Executive Biographies

Denis Cooke
Founder and President

Denis is the Founder and President of Grand Central Station and has served on the board since the company’s inception in 1984. He is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the company.

Prior to founding GCS, Denis founded All-Guard Alarm Systems, a SDM 100 Company. He holds the position of President and is a member of the Board of Directors. Prior to founding All-Guard Alarm Systems, Denis worked in the Cooke Family security alarm business, Automatic Alarm.

Jim Loyd
Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Jim brings to Grand Central Station over 24 years of sales and management experience in the security industry. Prior to joining GCS, Jim held national account and business development positions with Dedicated Micros, General Manager responsibilities with Advantor, Regional Director duties with Arius and various sales positions with Honeywell Security. Jim has an extensive background in leading sales teams and developing dealer programs in the Video, Access Control and Intrusion arenas.

Jim is a graduate of California State University at Chico.

Keith Buerke
Operations Manager

Keith has been Operations Manager for Grand Central Station since 2001. He is a 24 year veteran of the security industry, beginning his career at GCS in 1984.

During his tenure as President of the East Bay Alarm Association, Keith led the organization to successfully prevent the legislation for verified response in several Bay Area cities. He has also served on the Board of Directors for the California Alarm Association for 10 years.

Tara Cooke
Grand Central Station Manager

Tara is the third generation of the Cooke family to join Grand Central Station. She joined the company in 2002 working in the Accounting Department and then was promoted to Office Manager in 2005.

Tara was promoted to the position of Grand Central Station Manager in 2008; where she applies her skills in administration and management.

Ben Martinez
Business Development Manager

Ben began working in the security industry in 1984. He started his career in new home construction; installing security systems and home audio and video systems. He moved into project management with a focus on lighting control design and industrial energy control systems.

Transitioning to commercial and residential security, Ben redirected his skills to sales, business development and sales management. He held various sales positions before starting his own alarm company. Settling his family in northern California, he joined GCS as Business Development Manager in 2004. Ben attended Arizona State University, majoring in Architecture and Engineering.

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