1940s

The 40s and 50s saw sheer will and determination turn into a fledgling family business.

1946

Everett and Marj Westphal had a vision to help people protect what was most important to them, so they founded the Bay Alarm company in Oakland, CA.

1950s

For the next 10 years they operated the company from their home and processed billing and paperwork with a typewriter they rented for 25 cents.

1956

Growing steadily, Bay Alarm operations moved from the family home into its first company office on Marin Way in Oakland.

1960s

For Bay Alarm, the 60s brought new blood, new technology and a knockout punch to their biggest competitor.

1960

“Do your best each and every time and treat people the way you want to be treated”. This was the family mantra. This approach to the business proved successful as Bay Alarm welcomed its 1,000th customer in 1960.

1962

In 1962 the second generation of the Westphal family joined the company’s official ranks. Bruce Westphal graduated from San Jose State University and joined Bay Alarm.

1964

In 1964 with the need for more room, the company established its first central station at its new headquarters on 7th street in Oakland and Roger Westphal, Bruce’s brother, joined the company. Bruce and Roger would rotate sleeping on a cot in the central station when they were on 24-hour call.

Bay Alarm received a US Patent for technology that revolutionized the business.

1966

A true David and Goliath moment. 1966 saw Bay Alarm win an anti-monopoly suit against ADT paving the way for future growth, not only for the Westphal’s but for every independent alarm company in the country. Bruce Westphal went on to form the Bay Area Alarm Association.

1970s

A decade of new leadership and continued innovation.

1973

Staying true to its commitment to technological advancement, Bay Alarm built the first fully computerized Central Monitoring Station in California.

1974

In 1974, visionary and inventor Bruce Westphal became president of Bay Alarm Company. Roger and Bruce developed a strategy for acquisitions that would fuel the company’s growth for generations to come.

“Dad gave me an incredible foundation in knowing how to run a business. The principle he taught me was all decisions simply have to make business sense.” – BRUCE WESTPHAL

1976

In 1976, with an eye on diversification, Balco Properties was formed, allowing the family to extend its investments into technology and acquire commercial and residential real estate. Reed and Mollie Westphal went on to play significant roles in the continuing success of this family-owned business.

1978

In 1978, Bay Alarm made its first acquisition of a security provider in California, purchasing Security Alarm Company.

1979

Under Roger’s leadership, Bay Alarm management and a team of software developers fully automated the Central Monitoring Station in 1979, creating newfound efficiencies that once again revolutionized the business.

 “The first time we came online, we had all of these people just staring in amazement at it, including myself. What was so surprising was that it actually worked! We were now the first alarm company to be fully automated.” – ROGER WESTPHAL

1980s

The digital revolution was developing in the ’80s, and Bay Alarm embraced new technology while expanding beyond the Bay Area.

1981

With the acquisition of SAS in Santa Barbara, the company expanded into Southern California.

Bruce was named president of the Western Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.

1982

Continuing their legacy of progressive thinking, Bruce and Roger made a substantial technological commitment to go digital. This meant replacing every single customer’s alarm panel. All hands were on deck for this monumental task, which was accomplished in record time.

Just one year later, Bay Alarm signed its 50,000th customer.

1984

Roger Westphal became president in 1984. Under his leadership, Bay Alarm built its own cellular network, eliminating the need for third-party phone lines and creating more operational efficiencies.

During Roger’s term as president, the company expanded its service offerings in Northern California. Acquiring California Security Services and Lodi Alarm allowed Bay Alarm to better serve the greater Central Valley region.

Bay Alarm updated its logo to the one you see on properties everywhere today.

1986

Bay Alarm continued its commitment to greater customer support and technological advancement by adding central stations in Stockton and Ventura in 1986.

Capping off a decade of growth through significant acquisition activity, Bay Alarm acquired Sacramento Security, Transbay Alarm Systems, Placer Alarm Systems, Design Security Systems, ATI Security Systems, Peninsula Burglar Alarms, and Delta Alarms.

