Lead Guardian Romulo Pinto offers insight into the evolution of his security role and shares how E11EVEN Miami’s professional club culture supports their efforts.
(Note: This article appears in the July 2026 issue of ED Magazine.)
When Romulo Pinto first arrived in the US from Brazil nearly 26 years ago, he shared the same goal as most immigrants: work hard, build a better future. What he could not have predicted was that his path would lead him to one of the most recognized adult nightclubs in the industry. As Lead Guardian at E11EVEN Miami, Pinto is responsible not only for safety, but also for training, mentorship and creating an exceptional guest experience.
“My role isn’t only about security,” Pinto says. “It’s about helping develop team members, maintaining standards, supporting operations and creating an environment where safety, professionalism and guest experience work together.”
Like many people outside the industry, Pinto initially viewed security as a position centered around maintaining order and stepping in when situations became difficult. Years of experience showed him a very different reality.
“The role is much more about being a protector, communicator and problem solver than simply being an enforcer,” he explains. “We’re not only protecting people. We’re protecting the business, the entertainers, the staff and the overall guest experience. Every interaction matters.”
According to Pinto, the best security professionals are those who never have to use physical force. His years of martial arts and self-defense training gave him confidence in handling confrontation, but they also taught him the value of discipline, patience and control.
“The goal is to resolve situations professionally, prevent issues before they escalate and create an environment where guests feel safe while still enjoying themselves.”
That balance between authority and hospitality is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of the job. A successful floorman may spend a night greeting guests, helping entertainers, assisting servers or solving small issues before they become major problems. Many guests may not even realize they’ve interacted with security. They simply remember that someone helped improve their experience.
“We’re not only protecting people. We’re protecting the business, the entertainers, the staff and the overall guest experience.”
— Romulo Pinto
So, what separates a great floorman from an average one? According to Pinto, it’s awareness.
“Great floormen are proactive rather than reactive,” he explains. “They communicate, anticipate problems and look for opportunities to help before someone has to ask. They understand that security is not only about enforcement, but about supporting the entire operation.”
At E11EVEN Miami, these principles extend to hiring and training new team members. While physical capability has its place, Pinto considers other characteristics more important.
“Confidence and professionalism are more valuable than trying to prove how tough you are.”
Technology has also transformed modern security operations. Advanced surveillance systems, software and communication tools have improved documentation, led to faster response times and allowed security teams to make more informed decisions. However, Pinto believes technology can never replace human judgment.
“Cameras, radios and software are valuable tools, but they still depend on people making good decisions.”
For club owners and managers looking to strengthen their teams, Pinto believes the answer lies in developing a culture of professionalism.
“Focus on building a professional culture rather than simply building a security team,” he suggests. “Everything starts with clear policies, procedures and expectations. Team members cannot consistently perform at a high level if they are not properly trained or if expectations are unclear.”
At E11EVEN Miami, professional club culture is developed through strong leadership, ongoing training, clear communication and consistency.
“When those elements are in place, security becomes more than a department,” he points out. “It becomes an important part of the overall guest experience and the success of the business.”
And at the end of the day, security teams are an essential part of the memories guests take home with them.
“We are part of the experience, even if guests do not always realize it. The work we do helps to create a safe, professional and welcoming environment where people can relax, celebrate and enjoy themselves.”
For more information, visit www.11miami.com.
