diego. His ability to not just open, but also cultivate thriving venues, highlighted his exceptional talent in the hospitality sector. In 2013, this journey led to a partnership with Robert C. Smith, where Manny played a pivotal role in expanding NSC's services, reach, and credibility. As the Operations Manager, he brings a unique blend of management acumen and hospitality insight to the company. Manny's extensive experience in restaurants, bars, and nightclubs complements Robert Smith's practical, ground-level training techniques, enhancing NSC's security programs with a strong focus on hospitality and guest experience.Beyond his professional endeavors, Manny is a regular contributor to the Event Safety Alliance and the Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA) Technical Standards Security Workgoup. He also devotes his time to volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society, showcasing his commitment to community service and animal welfare.
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Dr. Richard Bistline's passion is to help the hospitality industry adapt to training, develop talent, and reduce liability while improving employee and customer safety practices. His work focuses on creating people- centric cultures, integrating security management practices into business operations, and assisting organizations in implementing evidence-based practices to help the industry work safer and smarter.
Dr. Bistline is an accomplished speaker, law enforcement trainer, and leadership development expert. He has over three decades of experience in the public safety sector, twenty of those working as a police officer and senior police instructor. As an adjunct professor and leadership coach, Dr. Bistline helps guide the next generation of criminal justice and hospitality industry leaders.
Dr. Bistline holds an MBA and a Ph.D., specializing in Organizational Leadership. He is a certified Executive Leadership Coach and Measurement Specialist through Rice University.
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In 1998, while serving as a San Diego Police Officer, Robert C. Smith, now President/CEO of Nightlife Security Consultants, was called to a nightclub where he had to arrest a “bouncer” for assault. The incident had serious consequences for all involved, but it also revealed a significant gap: there were no training requirements for hospitality security guards and industry standards anywhere in the country.
Determined to address this need, Robert founded Nightclub Security Consultants (now Nightlife Security Consultants). Drawing on his law enforcement experience and hospitality industry insights, he developed practical training courses to help employees protect themselves, their colleagues, guests, and their establishment's liquor license from real-world challenges.
Since then, Nightlife Security Consultants has set the standard for safety and professionalism in the hospitality industry training over 25,000 hospitality security professionals.