Mel Mahler, ADS chairman and CEO, and an industry legend, says, “ADS Security has been so successful is because it continually plans for the future through investment in the best available technology and through employing the most knowledgeable people in the industry.”

2008 was a successful year marked by significant changes for ADS Security, LP, Nashville, Tenn. New personnel, acquisitions that opened new markets and the successful installation of new operating software, to name a few, all reflected the firm’s commitment to being a top security company in the market. In honor of its exceptional year full of successful changes and its commitment to supporting the industry, SDM chose ADS as its 2008 Dealer of the Year Honoree.

ADS Security, the 25th largest electronic security firm in the nation, has been changing and growing since it was established in 1989. Today the company serves approximately 67,000 customers in 19 states through 13 offices located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Both of its 2008 acquisitions opened up new markets for the company. ADS entered the Florida market for the first time with the purchase of Advanced Detection Systems Inc., Melbourne, Fla., and the company established its first office in the metropolitan Atlanta market with the acquisition of SecurNet Protective Services Inc., Norcross, Ga.

Mel Mahler, the company’s chief executive officer and chairman, and one of the company’s founders, was able to turn his attention to acquisitions like these when the company welcomed John Cerasuolo as its new president and chief operating officer in January 2008. The addition of Cerasuolo not only freed up Mahler to pursue the expansion of the ADS brand, but it also allowed him to further dedicate his time to the growth and success of the security industry, taking an active role in industry associations and regulatory boards.

ADS’s more than 275 employees are also encouraged stay active in the industry, following Mahler’s lead. Multiple employees are officers or committee members in local and national associations.

Community involvement is just as important to the company. Throughout the year, ADS made multiple donations and participated in a great number of community projects. ADS also shares its leadership skills with the communities its serves by participating in or sponsoring various city committees and boards.

In addition to its acquisitions, new personnel and industry and community involvement, ADS completed technology upgrades on its new central station, built in 2006. ADS also upgraded its entire internal support system, a multi-year project costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Manitou, a central station management platform, and SedonaOffice, a security industry-specific enterprise management solution, were successfully installed to allow for the company’s continued growth and development.

The company’s numbers indicate its success. Total revenue for ADS was $27.7 million in 2007, which grew to $29.9 million in 2008. Recurring monthly revenue also increased from more than $1.5 million in 2007 to more than $1.7 million in 2008. ADS’s long-term strategy is to grow contracted recurring revenue 20 percent annually through 2013 with equal organic and acquisition growth supported by exemplary customer service. If 2008 is any indication, ADS will achieve its goals.

At a Glance

Visit at: www.adsalarms.com

Employees: 273 full-time; 3 part-time

Revenue: $29.9 million in fiscal year 2008

Market focus: Commercial, government and industrial establishments, as well as residential homes