At Post Alarm, we’ve provided protection for local communities for more than 60 years. And with that experience comes the knowledge that a security system is only as good as the people our customers trust to monitor it. We take that trust very seriously.

 

We believe our people make Post Alarm special, and it’s our pleasure to shine a light on the motivated, intelligent, compassionate team members that make up the Post Alarm Family and provide the best protection possible to our clients.

 

Our December Employee Spotlight is Salvador “Sal” Esqueda, Operations Manager. Sal is a dedicated leader who has spent the past eight years helping Post Alarm customers feel safe, supported, and understood. With a security career that began back in 2005, he discovered early on that protecting people—and building real relationships along the way—was more than just a job. From navigating evolving technology to making sure every technician gets home safely, his passion for service shows in the small moments and the big wins. Learn more about Sal’s story below!

How long have you worked for Post Alarm?

I’ve been with Post Alarm for eight years.

Were you in the security industry before joining Post?

Yes, I’ve been in the security industry since 2005.

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in security or public safety?

I was about 20 years old and looking to change careers. College wasn’t for me, so I got into the security industry—and I ended up really enjoying it. It’s not for everyone, but I love helping customers, protecting homes, and having work that changes day to day.

What has kept you at Post Alarm for so many years?

They’re simply a great company. The owners treat us well, the work environment is positive, and I’ve always liked the way the business is run. When they offered me the opportunity to join the team, it just felt like the right fit.

How do you build trust with customers during the installation process?

It starts from the very beginning. When I call to schedule their appointment, I listen to what they need and address any concerns. I always give them my direct phone number and email so they know they can reach me anytime. I want them to feel supported throughout the whole process.

What do you wish people understood before choosing a security system or security provider?

A lot of customers come from large companies like ADT, and the biggest difference they notice with Post Alarm is the personal attention. Since we’re family-owned, we’re relatable and invested in understanding their security needs. They’re not just another account number to us.

How have you seen the security industry change since you started—whether in technology or new types of threats?

It has changed a lot since 2005. Technology has advanced dramatically, especially with cameras. Features like Night Shield offer more protection for customers. I use it at home, and knowing Central Station will call me if a problem is detected there makes me feel secure.

 

As for threats like Wi-Fi jammers, we try to hardwire as much as possible—running wires for internet and radios—so customers have layers of protection that can’t be easily disrupted.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Honestly, it’s the day-to-day work—knowing that customers feel safer and that our team completed a job well. I take pride in making sure installations go smoothly, customers feel secure, and my technicians finish the day safely. I always check in with my technicians at the end of the day to make sure they’re safe and on their way home. Those small wins add up.

Are there any customer situations that stand out?

There have been many. We often get calls from sales saying a customer was just burglarized and needs help immediately. Most of the time, I can rearrange the schedule or have technicians volunteer for a Saturday to get them secured quickly.

What makes the installation team at Post Alarm so strong?

We communicate really well and understand each other. I’m an installer at heart, so when technicians run into a difficult situation or a customer who needs extra guidance, I get it—I’ve been in their shoes. That shared experience strengthens our teamwork.

What does your role look like day-to-day?

Right now I’m mostly in the office. I manage the warehouse, schedule installations, oversee the installation department, supervise the service department, and support operations at our other branches. I’m also training an install coordinator who will take over some scheduling, which will let me get back out in the field more for site visits and job walks.

How does Post Alarm’s knowledge of the local market compare to big national providers?

It’s a huge advantage. With large corporations, customers often feel like a number. With us, customers know we’re local, we understand the area, and we’re committed to taking care of them personally.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?

I love cooking. About once a month, I cook for the office—everyone loves my green pozole. It’s a fun way to bring everyone together. I also just enjoy spending time with my family.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

At Post Alarm, we’ve provided protection for local communities for more than 60 years. And with that experience comes the knowledge that a security system is only as good as the people our customers trust to monitor it. We take that trust very seriously.

 

We believe our people make Post Alarm special, and it’s our pleasure to shine a light on the motivated, intelligent, compassionate team members that make up the Post Alarm Family and provide the best protection possible to our clients.

