Jesse Acree, owner of Signal of Portland, is widely regarded within the Signal franchise system as a great partner to the Signal Home Office, a strong leader, and a top performer. Ranked 48th out of 161 in Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across the network, it’s no surprise that Jesse and his team have been named Franchise of the Month for October. Those who meet Jesse often remark on his evident passion, which likely plays a significant role in this recognition. However, Jesse humbly deflects praise, crediting his team as the driving force behind his success.
Jesse joined the Signal franchise system in 2019 after speaking with the Signal franchise owners and attending a full-day meeting in Omaha with the Home Office team and Signal CEO, Reed Nyffeler. Realizing how closely Signal's values aligned with his own and recognizing the strength of the business model, Jesse signed on to join the Signal network. Five years later, Jesse has expanded to six Signal locations and grown his workforce to 500 employees. He attributes these achievements to the dedication and hard work of his team.
A key component of Jesse’s success lies in his support and development of employees. He prioritizes making his team feel appreciated and focuses on helping them grow into capable professionals. While the journey hasn’t always been easy, his approach has proven effective. Jesse views his role as a full-time CEO, as one that includes preparing his team to take on greater responsibilities. He allows room for mistakes, even if they sometimes come at a financial cost, believing these experiences help build competence and confidence.
Jesse’s trust in his employees stems from his deliberate hiring practices. He prioritizes work ethic, determination, and drive, believing intelligence can be taught but ambition and dedication cannot. This philosophy extends to his own life, where he consistently aims to do what’s right—especially when it comes to business decisions.
Jesse’s high KPI rankings reflect his intentional approach to client selection. He only takes on clients who align with Signal’s values, avoiding short-term gains that could undermine long-term growth. His strategy has paid off, ranking him eighth in Same Customer Sales within the Signal system. Jesse excels at maintaining multiple priorities and making data-driven decisions under pressure. He thrives in high-stakes environments, focusing on helping others grow and equipping them to handle challenges confidently.
Jesse’s commitment to helping others extends beyond his employees to the communities he serves. He takes community safety seriously, acknowledging that doing the right thing doesn’t always make everyone happy. For Jesse, it’s not about pleasing individuals but about making decisions that benefit the collective good. Collaboration plays a big role in his approach, whether he’s mentoring other franchisees or working closely with the Signal Home Office team.
Jesse values the passion and integrity he encountered at the Home Office when he first considered joining Signal. He appreciates the strong, collaborative relationship between franchisee and franchisor, noting the shared commitment to doing what’s right. He was also drawn to Signal’s B2B sales model and monthly residual income, which supported his vision for sustainable growth. Once he joined, Jesse quickly expanded, acquiring underperforming franchises and leveraging Signal’s standardized processes to turn them around within 90 days. Today, all his offices operate consistently, staffed with passionate teams dedicated to keeping their communities safe. As a result, Jesse now ranks 10th in Net Revenue Growth across the system.
Looking ahead, Jesse and his team plan to continue prioritizing integrity and collaboration as they work to protect their communities. With Signal poised to become the largest franchise system in the world, Jesse’s growth potential remains limitless—and he’s ready for it.
If you’re interested in a future that keeps you secure while keeping those around you safe, reach out to us today to learn more about the opportunities with Signal.