Signal’s Franchise of the Month honors teams that exemplify leadership, Signal’s core values, commitment to serving the community, and a drive for excellence. For September, we’re excited to recognize Signal of Eastern PA, led by Bill Kotowski, a franchise whose record of achievements speaks volumes about their dedication and success.
Bill Kotowski, owner of Signal of Eastern and Western PA, has led his team to impressive recognition within the Signal franchise network. In 2022, they were the runner-up for Franchise of the Year, and they took home the title in 2023. Not stopping there, they also earned the title of 2023 PROMISE KPI and SERVING Core Value Champion, consistently ranking in the top two for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) every month in 2024 to date. For Bill, these awards reflect his team’s commitment to excellence and are a direct result of their hard work and dedication.
Bill attributes these successes to the outstanding efforts of his leadership team, including Paul Kennedy and Becky Gonzalez, who were deeply involved with the security business before it rebranded as Signal. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise and a shared vision for growth. Paul contributes to the franchise system through beta testing and the launch of Edge 2.0, Signal’s proprietary platform providing real-time insights to owners, employees, and clients. Becky plays an essential role as part of the Women of Signal and leads the HR group for their franchise. Their collective decision-making approach reinforces a culture of collaboration, setting a strong foundation that resonates throughout the team.
Bill’s team consistently demonstrates high employee engagement, with some of the best training completion rates in the network. This focus on development has created a culture where employees see Signal as a path for growth, not just a job. Bill credits this success to two key factors: an unwavering commitment to communication and transparency, and the support they receive through the Officer Brand Experience—a home-office initiative that aligns officers with Signal’s core values.
New hires understand from day one that Signal offers ample room for career advancement. This approach has paid off, as the team rarely needs to look outside for talent. Director of Operations Casey Sage, who joined the team two years ago with experience from a larger security competitor and a military background, has quickly embraced Signal’s Core Values. He plays an integral role in their continued expansion, and along with Director of Operations for Western PA, Bryce Gonzalez, helps manage the growing territory.
Bill and his team are as dedicated to the broader Signal network as they are to their own success. Frequently, they host other franchise owners, franchise leadership teams, Signal home office teams, and prospective owners, discussing effective strategies and best practices. Their reputation as 2023 Franchise of the Year has made them a trusted resource within the Signal community. Their collaborative spirit has also led them to serve as a beta site for new initiatives, such as Edge 2.0, showcasing their commitment to enhancing the entire franchise system.
Signal of Eastern PA has achieved an impressive 100% client retention metrics, a testament to their standard of service and commitment to transparent communication. Every decision is rooted in values that prioritize clients and team members alike. Bill emphasizes that financial success is not their primary driver; rather, it’s the result of their dedication to building relationships and creating success for clients and employees. This philosophy has helped establish Signal of Eastern and Western PA as a top choice for security services.
This year has been an exciting time of growth for Bill and his team. They recently expanded their territory to cover most of Pennsylvania and are in the process of upgrading their office space to accommodate this growth. Their new space, set to open soon, will feature a dedicated training area, providing opportunities for advanced training in collaboration with other Signal franchises as well as agencies outside of the Signal network. With Signal's brand support and the combined effort, drive, and determination of the entire team, the future looks bright for Signal of Eastern and Western PA as they continue to set new standards of excellence within the network.
If you share this passion for excellence and want to bring peace of mind to your community, reach out today to learn more about becoming part of the Signal family.