This year Guardian Protection Services Inc., Warrendale, Pa., brought together the members of the Guardian Protection Dealer Program in a concise one-day annual Guardian Authorized Dealer Conference.

Themed “The Dealer Program. Redefined,” the conference was designed to be reflective of what has changed, or is changing, in regard to Guardian’s dealer program in 2014.

The convention, held at the Encore, Las Vegas, consisted of one action-packed day of informative sessions, networking, and an awards dinner.

While the event included similar opportunities as in 2013:  the opportunity to meet-and-greet in a relaxed evening event, educational and Q&A sessions, golf, and the Guardian dealer annual awards banquet, it was purposefully shortened from two days to one day by Guardian executives to maximize dealers’ time in Las Vegas.

“We still held the key events, such as the educational and Q&A sessions and the awards banquet as in the past, but this year we reduced the time allocated to the latter from two days to one day to maximize our dealers’ time and also allow additional free time to enjoy ISC West and recreational activities,” Brian Helt, vice president of the Authorized Dealer Program, Guardian Protection Services, shared with SDM.

Beth Giles, president of Ranger Technology Solutions, Lewisville, Texas, has been in the industry since 1985 and a Guardian dealer for two years in May. 

“In everything Guardian does, they don’t waste your time. There is a lot of substance to the program, but it is also condensed to happen in a timely manner for everyone running a business. No smoke, no mirrors, and no frivolous activities,” Giles shared with SDM’s Senior Editor, Heather Klotz-Young, who attended the event.

During the educational session, Guardian Protection Services updated its dealers on changes since last year, which included the addition of a multi-year financing program that will allow qualified dealers to retain a portion of their accounts, at their option.

“This program enables qualified dealers to borrow money that otherwise would not be available to these dealers in the capital markets. These borrowings will be used to finance the cost of accounts that the dealers will generate and retain, thereby allowing the dealers to build long-term value in a portfolio of monitored accounts that they will continue to own. In essence, Guardian will function as a ‘bank’ for its dealers,” Helt described.

“The wealth program is definitely something everyone is talking about,” said Derek Caraccioli, operations manager, USAlarms, Baton Rouge, La.

The company also internally bolstered its backend support system in order to provide dealers with a single point of contact within Guardian and to create an internal structure scalable for continued growth.

“Since last year, we have added 22 new employees in divisions throughout the company — including dealer, data entry, central station, customer service and collections — as a means of delivering outstanding support and service that accommodates our dealer sales growth,” Helt said. 

After the educational session and updates on the program, dealers attended the annual sales awards banquet.

Guardian Protection Services culminated the event with a $25,000 cash giveaway, which was won by Protech Security & Automation, Dallas. 

With one major dealer program being absorbed by another, dealers now have fewer choices, said Russ Cersosimo, chief executive officer (CEO), Guardian Protection Services. “We believe that Guardian ranks among the top three dealer programs in the United States, and that the features differentiating us from the competition are those dealers want but can’t necessarily find in one place among competitive dealer programs. Our program is focused on wealth-building for the long haul, plus the financial support, back-office support and mentorship needed to get there,” Cersosimo said.

Guardian Protection Services’ long-term focus in all its relationships is what drew Edwin Arroyave, CEO, Skyline Security Management, Downey, Calif., to the program. Two months in, Arroyave was the newest Guardian dealer to attend the conference.

“I respect Guardian’s capacity to develop long-term relationships. Just look at how many dealers and long-term tenured employees they have. We started our company in 1999, and I have guys who have been with me 10 to 15 years. Guardian is a reflection of the kind of company we want to become,” Arroyave described.

 For more information on the Guardian Dealer Program, visit www.guardianprotection.com/dealer.