Power Home Technologies Reaches 50K Customer Milestone in 8 Years
In need of of a new security alarm system, the Pattersons chose Power Home Technologies (PHT) to install their new solution. As a result, the Pattersons became PHT's 50,000th customer. Pictured (l to r): PHT CEO Ben Brookhart, the Patterson Family and PHT President Erik Randesi.
RALEIGH, N.C. — Having launched only eight years ago, security provider Power Home Technologies (PHT) recently reached a company milestone by signing up its 50,000th customer.
Started in 2004, PHT was formerly an authorized dealer for Vector Security before joining Monitronics dealer program last spring. The partnership allowed PHT to pursue its own brand identity, which helped the company build its clientele, PHT CEO Ben Brookhart tells SSI.
“Before partnering with Monitronics, we had to brand Vector yard signs and stickers,” he explains. “Our current partnership with Monitronics is going to absolutely allow us to grow our business quicker. We’re a more recognizable brand within the communities that we serve because people now know us as Power Home Technologies, not a brand of a dealer company.”
The company operates 16 locations in Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Its account base comprises a 95% residential, 5% commercial split. Rather than relying on traditional marketing strategies, such as mail advertisements and press releases, PHT generates its business through referrals and door-to-door sales. The door-knocking method is what ultimately won PHT its 50,000th account, Brookhart says.
Ronald Patterson, the newest PHT client, was in need of an upgrade to his outdated security system. Having researched the latest security technologies on the market, Patterson knew what he wanted installed. Door-to-door alarm salespeople from various companies approached Patterson’s home to offer him an upgrade; however, it wasn’t until PHT arrived that Patterson made his final decision.
“When I asked Mr. Patterson why he chose PHT, one of the things that stuck out was the other companies that stopped by weren’t as professional as we were,” Brookhart explains. “Once he got to learn about our products and services, he decided to make that change.”
To thank Patterson for becoming its 50,000th customer, PHT upgraded his system to Alarm.com’s interactive services and installed an outdoor bullet camera in his backyard — all free of charge.
While PHT has had great success with its door-to-door sales campaigns, Brookhart realizes that the tactic has gotten a bad rap with many companies in the electronic security industry.
“It’s really unfortunate that there are some companies out there that have given door-knocking a bad name,” he says. “There are a lot of companies out there that do the right thing, and I believe 100% that we are one of those companies.”
To combat the negative criticisms aimed at the door-to-door sales strategy, PHT, which has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, conducts thorough background checks and provides in-depth training before sending anyone out in the field.
“If potential employees do not pass our standards then we do not offer them employment opportunity,” he says. “That eliminates a lot of those folks. Then we go through all the state regulations to make sure our salespeople are properly registered with the state. We also have a code of ethics that we make sure our team signs, which talks about being honorable, having integrity and not misleading customers. If an incident ever comes up, whether the person is our top producer or not, we terminate him.”
Additionally, Brookhart credits the firm’s success to excellent customer service provided by the employees. As an example, after each transaction PHT sales representatives mail out handwritten notes to customers, thanking them for their business.
“We take a lot of pride in providing our clientele with the best local service possible,” Brookhart says. “Our motto is ‘Don’t chase money, chase success.’”
Ashley Willis is associate editor for SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION magazine. She can be reached at (310) 533-2419.
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