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Convenient Security for Convenience Stores

The car and fuel industry have changed dramatically over the last fifty years. In the year 1960, there were only 2 million cars on the road worldwide. Fast forward to 2019, and the world now has over 1.8 billion cars on the road. This has led to a rise in the number of fuel stations and convenience stores, which now conduct millions of transactions a day. With the changes in technology, these transactions are fast and easy, which makes them easy targets for criminals and fraudsters.

Convenience Stores: A Convenient Target

The transition from full service, to pay inside, to eventually paying at the pump has been the most opportunistic for these criminals. Instead of having to steal cash, they can now put credit card skimmers on the pump, wait from a remote location, and gather people’s personal payment info without having any confrontation. While technology may have opened these avenues, it also helps close them. Using cards with chip readers, digital alerts for tampering, and cameras have cut down on some of this opportunity, but nothing measures up to having a physical presence on site to deter these criminals in the first place. For that reason, many convenience stores are now turning to private security companies to provide that presence.

Not only do these security companies help prevent skimmers at the pump, but they can also help keep the storefront welcoming. Convenience stores are often a place where homeless congregate, which can deflect potential customers from going inside in fear of being confronted. Getting customers to shop inside is an important aspect for these businesses because the margins they make on food are substantially higher than fuel and is important in keeping the store profitable and open.

Another important role for private security at convenience stores is to prevent robberies. Because of the small store layout, low number of employees, and easy access, convenience stores are one of the most frequently robbed businesses. In order to keep their employees and assets safe, many owners are hiring private security for the late-night hours.

Protecting Yourself:

Despite being a relatively easy target for criminals to strike, there are some systems in place that store owners can implement to mitigate loss. Whether or not you employ a private security company, these steps have been proven to help decrease incidents on store property.

  • Ensure your store is properly staffed during peak times
  • Utilize video surveillance, if available.
  • Maintain proper exterior lighting
  • Cash control and drawer audits on a regular basis
  • Limit building access to as few doors as possible
  • Train employees on proper emergency response
  • Develop a relationship with law enforcement

While these steps are useful in curbing possible threats, adding a physical deterrent in the form of either a dedicated, or roving patrol officer is the most effective and efficient way to fully deter criminal activity. Outsourcing to a private security company could be an option, as it would help your store’s bottom line and allow you to focus on the other aspects of your business.

Signal Security: A Convenient Solution

Signal is one of those private security companies who has recently began this type of security. Signal offers custom solutions to each of their clients, so the store owners can pick the services that best suit their needs. This cuts costs for the store owner while still getting the result they desire. Some of these solutions include:

  • Pump checks (Skimmer prevention)
  • Random Patrols
  • Dedicated door staff
  • Armed guard (not available at all locations)
  • Building lock-ups/lock checks
  • And more!

Signal is locally owned and operated by local franchise owners, so their desire to make a difference in the community is far greater than that of a large security conglomerate. These owners are always available and work to form a true partnership with their clients.

With highly visible patrol vehicles, professionally trained guards, custom solutions, and an owner you can count on, convenience store owners can be sure that Signal 88 Security will help them continue to stay profitable and secure.

To find out more information on Signal 88’s services or to request a free site assessment, click here.

Passion Award: Stephen Hayes
Signal of El Paso, TX & Signal of Greater Albuquerque, NM  


At Signal, we drive with passion in everything we do because passion connects people to purpose. 

Stephen Hayes exemplifies this every day. A positive and giving leader, Stephen is a role model to others in the network. He stays closely connected to the Home Office, ensuring he is personally executing operational details with excellence and accuracy. 

Beyond his own market, Stephen is always willing to lend advice and support anyone in the network who needs it, while maintaining strong results in his markets. His dedication, energy, and consistent positive attitude make him a powerful example of what it means to lead with passion. 

Honesty & Integrity Award: Jonas Palmer
Signal of Northwest Tennessee & Signal of Jackson, MS 

We live in honesty and integrity because without it, our company and our brand are hollow. 

Jonas Palmer has taken on some of our most challenging markets and turned them around in a remarkably short time. He leads from the front, never asking his team to do anything he isn’t willing to do himself. 

When feedback comes from the Home Office, whether operational or financial, Jonas responds with transparency and immediate follow-through. His professionalism, accountability, and respect in every interaction set a high standard for reliability and trust. 

Relationships Award: Mike Kosmet
Signal of Michigan 

We build relationships because healthy success can only be created with mutual respect for others. 

Mike Kosmet has demonstrated consistent success for more than a decade. He understands that collaboration fuels progress, as shown in his partnership with our Milwaukee office, which helped drive a significant market turnaround. 

Personable, responsive, and easy to work with, Mike prioritizes communication and follow-through. His ability to engage his team and work alongside peers has contributed to doubling the size of his business this year. He proves that strong relationships are a competitive advantage. 

Serving Award: Shane Wimer
Signal of Nebraska 

We serve our communities without hesitation because serving is the active ingredient in service. 

Shane Wimer led the development of Code Enforcement as a new service offering, generously sharing his entire process with the Home Office and fellow franchisees. His collaboration helped create sales and training materials that are driving growth across the network. 

He knows his officers by name and genuinely cares about their success, which is reflected in his team’s outstanding retention rates. Shane’s ability to balance strong financial performance with a people-first mindset makes his franchise a model for serving both community and team. 

Learning Award: Dan Liotta
Signal of Central and Northern Virginia  

We learn something every day by holding an open-minded approach to everything we do. 

Since joining Signal in 2023, Dan Liotta has made a significant impact. As a strategic and thoughtful leader, he delivers strong results and exceptional customer service by staying focused on sustainable growth. 

Dan is constantly seeking ways to improve his operations and bring more value to his market. His visionary mindset and commitment to continuous improvement remind us that growth begins with a willingness to learn.

Core Champion Award: Haris Johnson
Signal of Washington, D.C. 

While each award represents a specific value, the Core Champion brings them all together. 

Haris Johnson represents the full Signal mission in every aspect of his business. He makes a lasting impression in every interaction, from how he supports his officers to the passion he brings to serving clients. 

He is always exploring new ideas to improve his franchise and shows genuine appreciation for others across the network. His commitment to his team, his clients, and the future of Signal makes him a true Core Champion. 

Congratulations! 

These winners represent what makes Signal different. Our Core Values – Passion, Honesty & Integrity, Relationships, Serving, and Learning – are the foundation of how we operate and how we grow.  

To our 2025 Core Award winners: thank you for leading by example and for showing what it truly means to live the Signal mission.

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