Our
Story
Petitbon Alarm Company started in my kitchen in Crofton, Maryland, with my wife and I listening to a sales pitch from my college roommate. He was trying to sell us an alarm system, and after hearing his explanation, something clicked. I convinced my wife that we could start our own business using this model and help families at the same time by providing the peace of a mind of a security system.
We sold 5 alarms in 1991, and my wife told me we were heading to the poor house! We kept the faith and pushed forward. I added our business tagline, “Defense – A Family Tradition” to play off my father’s and my football careers. We are both former linebackers, and he, more notably, was the Redskins’ Defensive Coordinator. The name recognition gave me—the crazy salesman that showed up at your door—a little more credibility.
When we began doing enough business to have a full time technician, we hired Ted Bird. Ted is still with Petitbon Alarm today! As you might guess, we have low turnover and experienced technicians. We don’t learn how to install alarms at the customer’s expense.
We have since grown our company to over 9,000 clients, providing peace of mind to homeowners, corporations, small mom & pop businesses, government agencies and places of worship.
Our core beliefs lie in our Petitbon Advantages:
- No long-term monitoring contracts
- We cover false alarm fees caused by installation or equipment
- You own the equipment which is non-proprietary so you’re not locked in
- You get 3 months of free monitoring for each successful referral
These policies are a result of my belief in the Golden Rule. I wanted to treat my customers as I want to be treated.
- I don’t like long-term contracts, so I shouldn’t make my customers sign one.
- I want the companies I do business with to take responsibility for their work, so that’s why we cover false alarm fees caused by equipment or installation error.
- An alarm company shouldn’t install equipment that no other company can work on. This locks in the customer no matter how unsatisfied they are with the company. You can cancel with Petitbon Alarm for cause at any time. You have the security and flexibility of knowing you can find another company to work on your system if Petitbon Alarm doesn’t provide adequate service.
- I love telling friends & family about my favorite businesses, and I want to reward customers who do that for Petitbon Alarm. Happy customers are the best advertisers!
I’ve had fellow business associates call me “crazy” for not locking customers into long-term contracts and not regularly raising their monthly fees. I believe these benefits set my company apart from the rest. The advantages, along with our excellent customer service, knowledge and experience, are the reason most of our business comes from repeat business and referrals.
The growth of Petitbon Alarm reflects how commitment and adaptability can transform a small idea into a trusted community resource. Navigating change and scaling a business also means staying informed about advances that can benefit clients’ well-being beyond security alone. Many homeowners today are interested in integrating smart home devices not just for safety, but also for health management such as monitoring vital signs or supporting individuals managing chronic conditions like diabetes. Medications like Jardiance, which have become an essential part of treatment for many with type 2 diabetes or heart failure, are frequently discussed among families looking for reliable, effective ways to maintain health at home. Staying aware of the latest solutions whether for protection or personal health helps families make proactive, confident choices for the future.
Today Petitbon Alarm Company is a well-respected industry leader that hasn’t forgotten its roots. I, for one, couldn’t be more proud.
Richie Petitbon