In 2019, Haris Johnson knew he was capable of more. As a dedicated law enforcement officer, he managed a private security operation for a property management company, overseeing 40 moonlighting police officers across eight properties. While he was successful, Haris felt a pull toward something bigger—a vision to scale his passion for security into a business that could serve an entire region.
When he clicked on an Instagram ad for Signal in November 2019, he found the opportunity he had been searching for. Signal offered the resources, structure, and support to help him grow beyond the limits of his current role.
Almost five years later, Haris’s decision has paid off. His team now covers the entire state of Maryland as Signal of Washington DC, and their success is impossible to miss. With a ranking of 45th out of 164 in Signal’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Haris and his team earned the title of Franchise of the Month for August 2024.
A Vision of Growth from the Start
Haris’s rapid expansion across Maryland was no accident. From his very first conversations with the Signal Home Office in 2020, he knew he wanted to make Signal a top-tier security provider in the Capitol region. "I was fully sold on the leadership team's vision," Haris recalls. "Signal is the fastest-growing security franchise globally, and I saw the potential to grow with it."
As he prepares to retire from law enforcement in early 2025, Haris has been maintaining a relentless pace, growing both his team and his operations. His business recently moved into a larger office, and he brought on Rami Hanesh, a sales intern from Signal’s Home Office, to bolster sales efforts. This strategic growth is all part of Haris’s plan to dominate the Capitol region’s security market.
Building a Strong Team
For Haris, expansion means more than just covering more ground—it means building the best team in the business. Recently, he hired a Human Resources Director to help with recruitment as he looks to grow his officer roster. His goal is clear: to assemble the most qualified, engaged, and motivated team in the entire Signal system.
"I can say without hesitation that this is the best group of people we’ve had since day one," Haris shares. He takes his responsibility to provide peace of mind to Washington DC's businesses seriously, and that means only hiring individuals who share his passion and dedication.
Haris is meticulous in ensuring that new hires experience Signal’s culture from the moment they apply. From job postings to interviews, he maintains a clear and consistent message about the high standards he expects. "Once we find those diamonds in the rough, we’re going to hold on to them and elevate them as much as we can, as quickly as we can," Haris says. His focus isn’t just on hiring employees—it’s on offering them a long-term career path where they can grow and thrive.
A Culture of Training and Recognition
This year, Haris has made hiring and retention his top priorities, and it’s already paying off. Signal of Washington DC has one of the highest Training Completion rates across the entire franchise network. New officers are onboarded with a focus on rigorous SPI training from day one, ensuring they’re fully prepared to meet the high standards Haris has set.
But training is just the start. Haris shows appreciation for his employees every day, and his administrative team mirrors his efforts. From small gestures like maintaining clean, well-equipped patrol vehicles to daily recognition of hard work, Haris makes sure his team feels valued and motivated.
Client Relationships Built on Trust and Technology
Haris’s attention to detail doesn’t stop at his team—it extends to his clients as well. When onboarding new clients, he educates them on the importance of security and how Signal’s services go beyond typical security firms. His background in law enforcement gives him unique insights into crime prevention, and Signal’s technology-driven approach allows his team to deliver real-time incident reports and forecasts for future service needs.
"Communication, honesty, and transparency have been key to building, strengthening, and maintaining the bond between us and our clients, "Haris explains. His team’s use of Signal’s non-emergency dispatch feature has been a game-changer, allowing residents to communicate directly with officers without involving property management as a middleman.
This proactive, tech-savvy approach has helped Haris’s business thrive, earning his franchise the 32nd spot for Net Revenue Growth out of 160 Signal locations.
A Network of Support
While Haris has built a thriving business in his own right, he’s quick to acknowledge the support he’s received from the broader Signal network. With neighboring Signal franchises referring business to one another and a shared culture of accountability, Haris is part of a system that values collaboration as much as competition.
"Our vehicles and uniforms are like rolling billboards," Haris says with a smile. "The brand recognition we’re building together is huge."
Looking Ahead
As he continues to grow Signal of Washington DC, Haris is focused on maintaining and expanding his client base while fostering the success of his team. The franchise model that started as an Instagram ad back in 2019 has proven itself over and over again. Before launching his Signal franchise, Haris’s private security operation generated $40,000 annually. Today, his business brings in over seven figures, and he sees nothing but continued growth ahead.
Providing peace of mind to an entire community might seem like a daunting mission, but with the right support and a proven model, it’s a mission Haris Johnson has fully embraced. "If you’re passionate about excellence and want to make a difference," Haris says, "there’s no better time to join the Signal family."
Ready to take your next step and scale your passion for security? Learn more about franchise ownership with Signal and discover how you can make a lasting impact.
