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Franchise of the Month: Inspiring Entrepreneurs – Making an Impact in Seattle’s Business Community

Nestled amidst captivating cityscapes and verdant landscapes, Seattle beckons with its unique blend of urban energy and natural beauty. With its picturesque mountains, tranquil waters and bustling ferry system, the area calls for leaders to respond to the essence of their local community. 

By immersing himself in the local flair, Brad Masterson has gained a deep understanding of the community’s distinct needs and challenges. This intimate knowledge allows him to develop tailor-made security solutions that resonate with his franchise’s clients, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty.

Brad Masterson’s transition from being a pilot and aviation business owner to becoming a Signal franchise owner has been nothing short of transformative. Since his journey began, Brad has witnessed astounding growth far surpassing initial projections. “We grew a thousand percent in the first year. My projected revenue was $150,000 for the first 12 months, and we did $150,000 in the first two or three months,” said Masterson, reflecting on the early months.

“I had to spend a lot of time, maybe, where I wasn’t getting as much sleep as I would like. You know, sleeping with one ear open, ready to deal with things,” said Masterson, highlighting his dedication to providing unparalleled service and client satisfaction. 

Direct communication with his clients is at the core of Brad’s approach, prioritizing their needs and concerns above all else. “Understanding that things aren’t always gonna go as we plan on them going, but communicating with the client, working with them as issues come up,” says Masterson, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong client relationships. 

“I assured people that I could provide them a better product than what they were receiving from other security companies.”

This commitment to excellence has earned Brad’s franchise a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness, with clients, both large and small, placing their confidence in his expertise and relying on him to deliver exceptional security services.

Brad Masterson’s unrelenting dedication has paved the way for fruitful partnerships with prominent clients. Securing significant contracts, such as the one with Nucor Steel has elevated his franchise a reputation as a trusted security solution provider. Additionally, Brad’s strong relationships with retail giant Walmart have opened doors to new opportunities, solidifying his position as a go-to resource for their security needs.

Thriving in a geographically large and challenging market with a substantial population of 3.6 million has required Brad Masterson to adapt and evolve rapidly. 

“Probably our biggest challenge right now is we have the Puget Sound which is a giant body of water that runs right through the middle of my territory, and we have one of the largest ferry systems in the world… so we have clients that are 2 and half hours from our office.” 

Recognizing the need for efficiency and streamlined operations, he strategically expanded by establishing satellite offices for his franchise. He has also focused on growing his team by hiring administrative staff and staying on top of hiring needs.

When it comes to growth Brad is confident, advising, “staying ahead of that hiring curve; the no-no words my employees can’t tell me is that we’re overstaffed.” 

This agile approach to embracing change and adjusting plans has been instrumental in his ongoing success, enabling him to navigate the dynamic landscape of the security industry.

Brad Masterson’s journey from launch in October 2021 to a top performer and Signal’s Franchise of the Month is a testament to the power of passion, relationships and adaptability. By embracing the essence of his local community, prioritizing client satisfaction and navigating rapid growth, Brad has shattered all preconceived limitations. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring franchisees and entrepreneurs, demonstrating that success is attainable when combining unwavering commitment with a genuine desire to make a positive impact.

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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At Signal, our Core Values are more than just words – they shape our culture and define how we provide peace of mind to the communities we serve. They are action statements rooted in a fundamental code of conduct that help us meet challenges, make decisions, and lead...