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Signal Franchises: Not Just a Business, A Legacy 

When you’re thinking about starting a business, a lot of important factors come into play: profitability, local market needs, and the ability to create something that reflects your values. For many entrepreneurs, success means more than just financial gain. It means building something meaningful. Something lasting.

At Signal, we partner with people who believe business can be a force for good. They want to lead with purpose, serve their communities, and create a lasting legacy of trust and safety. That’s what sets Signal franchise owners apart.

A Trusted Name with a Purpose-Driven Mission

Signal is a recognized global leader in mobile patrol and dedicated security services. But more importantly, we’re a brand built on peace of mind, community, and human connection. For franchise owners, this is more than an opportunity to own a business. It’s a chance to build something that creates a real impact.

Not Your Average Franchise

There are many franchise opportunities out there. What makes Signal different is the role our owners play in their communities. They are local leaders, trusted partners, and approachable figures people know they can count on.

Our services—like mobile patrols, dedicated officers, and real-time reporting through Signal EDGE—are designed to provide comfort and safety. That means your business won’t just bring in revenue. It will bring people peace of mind. And that’s something to be proud of.

Support You Can Count On

Starting a business should be exciting, not overwhelming. That’s why our franchise model includes built-in support at every step. From in-house lending and flexible repayment options to hands-on training and mentoring, we equip our owners with everything they need to succeed.

Even if you have no experience in the security industry, you can build a strong, sustainable business with Signal. If you bring the drive and the willingness to learn, we’ll bring the tools and resources. 

“I would give a lot of my success to the support of the Home Office,” says Jesse Acree, owner of several Signal franchises and a former restaurateur. “If I need to talk to any of the C-suite people – from the CEO to vice presidents – they pick up the phone just for a one-off question.” Acree says that another huge benefit of owning a Signal franchise is that the Home Office takes care of things like payroll, leaving him the availability to pursue other passions in his life.

You’re not just generating income; you’re creating a legacy of trust and security that will last for generations, and we will be there to help support you every single step of the way Signal doesn’t just “get you started.” We walk the journey with you – because peace of mind is our guiding principle. When our franchise owners have peace of mind, so do their officers. And most importantly, so do the people and communities that we serve.

Built Around Your Community

Every community is different. That’s why every Signal franchise is, too. Unlike other franchise models that look the same in every city, each Signal location is built to reflect the needs of the area it serves.

Whether you need to serve residential neighborhoods, retail centers, industrial facilities, or local institutions, we help you create a plan that fits. Before you even open your doors, we’ll work with you to tailor your offerings to your local market.

Our franchise owners are never just enforcing rules or checking boxes. They are a visible, friendly presence. A resource people turn to when they need help. A steady hand in uncertain moments.

A People-First Approach

Signal officers aren’t meant to intimidate. They’re here to support. They’re trained to de-escalate situations, build relationships, and always approach their work with professionalism and care. It’s how we serve, and it’s why our brand is trusted in neighborhoods across the country.

We encourage every franchise owner to take an active role in their community—whether that’s participating in local events, supporting causes they care about, or simply showing up as a neighbor people can rely on. That’s how trust is built, and that’s what makes your work meaningful.

You’re Not in This Alone

If you’re reading this and wondering whether you can do it, the answer is yes. You can.

We’ve designed this franchise model to make sure you never have to go it alone. With Signal, you’ll have access to the kind of support most entrepreneurs only dream of—expert guidance, professional systems, collaborative peers, and a leadership team that’s always within reach.

As Jesse Acree says, “We all help each other out in every way, every day.” That sense of community runs deep among Signal franchise owners, creating an environment where people lift each other up and move forward together.

Invest in Something Bigger

Signal franchise ownership is about more than business success. It’s about making a lasting difference. When you choose Signal, you’re choosing to invest in your community’s safety, your own long-term potential, and a legacy you can be proud of.

If you’re ready to build something that matters, we’re ready to help you make it happen. Let’s create peace of mind, one community at a time. See available markets and start your Signal journey today.

For Barb Alekna and Greg Pencosky, building Signal of West Virginia has always been about more than growing a security business. It’s about creating an organization where people can build meaningful careers, develop into leaders, and make a lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Since launching Signal of West Virginia in September 2024, that vision has guided the team’s approach to growth. From earning their first client to developing their first leaders, Barb and Greg have focused on building the business one relationship, one employee, and one client at a time.

That commitment to people, consistency, and continuous improvement is helping Signal of West Virginia establish a reputation for professionalism and dependable service across the state.