 

Our September Employee Spotlight is Mark Kennedy, Senior System Engineer. Mark has been with Post Alarm since 1985, proudly serving the community for over 40 years. What began as a simple job search turned into a lifelong career built on dedication, family values, and protecting others. Deeply rooted in his local community, Mark treats every client like family—helping multiple generations feel safe, secure, and cared for. Learn more about Mark’s story below!

How long have you worked for Post Alarm?

January 15th, 1985. 40 years plus.

What first brought you to the company?

I needed a job. I was desperate for work, and at the time, my roommate was dating Nancy Levy, who was the Post office manager. She said, “Come on down.”

 

But Bill Post, well, he wasn’t always there. I’d come down, and he wouldn’t show up. Finally, one night, I was literally standing outside in the dark on the sidewalk in front of the office when he pulled up in his truck.

 

I said, “You Bill Post?” He goes, “Yeah.” I said, “I’m Mark Kennedy. I need a job. I hear you might be hiring.”

 

He put together a little schematic on a piece of paper; it was like a closed circuit, open circuit schematic. I guessed right, or he liked me bugging the crap out of him, trying to get a job. So it worked. 40 years later, I’m still here. I tell people I don’t know if I love what I do or if I’m out of my mind. I haven’t figured it out yet.

What inspired you to stay in this industry and with Post for so many years?

I love what I do. I love the family I work for. And I like taking care of people. We’re a life safety company, and we believe in that wholeheartedly. And we’re a big family here at Post, and we keep growing.

How have you seen the company and the industry evolve over the years?

Oh, it’s gone crazy. From where I started to where we are today, I’m surprised I’m still surviving with my limited knowledge. I went to college for six months — that’s my college experience. I’m not a computer guy or a techie person.

 

But I’ve always learned by doing. I’ve surprised myself with how much I can do with computers, even without formal training. That’s only possible because Post is a team. We all help each other out, regardless of the problem, and that works really well. I’ve got years and years of knowledge around me from coworkers and industry experience, and that helps me every day.

How about dealing with threats like Wi-Fi jammers or organized crime?

We’re always trying to stay a step ahead of the bad guy. We’re putting together hybrid systems, where we’re including hard-wired protection as a backup to the wireless in case there is circumvention.

 

And just doing what we can to at least try to get a signal to us, regardless of what’s happened at the site. We’re doing all we can to protect our clients and provide them with the service that they’re paying for.

What is one thing you think people don’t realize when they’re choosing a security company?

One, who we are and what we do under one roof here in our office. Most people don’t have any conception of a central station and its operations. When we bring people in here and show them our central station, it blows them away. The facility we’re in, all the requirements we have to conform to and meet for UL requirements and licensing, that can be taken away in a heartbeat if we’re not doing what we’re required to do as a security company.

 

The other thing that we do here that is very unique and not typical is that you can come in and meet the family. You want to talk to Gina and Rob [Post] directly, or Anthony or Angie. Not many companies can offer you that, which definitely separates us from other companies.

 

How else do you build trust with customers and help them feel confident in their decision?

Well, I’m a rare breed in that case. Just like the Post family, I live in the community we’re trying to protect. I work five minutes away from my house. I grew up here. I went to kindergarten at Sierra Madre School. I’ve lived here 85% of my life. I’m in a company car. I’m in the community every day. I don’t go home at night and disappear.

 

My mentality with Post Alarm is I treat the company like it’s mine. If you treat the business as if it were your own, people appreciate that and know they’re going to be taken care of.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your career?

I might get emotional here, but there’s been a lot. I saved a woman’s life once. She was in the shower. She was hearing impaired. The house was on fire. The fire department got there and got her out of the house before she was taken over by the fire.

 

That’s pretty powerful. I’ve never forgotten that. And that just lets you know you’re doing the right thing for people. That makes it all worth it. There’s a reason we’re doing this.

 

I take my clients very seriously and personally. I care — we care for their family. You can get new things — if your TV gets stolen, you can replace it. But something happens to your family — if it’s a tragedy, a fire, or something, and you lose that — that’s something you can’t replace.

