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Signal: A Top-Ten Fast-Growing Franchise

In its 2022 review of franchise businesses, Entrepreneur Magazine identified Signal as one of the fastest growing franchise concepts in the world.

Signal grew its franchise units at a pace that ranked it as the tenth fastest-growing franchise business in the United States/Canada from July 2020 to June 2021.  What’s more, Entrepreneur Magazine listed Signal is the fifteenth fastest-growing franchise business in the world!  Growth rankings are based on individual franchise units added.

Signal CEO Nyffeler said, “We are absolutely the right concept at the right time in a world that is increasingly recognizing the need for security and peace of mind.”

Signal is an Omaha-based franchise business with a rapidly growing global footprint. It provides security services to its clients through a network 200 US/Canadian franchise owners operating in 900 territories. Signal was established in 2003 and began franchising in 2008.  In addition to this North American network, Signal is growing its international business with successful franchise operations in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and, most recently, Germany.

Signal’s exceptional growth beat out thousands of other franchise concepts in multiple categories ranging from food to financial services to lodging and home improvement.  It is estimated that there are nearly 4,000 US/Canadian franchise concepts and, perhaps, as many as 10,000 worldwide. 

In its overall Franchise 500 list, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Signal at Number 98 of 500. This exclusive list is based not only growth, but also brand strength, stability, franchise support and investment costs.

“We’re gratified that Entrepreneur Magazine has recognized the growth and performance of Signal by placing our relatively new franchise business in the midst of many legendary franchise concepts,” Nyffeler said.  “In overall performance we’re just behind McDonald’s (#14), Pizza Hut (#60), Hilton Hotels and Resorts (#64) and ahead other outstanding national concepts including Two Men & A Truck (#111).”

“Our growth and success has been energized by the franchise support structure we offer to those who choose to partner with us.  Our training systems – both classroom and on-the-job — combined with marketing support services drive the success of our franchise partners” said Shelley Aikins, Vice President of Global Performance.

Of particular importance to those seeking an opportunity in the security services sector, Entrepreneur Magazine also named Signal as its Number One security service franchise placing it at the top of its top ten list and calling Signal the “Best of the Best.”

Signal offers affordable and customized security solutions for property, personnel and other assets requiring protection.  These services range from randomized roving vehicle patrols to dedicated services for events and other special needs. However, the core service offered by Signal is mobile patrols supported by the proprietary Edge software which creates the industry’s most efficient and cost-effective service offering.

“The Signal business model has been especially attractive to traditional security companies which have rebranded as Signal security service providers and implemented the Signal business model,” said Nyffeler. “Doing so positions them to offer far more competitive services and to experience the above average revenue growth as a result.”

While continuing to expand its business base in North America, Signal is actively looking toward further penetrating the European market with an immediate focus on Switzerland, France, Austria, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic.

“Longer term, we are seeking franchise partners in Belgium, the Netherlands, Hungary, and the Scandinavian countries,” Nyffeler said.

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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