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From the Plains to Premier Service: How Wes and Weston Smith Lead with Standards and Strength

At Signal, we’re proud to recognize franchise owners who embody the values of leadership, accountability, and service in every community they touch. For our Franchise of the Month, we’re celebrating Signal of South Dakota, led by owners Wes and Weston Smith – a dynamic father-son team whose footprint extends far beyond South Dakota. Together, they own and operate territories spanning South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Northwestern Minnesota – a vast region where their approach to security is as strong and steady as the landscapes they serve. 

Their story is one of resilience, high standards, and a “can-do” mindset that inspires both their officers and the clients who depend on them. 

A Family Team with a Shared Mission 

Wes and Weston bring two generations of leadership to Signal. Wes, the father, first became involved with the business in Montana. Weston, already an entrepreneur running other successful companies, joined later. Together, they’ve built not just a franchise but a family-driven operation spanning five states. 

“Working together as father and son comes naturally for us, “Weston explains. “I handle all operational oversight, sales, and administrative functions not covered by our coordinators, while Wes focuses on maintaining long-standing client relationships and traveling between offices to provide on-site leadership. We balance each other well – I drive efficiency and profitability, but I can get caught up in the daily fires; Wes brings the calm, steady demeanor that only decades of experience can provide, whether it’s reassuring clients or helping people better understand and appreciate the important role our officers play.” 

Meeting Challenges Head-On 

Managing territories spread across five states comes with no shortage of challenges. Staffing shortages, sudden client needs, and geographic hurdles are all part of their daily reality. But Wes and Weston have built a culture where accountability is non-negotiable, and that clarity empowers their people. 

“We never say ‘we can’t do it.’ We’ll say yes and figure it out while running,” they explain. 

That “can-do” mindset shows up daily, whether it’s covering new contracts with little notice, responding to emergency calls, or rallying staff to take on overtime until the team is stabilized. Officers know the standard: show up at the right place, right time, in the right uniform, do the job as trained, and do it with a good attitude. 

One example that captures their approach occurred when a major client in Wyoming urgently needed contraband-search services after a threat was made. The call came in at noon, while Wes and Weston were in Fargo, ND, and the client’s next shift began at 3 AM. With little time to prepare, they immediately began coordinating across multiple offices.  

“Within two hours, we had teams mobilized across four states,” Weston shares. “Our Sioux Falls coordinator, Peter, had a patrol unit fueled, packed, and ready to roll; our Rapid City coordinator, Greg, prepped another vehicle and gear; and our Billings team – with no prior notice – hit the road for the eight-hour drive to Kemmerer, Wyoming.” 

By the time the shift began, a full team was in place, and together they completed two full days of searches. The client was astonished by how quickly they responded and how smoothly the teams executed the mission – a perfect example of their promise to always “say yes and figure it out while running.” 

Leadership that Scales 

Over the past year, Signal of South Dakota achieved 26% year-over-year growth, building on already strong momentum. That success isn’t just about new contracts – it’s rooted in how Wes and Weston lead. 

While their territories cover four sprawling states, the leadership team remains lean: Wes, Weston, and four Operations Coordinators. That close-knit structure keeps them hands-on, responsive, and deeply connected to the work on the ground. 

Employees consistently commend them for being accessible, engaged, and supportive leaders. Their responsiveness, whether to staff, clients, or Home Office, sets the tone for the entire operation. They hold high standards, but they also mentor, coach, and create opportunities for others to step into leadership roles. 

“Providing good-paying jobs to dozens of people so they can have a good life and provide for their families, and mentoring my leadership team,” Weston says, is one of the most rewarding parts of ownership. 

Clients, meanwhile, see Wes and Weston as partners who deliver on promises with consistency and care. Across the Signal network, they’re recognized as franchise owners who demonstrate that strong leadership rooted in people is what drives lasting success. 

Guided by Principles 

Two guiding philosophies shape how Wes and Weston approach leadership. 

The first is a quote from General George S. Patton: 

“We herd sheep, we drive cattle, we lead people. Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.” 

The second is the U.S. Air Force Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. 

Both speak to their straightforward style. They expect high standards, they don’t shy away from tough calls, and they hold themselves accountable just as much as their teams. 

Looking Ahead 

As Wes and Weston continue to grow, their vision remains grounded in the same principles that got them here: accountability, excellence, and care for their people. 

Their story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles or territories – it’s about setting high standards, backing them up with action, and building a team that believes in the mission. 

Congratulations to Wes, Weston, and the entire Signal of South Dakota team. Your “can-do” attitude, steady leadership, and commitment to your people make you a standout within the Signal network. 

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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