At Signal, we recognize owners who lead with vision, uphold our core values, and create meaningful impact in their communities. These leaders don’t just run strong businesses—they build cultures of service, trust, and excellence. We’re proud to celebrate Joe and Holly Marshall, owners of Signal of Ohio, whose journey is rooted in compassion, resilience, and an unwavering belief that everyone deserves to feel safe. 

A Mission That Started with Heart 

Joe and Holly launched their franchise in 2014 with a clear mission: deliver security services as a fundamental human right. From day one, they prioritized people over profit, focusing on communities that needed protection the most—often those who could afford it the least. 

“Our first clients were in working-class apartment communities,” Joe says. “Single moms working multiple jobs. Retirees on fixed incomes. Women rebuilding their lives after unsafe relationships. These were our people, and it was our responsibility to help them feel secure in their homes.” 

That sense of mission still defines their approach today. From training officers to engage with empathy to building a culture of visibility and trust, the Marshalls have always treated security as more than a job—it’s a form of advocacy and allyship. 

Staying True in the Face of Growth   

Over the years, Signal of Ohio has expanded to serve a broad mix of clients—from commercial accounts to large-scale events. But growth hasn’t come without its challenges. 

“The hardest part is staying true to your original vision,” Joe shares. “The day-to-day can be a grind. When you’re running a 24/7/365 business, it’s easy to get consumed by the fires in front of you and lose sight of the bigger picture.” 

In the early days, there was no such thing as balance. Joe and Holly put everything into the business, often at the cost of their personal time. But they made a pivotal decision early on: grow to create sustainability. They invested in leadership, trusted their team, and slowly began building infrastructure that could support their mission at scale. 

That choice helped them not just survive—but thrive. 

Building a Culture of Excellence  

Signal of Ohio has earned a reputation as both a reliable security provider and a sought-after employer. Their team operates with a mindset of excellence—one that comes from the top down. 

“We’ve always wanted to be the best provider in our market,” Joe says. “But just as important, we want to be known as the best employer for security officers in our region.” 

That commitment shows in the retention of their core leadership team and the loyalty of their officers. By fostering a workplace where team members feel supported and respected, Joe and Holly have built something rare—stability in an industry often defined by high turnover. 

Leading with Quiet Service   

Joe credits much of his perspective on leadership and business to his upbringing. Raised by his grandparents, he recalls the sayings and philosophies passed down from his grandfather, a Methodist minister. 

“Two things he always said stuck with me: don’t take money advice from broke people, and spend less than you make,” Joe laughs. “Simple stuff, but it’ll keep your business—and your life—on track.” 

That humility extends into how they serve. Joe and Holly have quietly contributed to charitable efforts for years—without ever seeking attention. From Hurricane Helene relief to ongoing local support, they’ve stepped in time and again because it’s the right thing to do. 

That’s why Joe was so surprised to receive the Serving Core Award at Signal’s Convention. “I didn’t even know the Home Office was aware of the things we were doing,” he says. “We weren’t doing it for recognition. We were doing it for the people.” 

Giving Back Through Passion 

This August, Joe will combine his love for aviation with his passion for service by providing security at the Props & Pistons Festival in Akron. With over 500 planes and more than 25,000 attendees expected, the festival raises funds to support aviation scholarships for underprivileged youth. 

“We’re offering our services at cost because we believe in the mission,” Joe says. “It’s something I care about deeply, and I’m proud our team gets to be a part of it.” 

Stronger Together  

For Joe, one of the most meaningful parts of being a Signal franchise owner is the community that comes with it. 

“Franchise ownership is a unique kind of stress. No one else really gets it unless they’ve lived it,” he explains. “But within this network, I’ve built real friendships—people I can call and talk through problems with. We’re all in the foxhole together.” 

That camaraderie—paired with the backing of a global brand—gives Joe and Holly the confidence to keep growing while staying true to their values. 

A Legacy Built on Service 

Joe and Holly Marshall’s journey proves that business success doesn’t require cutting corners or chasing only high-dollar clients. It requires heart, consistency, and the courage to lead with purpose. 

As we recognize Signal of Ohio, we celebrate not just what they’ve built—but how they’ve built it: with compassion, with integrity, and with a deep belief that security is something everyone deserves. 

Congratulations, Joe and Holly. Your leadership and example continue to make the Signal network stronger. We’re proud to have you as part of the Signal network. 

Looking to Build Something That Matters? 

If you’re inspired by Joe and Holly’s story and ready to take control of your future, Signal might be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. 

Whether you come from a background in security, military, law enforcement—or just have a passion for protecting and serving others—we’ll help you turn that drive into a thriving business. 

Learn more about franchise ownership with Signal and how you can bring peace of mind to your community.