Building a Culture People Can Grow In

When Barb and Greg reflect on what makes them most proud, their answer comes back to their team. From the beginning, they wanted to create more than a successful security company. They wanted to build a career culture where employees could grow, take pride in their work, and become leaders.

“We strive to create an environment where each security officer and team member understands they’re not simply filling a security post,” they explain. “They’re protecting people, building relationships, solving problems, and representing the Signal brand with professionalism and integrity.”

That philosophy shapes how the team approaches every client and every assignment. Whether supporting apartment communities, healthcare facilities, major retailers, or special events, officers are expected to bring more than security expertise to the job.

Professionalism, reliability, communication, and dedication are all part of the standard.

For Barb and Greg, some of the most rewarding moments come from watching that culture take shape: seeing a new hire gain confidence, an officer advance into a leadership role, or a client recognize a team member for going above and beyond.

Earning Growth One Relationship at a Time

Launching a new franchise comes with challenges, but building Signal of West Virginia meant starting almost entirely from scratch.

Before the first contract, the organization had no established presence in the state, no existing clients, no employees, and no revenue. Barb and Greg had experience leading successful Signal operations, but they understood that success in another market wouldn’t automatically translate to West Virginia.

Instead, they relied on proven Signal processes while taking the time to understand the local market and build credibility from the ground up.

“Everything we’ve built since then has been earned one relationship, one employee, and one client at a time.”

That approach required humility, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Not every proposal became a contract, and not every challenge had an immediate solution, but each experience became an opportunity to improve.

From securing their first client and hiring their first employee to celebrating their first promotion and major contract, each milestone represented another step toward building a reputation in West Virginia.

Continuous Improvement Drives the Team

For the Signal of West Virginia team, showing up at their best starts with a mindset of continuous improvement.

“We never want to become complacent or assume we know everything,” they explain. “Every conversation with a client, every interaction with an employee, every success, failure, and every challenge give us an opportunity to learn, improve, and become better than we were yesterday.”

That mindset extends beyond individual performance. Barb and Greg see clear communication as one of their most important responsibilities as leaders.

By staying connected with clients, supporting their team, and being proactive instead of reactive, they work to build trust and strengthen relationships.

For them, long-term growth isn’t something to chase. It’s something to earn through consistent effort, strong relationships, and exceptional service.

Redefining Professional Security

As Signal of West Virginia continues to grow, Barb and Greg want the community to see private security as more than simply placing officers at a post.

Their goal is to build long-term partnerships, invest in the communities they serve, and create a career culture where employees are empowered to make a positive difference.

“We’re here for the long-term, and we genuinely care about making West Virginia a safer place to live, work, and do business.”

That commitment is supported by the combination of Signal’s global resources and local, owner-led leadership.

The team benefits from Signal’s technology, innovation, experienced leadership, and proven operating model while maintaining a local presence built around responsiveness, accountability, and lasting relationships.

For Signal of West Virginia, that means officers aren’t simply providing security. They’re becoming an extension of their clients’ teams—protecting people, safeguarding property, assisting employees and visitors, and representing both the client and Signal with professionalism.

The goal is to become a trusted partner that helps reduce risk, strengthen operations, and provide lasting peace of mind.

Developing People and Leaders

For Barb and Greg, one of the most rewarding parts of ownership is watching people grow.

Whether it’s mentoring an officer into a leadership role, helping an employee build a long-term career, or developing a client relationship into a trusted partnership, those moments represent the impact they hope to create.

They also recognize that growth doesn’t happen in isolation.

The Signal network has provided opportunities to learn from experienced security leaders, including Paul Alekna and the team at Signal of Canton-Youngstown. Their mentorship and willingness to share experiences have played an important role in the growth of Signal of West Virginia.

That collaboration reflects another strength of the Signal network: franchises supporting one another and sharing knowledge to help each other succeed.

Building What Comes Next

For Barb and Greg, the most exciting part of the journey is knowing they’re still building.

“Every new team member we develop, every client relationship we earn, and every opportunity to strengthen our team is another chance to make a lasting impact.”

Their focus remains straightforward: invest in their people, serve clients with excellence, and build an organization that employees, clients, and the community can be proud of.

Being named Franchise of the Month for May 2026 is an important milestone, but the recognition is viewed as motivation rather than a finish line.

Barb and Greg credit their entire team for the franchise’s success and remain focused on creating a career culture where great people can grow, delivering exceptional service, and making a lasting impact throughout West Virginia.

Congratulations to Barb Alekna, Greg Pencosky, and the entire Signal of West Virginia team on being named May Franchise of the Month in 2026. Their commitment to developing people, serving their communities, and growing with purpose is a powerful example of what’s possible across the Signal network.

 

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