In 2020, if you had told Ben Teaford, owner of Signal of Orlando (among others) and winner of July’s Franchise of the Month, that within four years of launching his Signal franchise, it would span five states and generate over $30 million a year, he’d probably chuckle and tell you he agrees with you. Then he’d raise you another $2 million. Because while Ben is no stranger to hard work, he also has three crucial things going for him: a genuine desire to bring peace to the communities he serves, the confidence to actually do it, and the unshakeable belief that he’s in control of his own destiny. This combination has skyrocketed Teaford and his team to success, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
This is Ben’s second time in under 12 months being awarded Franchise of the Month, and his team is on track to surpass $34 million in revenue this year across all his territories. Their upward trajectory happened rapidly, and Ben’s journey often looks like he’s running a marathon at a sprinter’s pace. Running the business alongside his wife and business partner, Renee, the couple has a “boots on the ground” mindset. They’ve spent three out of the last four years in a Signal patrol car for the holidays, ensuring the safety of the properties they serve. Even now, after building strong leadership teams in each of their Signal locations, they don’t keep a 9-to-5 schedule. For the couple, this is more than a business—it's a way of life and a way for Ben to invest not only in his future but in the future of his communities.
Being known for making a positive contribution to others has been a lifelong conviction for Ben. Growing up, his family wasn’t wealthy, and he knew that in order to make his mark, he’d need to take control of his life by ensuring his own financial security. In the years leading up to owning his first Signal territory, he did just that. Ben worked as a security guard, owned a successful tax franchise, and opened an independent arms retail store. During that time, he was also part of a Search and Rescue team. He’d spent his entire adult life up to that point helping others in some capacity.
When Ben started exploring different security companies, he had specific criteria in mind. He wanted to be part of an established organization that was effective but also valued his years of experience; he wanted to influence the company’s trajectory from every angle. He was seeking a company with the integrity and business model to thrive, even as the world around it continued to change. Ben could see the areas in his community where, between the population boom and budget cuts to the police force, effectively keeping the peace required bridging the gap between law enforcement and the general public. This meant Ben was also looking for a brand that understood the value of a symbiotic relationship between private security and law enforcement and had the capability to do so effectively.
As Ben researched different brands, Signal kept popping up on his newsfeeds with ads about becoming a franchise owner. He booked a call and said that after learning what Signal stood for, as well as the resources available to franchise owners, joining Team Signal was an easy decision. The resources and support offered by the Home Office were unlike anything he’d ever experienced. They handled employee payroll, recruiting, and strategic partnerships, all with a low royalty percentage. After speaking with Reed Nyffeler, CEO of Signal, he was ready to sign. Ben knew where he wanted to be and what he wanted to do, and Reed’s vision for the future matched that.
“Signing on with Signal was a no-brainer.”
- Ben Teaford
A large part of his success since then is owed to Ben's leadership skills, the way he holds his teams accountable, and ensuring the Signal culture and core values are infused into every facet of his business. The mindset for every employee there is that the quicker and faster they get to someone, the better the opportunity they have to leave them satisfied. Every interaction with someone is a part of their overall experience, and the team at Signal of Orlando is invested in ensuring that every experience with Signal is an excellent one, whether you’re a client or an employee.
That strategy has worked well for the location. The team is ranked number 24 for Key Performance Indicators across the brand. Ben’s consistent collaboration with the Signal home office and the high standards he sets for his staff are reflected across the location’s operations. At an almost 100 percent Patrol and Dedicated completion rate, Signal of Orlando continues to grow while also retaining over 90 percent of their clients. Ben finds it deeply gratifying that his flagship location is so operationally sound; it’s evidence that the service they provide is so crucial.
“I think there’s just something where people identify you as the safeguard. It’s understanding that you’re able to make more of an impact on other peoples’ lives, rather than just your own.”
- Ben Teaford
While Ben has always been internally led to make a significant contribution to society, he says much of what they’ve accomplished couldn’t have been done without the backing of the Signal brand. Signal has brokered strategic partnerships that have had a heavy impact on Ben’s success, and the support and responsiveness of the Home Office are leaps and bounds beyond what other franchisors can offer. Additionally, the technology offered by Signal is far ahead of what other security brands have at their disposal. Everything the Home Office puts at their fingertips reinforces Ben’s vision for the future.
“We’re always evolving into something new and better,
all the time.”
- Ben Teaford
Since opening his first Signal location four years ago, Ben and Renee have exceeded their initial expectations for success. Now, they not only own multiple territories, but they’ve also built strong leadership teams in each office and have brought peace of mind to communities in five different states. As for what comes next for Ben and his team, he knows where he wants to be: he’s determined to be the first Signal owner to hit $100 million in revenue. Based on what he’s achieved so far, it's a safe bet that he’ll get there. Regardless, one thing is certain—with Signal, Ben Teaford has his destiny firmly in his grasp.
If your vision for the future includes making a significant mark on the people around you, backed by the support of an international brand known for making communities safer, take control of your own destiny, and contact us today.
