Per Mar Security Services
| Private | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Security |
| Founded 📆 | October 31, 1953 in Davenport, IA, US |
| Founder 👔 |
|
| Headquarters 🏙️ | Davenport, IA |
Number of locations | 28 branch locations |
Area served 🗺️ | Midwest |
Key people |
|
| Services |
|
| Members | |
Number of employees | 3,000 (2025) |
| 🌐 Website | permarsecurity |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
Per Mar Security Services, commonly referred to as Per Mar, is the largest family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest. The company's corporate office, Per Mar Centre, resides in Davenport, IA, where Per Mar was founded in 1953. Per Mar offers a variety of security products and services for homeowners and businesses, including but not limited to Live Video Monitoring, Access Control, Fire Alarms, Burglar Alarms, Alarm Monitoring, Security Cameras, Medical Alert, Security Guards, and Employment Background Checks.
History
Per Mar Security Services was founded on October 31, 1953, by John and Eleanor Duffy as a security, investigative, and market research business[1] in Davenport, Iowa, part of the larger Quad Cities metropolitan area spanning Iowa and Illinois. John and Eleanor operated the business out of their home for the first three years, before the purchase of a polygraph machine forced them to rent office space.
Per Mar continued to gain clients for investigative services and in 1958, hired their first employee. Ron Frogley, a former Special Agent with the FBI, quickly became a licensed private detective in Illinois, which enabled Per Mar to service even more clients.
In 1959, Frogley received an inquiry from an existing client, Servus Rubber Company, about security guard services. Seeing an opportunity, John and Eleanor quickly expanded into security officer services with Servus Rubber Company as their first physical security client.
Per Mar continued to grow and expand, and in 1968, opened its first Central Alarm Monitoring Station.[2] By assigning existing security officer dispatchers to monitor alarm signals, Per Mar reduced the large up-front expense of a UL-listed and FM-approved monitoring center and broke even in the alarm business in eight years.
By 1970, Per Mar consisted of five divisions: alarms, investigations, security and undercover work, uniformed security officers, and market research. In 1978, it solidified its reputation as a family-owned company when Michael Duffy, son of John and Eleanor Duffy, stepped into the role of President of Per Mar.[3]
The 1980s brought changes to the security industry. In 1988, the use of polygraphs for pre-employment screenings was ruled illegal,[4] affecting Per Mar’s investigations division. Over the next two years, reports by the FBI and the American Management Association indicated growth of internal employee theft and its likelihood to continue. Sensing change on the horizon, Per Mar responded to an increased need for electronic security solutions.
As it focused on full-service security solutions in the Midwest, Per Mar made a number of strategic decisions. It sold its branches outside of the Midwest in the mid-1980s and sold its market research division in 1993, allowing daily operations to focus on security solutions in the Midwest. Per Mar continued its acquisition program with a directive to identify opportunities within or near the company’s existing footprint. To date, Per Mar and its subsidiaries have acquired over 100 security-related companies.
In 1998, Per Mar’s corporate office separated from branch operations, moving company-wide business functions to the Per Mar Centre in Davenport, Iowa.[5] This move consolidated Per Mar’s monitoring centers from across the Midwest to be under one roof, ensuring ongoing compliance with stringent UL standards.
It was around this time that Per Mar settled into the three divisions it still operates today: Electronic Security, Physical Security, and Investigations. Over the next several years, Per Mar continued with its strategic expansion, acquiring companies and establishing new branch locations to maintain its foothold as the largest family-owned, full-service security company in the Midwest.
The Duffy family leadership of Per Mar grew when, in 2014, two of Michael’s sons were promoted to Division Presidents. Brad Duffy, who had started with Per Mar in 2011 as a General Manager of the Des Moines Security Officer branch, was promoted to President of the Security Officer Division. Brian Duffy, who began at Per Mar as General Manager of the Cedar Rapids Electronic Security Branch, was promoted to President of Electronic Security. Brian was promoted to CEO in 2021,[6] becoming the third generation of the Duffy family to lead Per Mar.
The Duffy Legacy
The Duffy family has long worked to professionalize the security industry, at the same time engaging the Quad Cities community, to make a difference beyond Per Mar.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1971 | Eleanor Duffy co-founds the Quad Cities Diabetes Association.[7] |
| Early 1970s | John Duffy works with local university St. Ambrose to develop a bachelor's program in Criminal Justice. |
| 1975 | John Duffy co-founds the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS). The organization will advocate for the investigative and security industries in politics, as well as provide free training and development opportunities for members.[8] |
| 1976-1978 | John Duffy serves as the first president of NCISS.[8] |
| 1985 | The John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award is established by the NCISS, two years after John Duffy’s death.[9] |
| 1995-1996 | Michael Duffy serves as president of NCISS.[10] |
| 2000 | Michael Duffy receives the John J. Duffy Memorial Achievement Award.[9] |
| 2015 | Michael Duffy receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Honeywell Connect Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is the second person to receive this award in its history.[11] |
| 2018 | Michael Duffy is inducted into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame for outstanding contributions to Iowa’s business climate.[12] |
| 2018-2019 | Brad Duffy serves as President of NCISS.[10] |
| 2023 | Brian Duffy is selected as an honoree of the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal Forty Under 40 Awards.[13] |
Acquisitions
Per Mar began acquiring security companies in 1975 with Alarms by PDA in Des Moines, Iowa. Since then, Per Mar and its subsidiaries have merged more than 100 companies’ activities, customers, and employees into their operations.