How do you maintain your long-term client relationships? Any stories that stand out?

I’ve been here so long, people are shocked. I’ve had people come in and say, “Mark Kennedy’s still there?” And I say, “Yeah, I sold your alarm in 1988.” It blows people away that I’m still here and still taking care of them.

 

I just did a job for a client of mine whose grandma and grandpa were my clients. I then did the son’s and his wife’s house. Now I just did his kid’s house. Three generations. They were kids when I put the alarm in their parents’ house. And the parents were kids when I put the alarm in the grandparents’.

 

That’s the advantage of being local. I’m not going anywhere. I’m in the community that we serve. My whole job now is referral-based. My clients refer family members and friends because they know I’m still here and I’ve always taken care of them. And they know they’re going to be taken care of even if I retire tomorrow, because they know the company is a customer service company.

What was the changeover like from one Post generation to the next?

It’s very interesting because I think historically, in business in general, a third-generation family business tends to fail. I think the reason is that often, the kids just don’t want to pick up the company and run with it.

 

I think Rob and Gina felt a commitment to their grandma and grandpa, as well as their mom and dad, to continue the tradition and the legacy of this company. And they’re doing a hell of a job.

 

They work very hard, and they love what they’re doing. They’re continuing the Post name and who we are. And I take a lot of pride in saying I’ve been here 40 years. I feel I’m a big part of what this company is, too. It might sound selfish to think that way, but when you start with such a small team and see how it’s grown, you feel like you’re a piece of that.

 

The Post family has done a lot for me — things we don’t even need to talk about. I consider myself part of the family, and they consider me part of it, too. I’ve had personal things in my life where they were there for me, and I’ve never forgotten it. The way I carry myself at work is a way of thanking them for that.

What about your ties to the community — how have they shaped your career?

For years, I coached baseball. Both my kids played Little League. I played Little League. I coached for 15 years. That was a big part of helping me in my sales career. I’ve got people I met through Little League who are still clients, along with their families and kids.

How have major events, like fires or other crises, impacted your work and community?

We’ve been impacted. COVID hit us really hard, and the fires we’ve had recently here in Altadena. I had a lot of clients who lost their homes. Kids I coached in Little League, their families lost everything.

 

I’ve driven by their homes. They were my clients, and everything was completely gone. The night of the fires, I was in the area watching from afar. There was nothing that could have been done that night — with the winds and the fires, it was unbelievable.

 

And you know, it hits home when you’ve got people you work with and friends and family who have been impacted.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the future for Post or the security industry as a whole?

In general, we’re dealing with a younger generation. They’re very educated. They’re very successful. And they’re very knowledgeable about technology. You now walk into someone’s house, and they’ve already researched every type of motion sensor and camera.

 

Service will always be the differentiator. I always tell people: anytime you make a big investment — a car, a new house, insurance — you’re going to ask your friends who they used. If you have a good experience, you might tell one or two people. If you have a bad experience, you’re going to tell everybody. And that’s the truth in this business, too.

How do you reflect on your career after all these years?

I get emotional sometimes. I take a lot of pride in saying I’ve been here 40 years. I feel I’ve played a part in the legacy of this company. I don’t look at graphs and charts or worry about being “number one.” What I do is simple: take care of the customer. If I weren’t doing that, I wouldn’t still be here.

 

And you know what? I don’t know when I’m going to retire. Maybe tomorrow, maybe not. But every day, I appreciate what I have here — the people, the clients, the family.

Any final thoughts you want people to know?

I think the biggest thing is this: Post Alarm is about people. The people we protect, the people who work here, and the family that built it.

 

I’ve lost people close to me. That shapes you. Life is short. You’ve got to laugh, you’ve got to appreciate people, and you’ve got to do the right thing.

 

That’s what Post has always stood for. That’s why I’m still here.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!

At Post Alarm, we’ve provided protection for local communities for more than 60 years. And with that experience comes the knowledge that a security system is only as good as the people our customers trust to monitor it. We take that trust very seriously.

