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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.

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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