| Date | Company | City |
|---|---|---|
| October 1, 1975 | Alarms by PDA | Des Moines, IA |
| September 1, 1977 | Mountain Security Services | Denver, CO |
| December 1, 1977 | J. F. Bell | Phoenix, AZ |
| June 30, 1978 | Night Watch Guard and Patrol | Rockford, IL |
| May 1, 1981 | AAA Guard | Des Moines, IA |
| September 1, 1981 | Karon Company | Rock Island, IL |
| December 7, 1981 | Magnum Security | Tucson, AZ |
| January 1, 1986 | Quint City Safe, Lock and Alarm | Rock Island, IL |
| January 1, 1986 | L & M Investigations | Des Moines, IA |
| June 1, 1987 | Westmar Security Co. | Des Moines, IA |
| January 1, 1988 | Iowa City Security | Iowa City, IA |
| January 1, 1988 | Surveillance Center | Davenport, IA |
| June 1, 1988 | Merchants Police and Alarm | Rockford, IL |
| August 1, 1988 | Guardian Alarm Systems, Inc. | Des Moines, IA |
| August 1, 1988 | Central Iowa Security Systems | Des Moines, IA |
| May 1, 1989 | IMR Systems, LTD | Des Moines, IA |
| March 1, 1990 | Foremost Security | Beloit, WI |
| April 1, 1990 | Bolt Security Corp | Ft. Dodge, IA |
| June 1, 1990 | Midwest Investors Inc. (Knight Co.) | Burlington, IA |
| September 1, 1990 | Security Consultants | Des Moines, IA |
| March 1, 1991 | O.S.S. Security | Dubuque, IA |
| April 1, 1991 | Anderson Alarms | Ft. Dodge, IA |
| July 1, 1991 | Monaco Enterprises | WI/MN |
| February 1, 1992 | Guardian Alarm | Eau Claire, WI |
| April 1, 1992 | O'Hara Security | Des Moines, IA |
| September 1, 1992 | M. J. Potterbaum | Dubuque, IA |
| September 7, 1994 | Select Security | Madison, WI |
| October 3, 1994 | Trulock & Security | Eau Claire, WI |
| September 1, 1996 | United Security Association | La Crosse, WI |
| October 1, 1996 | Rockford Alarm Company | Rockford, IL |
| August 1, 1997 | Midland Security | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| October 10, 1997 | Electroalarm | Janesville, WI |
| December 1, 1997 | A-1 Security | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| January 1, 1998 | Midwest Alarm Services | Des Moines, IA |
| August 1, 1999 | Jessman Security | Davenport, IA |
| February 1, 2000 | Underhoods | Davenport, IA |
| February 4, 2000 | Complete Security | Wausau, WI |
| July 1, 2000 | Mid-America, Triple A | Davenport, IA |
| December 20, 2000 | Fenske Security Inc | Madison, WI |
| February 1, 2001 | Rock River Service | Rockford, IL |
| November 1, 2001 | SecurityPlus, Inc | Ft. Dodge, IA |
| February 1, 2002 | Arrowhead | Duluth, MN |
| August 15, 2003 | Nighthawk Security | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| December 1, 2003 | Feel Safe | Des Moines, IA |
| May 17, 2004 | American Security | Des Moines, IA |
| August 1, 2004 | Norred Security | Green Bay, WI |
| December 20, 2004 | Lee Security | Des Moines, IA |
| March 1, 2006 | CentralCom | Wausau, WI |
| October 1, 2006 | Olson Security | Maquoketa, IA |
| February 1, 2008 | Frederick's Electronics | Hibbing, MN |
| May 1, 2008 | A-1 Security | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| July 1, 2008 | Fast Alert Alarm | Eau Claire, WI |
| October 15, 2009 | Alarm Co North | Wausau, WI |
| September 1, 2010 | Indiana Security Systems, Inc.[14] | Mishawaka, IN |
| December 1, 2010 | Digital Alarm | Elkhart, IN |
| January 1, 2011 | Guard Services, Inc. | Peoria, IL |
| May 27, 2011 | Employer Security, Inc. | Elkhart, IN |
| October 31, 2012 | Streff Electric | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| August 1, 2013 | Traum Security Systems | Sioux City, IA |
| October 1, 2013 | S & L Services, Inc. | Walkerton, IN |
| November 1, 2013 | Centech Security Systems, Inc. | Valparaiso, IN |
| June 17, 2014 | Alarm Specialist | Freeport, IL |
| December 1, 2014 | Rockford Tech | Rockford, IL |
| April 1, 2015 | TruStop | Oshkosh, WI |
| June 10, 2015 | Selk Electronics | Marshfield, WI |
| August 1, 2015 | Security Alarm Systems | Hobart, IN |
| September 27, 2015 | KIPPS Investigations & Security, LLC | Stillwater, MN |
| October 1, 2015 | