At Signal, we’re proud to celebrate the owners and teams who embody our values: showing passion in their purpose, living with honesty and integrity, building strong relationships, serving their communities, and learning every day. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Signal of Austin, led by owners Malerie Weber and Derek Towne. Their story reflects not only resilience in a highly competitive market, but also the deep commitment they and their team bring to clients, communities, and each other.
A Team That Treats Every Site as Their Own
For Malerie and Derek, pride in their business starts with pride in their people. The Signal of Austin team approaches every client site with the mindset of ownership—treating each property as if it were their own. That kind of care doesn’t come from training alone; it comes from hiring individuals with integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic.
“Whether it’s a new site or a long-term client, our officers show up with dedication and pride in what they do,” Malerie shares.
That approach has fostered deep trust with clients across Austin while also strengthening the team’s sense of responsibility and professionalism.
Growing Through Change
Growth rarely comes without challenges, and for Signal of Austin, one of the biggest has been adapting to change. As their client base expanded, officers had to learn new sites, cover new routes, and adjust quickly to evolving needs—and the team rose to the occasion.
“Our team has stepped up in a big way,” Derek explains. “They’ve embraced new responsibilities, supported one another, and learned to collaborate more closely. That shift has not only helped us overcome challenges, but also made our team stronger.”
This willingness to adapt shows a culture of learning in action. By approaching new situations with open minds, the team has grown its skills and built the resilience needed to thrive in a fast-changing industry.
Striving for Excellence in a Competitive Market
Austin is home to more than 50 private security companies, creating a highly competitive environment. For Malerie and Derek, standing out requires more than reliability—it means setting a higher standard for every interaction.
“Our team understands that being average isn’t enough,” Malerie says. “That mindset drives us to provide top-tier service, every single day.”
That relentless pursuit of quality has become a hallmark of Signal of Austin and a key reason why they’ve grown in such a challenging environment. It’s not just about filling a role; it’s about building a reputation for consistency that clients can count on in any situation.
A Guiding Principle: Doing What’s Right
A quote that inspires both Malerie and Derek is from Henry Ford:
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.”
This principle defines how they run their business. For the Signal of Austin team, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about the quality of how they show up. From professionalism in high-pressure moments to the small details of everyday site management, they are committed to delivering service that reflects integrity and pride, whether or not it’s being noticed.
On the Front Lines of Safety
Private security is often one of the first calls clients make when something goes wrong—sometimes even before law enforcement. In Austin, where the police force is stretched thin, the Signal team frequently steps in during urgent and high-pressure situations.
“Our officers regularly encounter individuals dealing with drug use, mental health struggles, or aggressive behavior,” Derek explains. “It takes strength, training, and courage to respond to those situations professionally—and it’s something our team does every single day.”
These moments reveal the true depth of their work. It’s not always obvious from the outside, but the role they play in keeping clients and communities safe is both essential and impactful.
The Reward of Relationships and a Team to Celebrate
For Malerie and Derek, ownership is about more than contracts and client growth—it’s about people.
“Building strong, trusting relationships with our clients is incredibly rewarding. Knowing they can rely on us gives real purpose to what we do,” they said.
Equally meaningful has been watching their officers grow through the OBX ladder. From entry-level hires to leadership positions, seeing their team members succeed is one of the most fulfilling parts of franchise ownership.
That’s why being recognized is not just an honor for the owners—it’s a celebration of the entire Signal of Austin team.
“We’re truly honored to be recognized,” Malerie shared. “Our team works hard, often in tough conditions, and this acknowledgment is something we’re proud to share with every one of them. It’s a moment of celebration for all of us.”
This recognition underscores the relationships they’ve built—with clients, within their team, and across the community. It also reflects the dedication they see every day, from officers stepping up in difficult moments to those advancing and building careers with Signal. Their success story is proof of what’s possible when strong leadership meets a dedicated team and a shared commitment to doing the right thing.
Looking Ahead
As Signal of Austin continues to grow, Malerie and Derek remain focused on the same principles that have carried them this far: integrity, excellence, and care for both their clients and their team. Their story is a reminder that the heart of Signal lies in the local communities we serve and the owners who lead with purpose.
We celebrate their recognition not only as a Franchise of the Month but also as an example of what makes Signal strong: people who care deeply, work tirelessly, and lead with integrity.
