Growing a Franchise
A quarter century of experience in the security industry has prepared Will Mayhew, Jr. to become the franchise owner and operator of the new Signal 88 Security location in Pomona, Calif.
With 25 years of experience in the security industry, Will Mayhew, Jr. just opened his first Signal 88 Security site in Pomona, Calif., with the ambition to provide this great service for the revitalized community. His location will serve the Pomona Valley and San Gabriel Valley areas. Mayhew and his team are focusing their efforts on providing security to apartment complexes and other commercial buildings in the area. Mayhew believes this service will go a long way to help create a safer community, from Pomona to West Corvina, Chino, Claremont, and La Verne.
What were you doing before partnering with Signal 88 Security?
I graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. I have about 25 years of progressive security industry experience with both large- and small-guard companies. I have always been interested in law and justice and found that working in security is a perfect way for me to work within my interests.
How did you learn about Signal 88 Security and what made you ultimately decide to commit?
I heard about Signal 88 Security when I was working with competitor, when one of my colleagues left to partner with this franchise. I kept in touch with him and simultaneously began learning more about the company. After working for a really large company and then a small, family-owned company, I decided that it was time that I took all my experience and go into business for myself.
Opening your own business in California is pretty tough, there are a lot of regulations and rules, so being a franchisee was very interesting to me. Partnering with a company that gives you support but still allows you to run your own business is what I really wanted.
Why is your area the perfect market for Signal 88 Security?
The Pomona area is a dense community that has many apartment complexes and other commercial buildings. It is in the initial stage of being revitalized, there are a lot of nicer and newer apartments, so homeowners associations and nearby companies require that security we are capable of providing. It is a great time for Signal 88 Security to go into this market because there is definitely a need for our service to help this community grow.
What are the next steps for your Signal 88 Security?
I hope to expand the company toward Los Angeles in the near future. I live on the west side of the city, so it makes sense for me to expand this way logistically. Currently, there aren't any franchises closer to L.A. so it is definitely an open market.
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About the Author
Nick Powills, CFE, founded No Limit Agency in 2008 and serves as Chief Brand Strategist for the Chicago-based firm. No Limit is a full-service communications agency that establishes and elevates brands by bridging Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing, Advertising, Digital, and a lot of creativity, to best strategize well-rounded and successful campaigns for 50+ global franchise brands. By presenting visionary ideas and building real relationships, No Limit is able to create effective media branding strategies to help companies grow. Nick currently leads a staff of writers, media strategists, designers, social media experts and digital producers in an office think-tank where brands are humanized for strong, compelling media stories. Prior to starting No Limit at the age of 27, Nick spent four years working at a franchise PR agency where he mastered the art of building rapport with media outlets and creating newsworthy pitches for earned media placements. He holds a Bachelor of Journalism from Drake University in Iowa.