1990s

The third generation of Westphals joined the company. Bay Alarm celebrated its 70,000^th customer and 30,000^th criminal detected.

1993

Forty-seven years after Everett and Marj founded the company, their grandsons Matt and Graham Westphal, sons of Bruce, joined Bay Alarm. The brothers began a rigorous management training program. Each worked in every department and learned the business from the inside out, including installation and alarm response.

“You all know this business 10 times better than we do, so you just keep doing what you’re doing. We’re here to help you be successful.”

– Matt Westphal

1994

Bruce founded Security Network of America—now known as NetOne—in 1994, bringing independent security companies like Bay Alarm together to share best practices and further drive industry innovation.

Also that year, Bruce and some friends founded InReach internet service, providing broadband services to customers far and wide.

1996

Bay Alarm celebrated 50 years in business and its 58,000^th customer.

The company also trademarked its taglines, “What have YOU got to lose?” and “Better a year too soon, than a day too late.”

2000s

The 2000s brought yet more growth and opportunity: Bay Alarm Medical opened for business and with 21 acquisitions, Bay Alarm became a statewide security services provider.

2002

Roger’s son, Tim Westphal, rejoined Bay Alarm in 1999 after a three-year stint at InReach Internet, the family-owned broadband company. After an extensive management training program, he jumped at the chance to move south and be part of the Orange County branch opening. Tim went on to manage that branch and the company’s Southern California expansion.

“It’s our privilege and responsibility to carry on something our grandfather started, and to make decisions based on the long-term strength of the company.”
– Tim Westphal

2003

The California Alarm Association awarded Bruce and Roger Westphal the coveted CAA George Weinstock Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating their significant contributions to the security industry.

2004

Matt and Graham became co-presidents and opened the company’s third branch office in Southern California.

“We’ve always had a view this company can be a generational business. If we challenge each other to make sure we’re making great decisions, if we take care of our customers, our employees, our co-workers, we’ll be successful.”
– Graham Westphal

Bay Alarm formed a valuable partnership with Contra Costa County law enforcement.

2008

Bay Alarm Medical was established, providing a much-needed service to senior citizens and their adult children.

2009

While carefully managing its growth throughout California, Bay Alarm now operated 13 branch offices to better serve its growing customer base. The company welcomed its 100,000th customer in 2009.

2010s

After a decade of exponential growth, Bay Alarm saw the opportunity to further innovate and invest in technology upgrades to provide better security services for more communities.

2013

Acquiring San Diego Alarm allowed Bay Alarm to serve the greater San Diego area with a branch office.

2015-2016

Matt Westphal was elected president of the California Alarm Association and was honored, like his father before him, with the coveted CAA George Weinstock Lifetime Achievement Award.

Meanwhile, Bruce and Roger Westphal were inducted into the Security Sales & Integration Industry Hall of Fame.

2017

For the first time, Bay Alarm expanded out of California and into Washington and Arizona, becoming a regional security services player.

2018-2019

Tim Westphal was elected president of the California Alarm Association, making him the fifth Westphal in the long tradition of industry relations and support.

To prepare for the next phase of growth, Bay Alarm appointed an outside board of directors for the first time. Jack Unroe became CEO of Balco Holdings, Inc. in 2019.

Without missing a beat, the new board and CEO, along with key members of the Westphal family, continued the carefully managed growth plan.

2020s and Beyond

By 2021, the company served 150,000 customers, employed 1,100 people, and would celebrate its 75^th anniversary. Little did Everett and Marj Westphal know that the local alarm company they founded back in 1946 would grow to become the largest privately held security provider in the United States.

This story wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the many hardworking, long-standing employees who have helped us deliver on our promise of providing best-in-class service. Thank you for making Bay Alarm the successful company it is today—and for your dedication to making us the company we will become.