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First Alarm Security Services

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VERY TOP HEAVY ORGANIZATION - Security Guard First Alarm Security Services Employee Review

2.0
Jun 14, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company has some very good accounts of diverse types and are spreading into more areas. They are a smaller company so you are pretty much on the radar most of the time and they will remember you by name IF they ever come to do site inspections.

Cons

They really do not seem to care about the staff that are the revenue generators. There is no opportunity for salary increases, they use several bait and switch methods to get people "suckered in" and then the old adage "make sure you get it in writing" or they will not honor their word. They pay very low market rates on extremely large accounts. They make promises they don't keep and with all the upper management running around taking all the profits off the projects/ there is nothing left for the "little" guys. They are far too concerned about their legal stance than doing a good job for their client accounts. They dangle UBOT bonuses for supervisors/managers but then fail to do any adequate recruiting in order to fill open slots that are causing the overtime. They require a great deal from the supervisors and line staff but then fail to recognize the efforts that are generating the money that allows those people in the "crystal palace" (8th floor of a high rise in downtown San Jose near the airport) to obtain their very large salaries.

Explore other reviews about First Alarm Security Services

5.0
Dec 8, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Highly competitive compensation and benefits. Excellent work life balance.

Cons

They could do with more structure.

2.0
Feb 24, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Consistent inbound leads provided to sales reps, company provided phone and laptop, and mileage reimbursement for using personal vehicle.

Cons

Lack of support from management and difficult to communicate. During the onboarding process, the commission structure was explained incorrectly and incorrect expectations were set. When given my review, managers critiques were based on incorrect information and guidance for success wasn't tailored. Instead, management advised sales reps in a vague manner, failing to set realistic goals that applied to sales reps on an individualistic level. When terminated unexpectedly, the company refused to pay commission on "closed" projects. I was informed that the reason for this can be found in the Commission Sales Policy, which was never provided to me when hired. At the time of my release, my total sales were in line with other sales reps, however, I was told that I was being terminated due to not reaching my quota. The cost of labor and equipment was often significantly higher compared to other companies. The length of time between a customer requesting to speak to a sales rep was often 2-3 days until the sales rep received the lead. This caused frustration in both the customer and sales rep, and the initial conversation often started off on the wrong foot. The proposal process took longer than expected, so by the time the customer received it they've already heard back from the competitor. Lack of training set up the sales reps for failure, and were made to learn on their own time.

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