 

We believe our people make Post Alarm special, and it’s our pleasure to shine a light on the motivated, intelligent, compassionate team members that make up the Post Alarm Family and provide the best protection possible to our clients.

 

Our August Employee Spotlight is Sgt. Adrian Jackson, Patrol Supervisor for Cheviot Hills. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Jackson moved to Los Angeles at the age of thirteen and followed in his parents’ footsteps, pursuing a career that would help to protect his community. We’re proud to have Sgt. Jackson, as part of the Post Alarm family, and to highlight his amazing contributions to the Cheviot Hills team.

How long have you worked for Post Alarm?

I’ve worked for Post Alarm for three years, and before that, I was a driver for Brinks Security.

What inspired you to pursue a career in security and public safety?

My dad was a Marine, and my mother worked in public safety before she passed away. Growing up, seeing how my dad fought for our country and how my mom protected people inspired me – you could call it genetics.

What’s one thing most people don’t realize about private patrol services?

Many people don’t realize how much they need us until something happens– either to them or a neighbor. By then, it’s sometimes too late – we want to prevent this. The advantage of Patrol is that we are already either in your community or nearby, enabling us to respond to an emergency in just minutes. Once on your property, we can perform many of the same tasks that police officers can, helping to prevent crime and intervene if necessary.

What’s been your most rewarding moment on the job?

I strongly believe in preventing trespassers and transient activity. We had an incident in Montecito where someone was on a property and about to enter a home. Dispatch called, and I was able to respond in time, make contact with him, and escort him off the property. We received a call that our visibility, presence in the area, and intervention prevented a household with a family of four, including young children, from being broken into. It’s hard to imagine what could have happened had we not responded. I’m proud we were able to protect that family.

What is the craziest situation you have encountered?

In Arcadia, we received a call reporting that someone was in a client’s home. The client was outside of the home and wanted us to go in with them; this is a liability, so I went in alone. The garage and door were open, and inside, there were five men, all in black and wearing ski masks, on the second floor of the house. I announced myself, and at the same time (thankfully), the police arrived. The men ran out through the back, breaking a patio door. We were able to catch three out of the five men, who were detained and arrested. In that situation, one against five, making sure the homeowner and I were protected and providing reassurance was of the utmost importance. I always stay vigilant because you never know what will happen.

How do you build trust with the communities you patrol?

Communication is key. Some people are uncomfortable with private security. When I see people in the community, I slow down, wave hello, and ask them how they are doing. The more we interact with the community and engage, the more they trust us. My experience in Cheviot Hills has been that the people are very nice and welcoming. Of course, they are scared because of prior activity in the area, but since we’ve started our 24/7 Patrol Services, there has been no major activity, and you can tell they feel reassured.

What do you enjoy most about working at Post Alarm?

Most companies, when you are hired, say “Welcome to the Team”. When I was first hired by Post Alarm, they told me, “Welcome to the Family”. They don’t just say it, they show it. I genuinely love it here, and Rob Post and Gina Post-Franco make us feel like a part of the family. I was in a car accident last April, and they checked on me every other day, asking if I needed anything – that’s love. Some jobs are not like that. Post Alarm is a different story.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re off duty?

First and foremost, I love being a dad to my son and daughter. I also love going to the gym and sports. I’m also really proud to own my own gaming business and be a content creator. I vowed to my mother, when she passed away in 2018, that I would continue to work on my own business and passions.

Protecting the Neighborhoods We Call Home Since 1956

At Post Alarm, we’ve always been a local, family-owned company, and we plan on staying that way. As a privately held, third-generation family business, Post has provided alarm and patrol services to Southern California communities, neighborhoods, and homeowners since 1956.

 

Our family founded Post Alarm with a passion for protecting people and the neighborhoods we call home. Now, we’re one of the only local, full-service security organizations in the Southern California area, providing professionally installed, fully integrated, and customized security solutions that result in earlier threat detection and a synchronized response, getting you help faster when it matters most.

 

Ready to start building your custom video monitoring and security package? Reach out and get a free security quote today!