Ethics Award: Alarms Security Network

For Alarms Security Network, business is not just about profit but about ethics

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then referrals must be a close second. And Alarms Security Networks must have cornered the market since 90 percent of their customers are from referrals.

According to owner J. Franco, the number of referrals his business gets comes from ethics, strong recruitment and retention programs, and inclusiveness.

“We train our employees that we are a service company and that means providing the best service to the customer,” said Franco.

Alarms Security Network captured a Workplace Excellence Award for 2011 in the category of theme, having been picked by judges as best summing up its philosophy about business ethics in the essay category held as part of the awards competition.

Founded in 2004, Alarms Security Networks is tasked with guarding Yuma-area residents' most precious possessions: boats, cars, homes and, of course, family members. The hands-on CEO J. Franco holds a computer systems engineering degree as well as an electrical engineering degree. Franco meets with employees each morning to discuss service calls and other business notes.

Employees, many of whom have been with Alarms Security Networks for several years, look forward to these morning gatherings as Franco almost always dispenses useful advice and encouragement. But the employees' loyalty is not lost on Franco, who said, “We could not ask for any more valuable employees.”

Erin Vega, the office manager at Alarms Security Networks, is just one employee whose nomination form helped the company win this year's category. Vega lauds the company for maintaining integrity without sacrificing employees, especially during such a difficult economic climate.

Said Vega, “We are a small family that excels at helping our customers and the community as a whole.”

And the employees at Alarms Security Networks reflect the Yuma community at large with a diverse work force consisting of men and women from all walks of life — all of whom are encouraged to interact with fellow staff and their families, both at work and off the clock. Franco points toward this kind of employee relations, inclusiveness and diversity as the backbone of his company.

Along with recruitment and retention practices, like a working relationship with the Yuma Private Industry Council, employees begin their career by learning all aspects of the business. After that, workers are expected to interact with customers in a respectful manner leaving the customer satisfied. Sort of like the old adage: Treat others like you want to be treated.

“Our employees are like family; therefore, we treat them the same way we would treat our family,” said Franco.

“With respect, dignity and honor,” he added.