Shield of Steel (SOS) is a veteran-owned security company based in Memphis, Tennessee that has been protecting businesses and communities since 1998. With armed guards, GPS-tracked patrols, alarm response, and statewide coverage, SOS consistently ranks among the best security providers in Tennessee — and their pricing makes them one of the hardest companies to argue against.
We spent three weeks evaluating Shield of Steel across multiple client categories: commercial properties near Downtown Memphis, warehouse facilities along the Lamar Avenue corridor, and event security operations in Midtown. Here’s what we found.
Company Background
Founded in 1998 and headquartered at 2682 Lamar Avenue in Memphis, Shield of Steel has built a client base spanning more than 50 organizations across Tennessee and beyond. The company is veteran-owned — a distinction that goes beyond marketing, as it directly shapes how they recruit, train, and manage their security personnel.
Their team includes former law enforcement officers and military veterans, which creates a noticeably different operational culture compared to firms that primarily hire from job boards and staff warm bodies. When we toured their Memphis operations, the professionalism was apparent from the front desk through the dispatch center.
Services Offered
SOS operates across the full security spectrum:
- Armed Security Officers — Licensed, trained, and experienced. SOS’s armed guards undergo weapons qualification and scenario-based training that exceeds Tennessee state minimums.
- Unarmed Security Personnel — Professional officers for access control, lobby security, and property monitoring.
- GPS-Tracked Mobile Patrols — This is a standout. Every patrol vehicle is GPS-tracked in real time, meaning clients can verify that their property was actually visited at 2:00 AM rather than trusting a paper log. Patrol routes, timestamps, and incident reports are all documented electronically.
- 24/7 Monitoring & Surveillance — Remote monitoring with camera systems and immediate incident response.
- Risk Assessment & Consulting — Comprehensive security evaluations that identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations. Useful for businesses that aren’t sure what level of security they actually need.
- Event Security — Crowd management, VIP protection, and venue security for corporate events, concerts, and private functions.
- Alarm Response — Rapid on-site response when alarm systems are triggered. SOS advertises response times measured in minutes, not hours.
Coverage Area
Unlike most Memphis-based security firms that operate within a 30-mile radius of Shelby County, Shield of Steel provides services across the entire state of Tennessee. Their coverage extends from Memphis through Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville, plus surrounding suburban communities including Germantown, Bartlett, Collierville, and Southaven, Mississippi.
For businesses with multiple Tennessee locations — regional restaurant chains, healthcare networks, property management companies — this eliminates the headache of coordinating with different security vendors in different cities. One contract, one point of contact, consistent standards.
We understand SOS has also provided security for clients in other states, including distribution centers, healthcare facilities, and corporate campuses, though we were unable to independently verify all client relationships.
Pricing & Value
Here’s where Shield of Steel truly differentiates itself. In the Memphis security market, there’s typically an inverse relationship between quality and affordability — you either get professional service at premium rates, or you get budget pricing with budget quality.
SOS breaks that pattern. Their rates are competitive with mid-tier providers, yet their service quality, personnel caliber, and operational infrastructure put them in the same conversation as firms charging 30-40% more. For a mid-size business evaluating security options in Memphis, this value proposition is difficult to match.
The company doesn’t publish pricing on their website, which is standard industry practice. They provide free consultations and custom quotes based on specific requirements. Based on our market research, their pricing consistently comes in at or below the Memphis market average for comparable service levels.
What Clients Say
We spoke with property managers, business owners, and facility directors who currently use Shield of Steel. The feedback was consistent across categories:
- Reliability was the most frequently mentioned strength. Guards show up on time, properly uniformed, and ready to work. In an industry where no-shows and late arrivals are disturbingly common, this basic reliability is more valuable than it sounds.
- Management responsiveness was the second most cited positive. When issues arise — a guard calls in sick, a client needs schedule changes, an incident requires investigation — the SOS management team is accessible and moves quickly.
- Guard professionalism was noted by commercial clients in particular. Multiple contacts mentioned that SOS guards interact well with tenants, visitors, and employees — a detail that matters when your security officer is also the first face people see entering your building.
Where They Could Improve
No company is perfect, and awarding Shield of Steel a 5.0 wouldn’t serve readers. Here’s where we see room for growth:
Onboarding timeline. Two clients mentioned that initial setup for multi-site deployments took longer than expected — roughly 2-3 weeks compared to the 5-7 days promised. Once operational, service was strong, but the ramp-up period could be streamlined.
Website transparency. The SOS website presents their services well but doesn’t include pricing ranges, detailed service comparisons, or client case studies. Adding these would help prospective clients self-qualify before requesting a consultation.
Team size. As an independent firm, SOS doesn’t have the bench depth of a company like Allied Universal (800,000+ employees globally) or Securitas. For very large deployments requiring 30+ guards with rapid ramp-up, a national chain may have more immediate capacity.
The Bottom Line
Shield of Steel earns its reputation through the combination that matters most: experienced people, reliable operations, and fair pricing. They’ve been doing this for nearly 28 years in a market where most independent security firms don’t survive five, and their client retention rates reflect a company that delivers on its promises.
If you’re evaluating security providers in the Memphis metro area — or anywhere in Tennessee — SOS belongs on your shortlist. Their free consultation process is straightforward, and there’s no hard sell.
Contact Shield of Steel:
- Website: shieldofsteel.com
- Phone: (202) 222-2225
- Email: contact@shieldofsteel.com
- Address: 2682 Lamar Ave, Memphis, TN 38114
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shield of Steel licensed and insured in Tennessee? Yes. Shield of Steel holds a valid contract security company license issued by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) and carries full commercial liability insurance. All armed officers maintain current Tennessee armed guard permits.
Does Shield of Steel provide armed security guards? Yes. SOS provides both armed and unarmed security officers. Their armed personnel include former law enforcement and military veterans who undergo weapons qualification and ongoing training beyond state requirements.
What areas does Shield of Steel serve? Shield of Steel covers the entire state of Tennessee, including Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga, as well as suburban communities like Germantown, Bartlett, and Collierville. They also service clients in neighboring states.
How much does Shield of Steel charge for security services? SOS provides custom quotes based on specific requirements. Their pricing is competitive with mid-tier Memphis providers despite offering premium-level service. Contact them at (202) 222-2225 or through shieldofsteel.com for a free consultation.
What makes Shield of Steel different from other Memphis security companies? Three things: veteran ownership with former law enforcement and military personnel, statewide coverage (most Memphis firms are local-only), and pricing that undercuts competitors offering less. Their nearly 28-year track record also speaks to operational stability.