About Viking Defense
Protecting Miami since 2008. Exceeding Expectations Ever Since.
For more than 15 years, Viking Defense has protected businesses, properties and communities across Miami-Dade and Broward County. Today, the company continues to strengthen its service through professional leadership, technology-supported accountability and ongoing investment in its people.
Our founders
Built in Miami.
Built to Serve.
Viking Defense was founded in 2008 by Miami natives Ricky R. Brantley and Annette W. Brantley, born from a shared dream of building a successful business while creating meaningful opportunities in the community they call home.
Ricky brought experience as a former U.S. Immigration Officer and in security company management, giving the business a strong foundation in security operations, professionalism and service. Annette, a retired Dade County School teacher and community advocate, brought nearly three decades of experience in education and a deep commitment to developing people.
Together, they built Viking Defense around a simple belief: protect people and properties, serve clients with integrity, and create opportunities for others to grow. Their commitment to community and inclusion also helped establish Viking Defense as a Miami-Dade County certified African American-owned and controlled business, reflecting the company’s roots and the community it proudly serves.
Ricky and Annette Brantley
Founders, Viking Defense, Inc.
LAW ENFORCEMENT. EDUCATION. COMMUNITY.
Our Journey
Built on Service.
Grow with Purpose.
What began in 2008 with Ricky and Annette Brantley’s commitment to service and community has grown into a trusted Miami security company, Our journey is a reflection of our people and values.
2008 — A Family Business Is Born
Ricky and Annette Brantley founded Viking Defense in Miami with a shared commitment to service, professionalism, and creating opportunities within their community.
2011 — Building a Reputation for Service
Through dependable officers, responsive leadership, and hands-on management, Viking Defense began establishing long-term relationships with property owners and organizations throughout Miami-Dade County.
2014 — Education Becomes Part of the Mission
Drawing on Annette’s 30 years in education, Viking expanded its focus beyond providing security to developing security professionals through training, mentorship, and career preparation.
2016 — Expanding Opportunity Through Certification
Viking pursued minority- and small-business certifications, opening new opportunities to compete for public and private contracts while strengthening its position as a locally owned Miami business.
2017-2020 — Growing Across South Florida
Viking expanded its footprint across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, providing security for residential communities, commercial properties, construction sites, senior communities, special assignments, and Fire Watch needs.
2020–2023 — Investing in a Stronger Operation
As the company grew, Viking invested in supervision, officer development, technology, reporting, and stronger operational controls creating greater accountability for clients and officers alike.
2023 — The Next Generation of Leadership
Nicholas Brantley assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations, building on the foundation established by Ricky and Annette while introducing a renewed focus on growth, technology, client service, and operational excellence.
2024-Present — Building for the Future
Today, Viking Defense continues to expand its capabilities, pursue new certifications and contracting opportunities, strengthen its training programs, and serve organizations throughout South Florida while remaining grounded in the family values and commitment to service that began in 2008.
The standards remain. The company keeps evolving.
SAME PEOPLE. A SAFER TOMORROW.
MEET OUR DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Nicholas Brantley
The values established by founders Ricky and Annette Brantley remain at the heart of Viking Defense: professionalism, accountability, service, and opportunity. Today, Nicholas “Nick” Brantley is carrying that foundation forward, leading the company’s day-to-day operations and helping shape its next chapter of growth.
Having grown up around the family business, Nick developed an early understanding of what it takes to build trust, not only with clients, but with the officers and communities Viking Defense serves. His professional experience in business and real estate further shaped his approach to leadership, strengthening his focus on relationships, operational discipline, and delivering consistent service.
Since assuming operational leadership in 2023, Nick has focused on strengthening the company from within. Under his direction, Viking Defense has expanded its use of technology, enhanced officer training and supervision, strengthened reporting and accountability, and continued developing the systems necessary to support a growing security operation.
Today, his focus is both straightforward and ambitious: protect the reputation Viking Defense has earned while building a stronger company for the future. That means remaining accessible to clients, maintaining high standards for personnel, embracing better technology and processes, and creating opportunities for the people who represent Viking Defense every day.
As the next generation of leadership, Nick is committed to ensuring that Viking Defense continues to grow without losing the personal service, community connection, and hands-on management that have defined the company since 2008.
"Every challenge is an opportunity to strengthen how we serve, how we lead, and how we grow."
Nicholas Brantley
Director of Operations, Viking Defense, Inc.
Technology + People
Accountability
in Action.
We use modern technology to manage our officers in the field, verify performance and give clients greater visibility across their properties.
GPS VERIFIED PATROLS
Track patrol activity and officer presence across your property.
CHECKPOINT TOURS
Verify designated areas are being checked.
DIGITAL INCIDENT REPORTING
Document incidents and activity digitally.
CLIENT VISIBILITY
Access reporting and security activity when you need it.
Viking Defense in the News
A Conversation About Leadership, Legacy & Growth.
As Viking Defense enters its next chapter, Managing Director Nick Brantley shares a personal perspective on the company his parents built, the experiences that have shaped his leadership, and his vision for carrying their legacy forward.
In his conversation with VoyageMIA, Nick reflects on the realities of growing a family business, investing in people, navigating challenges, and adapting to an evolving security industry, all while preserving the personal service and high standards that have defined Viking Defense since its founding.
“Every challenge has taught us something, how to adapt, how to communicate better, and how to become stronger without losing sight of the values we were built on.”
Nicholas Brantley
Director of Operations, Viking Defense, Inc.
How we Build our Team
Strong Security Starts
With the People Behind It.
The quality of a security program depends on more than having an officer present. Viking Defense focuses on how its officers are selected, prepared, supported and managed, creating a stronger standard of service for the clients and communities we protect.
Hiring Process:
Every officer represents Viking Defense at a client’s property. Our hiring process is designed to identify dependable, professional candidates who meet licensing requirements and are prepared for the responsibilities of the environments they serve.
Training that goes Beyond the Licence
As a licensed security training provider, Viking Defense understands that professional development does not stop once an officer becomes licensed. Officers are prepared around their responsibilities, site expectations, communication standards and appropriate response procedures, helping create greater consistency across client locations.
Ready to Put
Viking Defense to
Work for You?
Tell us about your property, current security concerns and coverage requirements. Our team will review your needs and recommend the appropriate next step.
