From nightclub doors to celebrity protection: One man's security journey
A former bouncer shares his path from nightclub security to protecting A-list celebrities and running his own company. His story shows how the UK security industry changed over two decades
In the early-90s Millie Smith found his calling after his parents split up: the world of security work. Starting at a local cinema he quickly moved to nightclub doors‚ where the industry was changing fast from old-school bouncers to professional door supervisors
The job back then was different - doormen were mostly boxers whoʼd knock troublemakers out. But new rules changed everything: “Door supervisors needed proper training‚ DBS checks‚ and a clean record (which filtered out many rough old-timers)‚“ he explains. His schedule was intense working 6-hour shifts six nights weekly; earning £10/hr which stayed flat for almost 20 years
Thereʼs a scene in Roadhouse where Dalton talks about conflict resolution – be nice‚ dont take things personally‚ remember its just a job
His first unexpected fight came during an 18th b-day party incident: “I got hit three times - fast but not hard; it taught me to watch my blind spots.“ By age-32 Smith realized the adrenaline rush was gone which scared him - leading to a career shift
The 2012 Olympics changed everything in security: cheap labor flooded the market dropping wages and respect. But Smith moved up to elite protection working with:
- Princess Anne at ExCel Centre
- Prince Andrew
- The Kardashians
- Simon Cowell
- David Beckham
Now Smith runs his own team paying £13-18/hr (way above industry standard). Heʼs also a qualified boat-skipper and wants to become a mindset coach: “My lifes traumas were blessings that made me who I am - the security industry showed me all sides of society“
