Guardian Alarm Company Acquires ADS Security Systems of Concord, Ohio

Guardian Alarm Company has expanded its footprint in Ohio after purchasing ADS Security Systems.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – Guardian Alarm Company has enhanced its presence in the Ohio market through its acquisition of Concord, Ohio-based ADS Security Systems.

The family-owned ADS has served communities throughout Concord, Painesville and Cleveland for more than 20 years, and runs a business that mirrors Guardian Alarm’s values, company President David Goldstein tells SSI.

“ADS runs a clean business and it performs good installations,” he says. “ADS offers the same type of equipment [such as Honeywell and DSC] that we use throughout our organization. This deal just gives us an opportunity to have a stronger footprint in areas in Ohio where we aren’t prevalent.”

Goldstein says the firm acquired between 800 and 1,000 accounts from ADS, with a 60% residential, 40% commercial split. He declined to say how much recurring monthly revenue (RMR) the deal brings to the company, but did mention that ADS Owner Dennis Hutson, as well as ADS technical staff, will stay on with Guardian Alarm.

“Most important to me is that my customers continue to receive the service we have always given them,” Hutson says. “Our group will be there so no interruptions in service will take place. Also, with Guardian, we have the opportunity to offer products and services that a larger company can provide.”

In addition to offering former ADS customers CCTV, fire/life-safety solutions, intrusion alarms and access control solutions, Guardian Alarm will offer smart home and interactive services.

ADS’ headquarters has now been consolidated into Guardian Alarm’s Cleveland-based operations. The deal was facilitated by Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group.

Started in 1930, the family-owned and operated Guardian Alarm has offices in Michigan, Ohio and Florida. Goldstein says that the firm has recently entered into the Indiana marketplace through organic growth. Does that mean Guardian Alarm plans to expand its business to more states in the future?

“We are looking for something in our footprint,” Goldstein explains. “We’re not trying to be something that we aren’t. We are extremely strong in Ohio, Michigan and Florida, so we’re not looking for acquisitions in California or Idaho because that’s not where we excel.”

Guardian Alarm is currently in the process of upgrading its corporate offices and IT infrastructure. The company recently switched to the SAP customer relationship management platform and will soon begin using IntelliTouch software. The app will provide salespeople the capability to display pictures, videos, product information and electronic documents and brochures at the customer’s home.

“We’re updating ourselves into the Jetsons era, and we’re really excited and proud about where our IT department is taking us,” Goldstein says. “[The technology] is attracting not only new sales reps, but new technicians.”

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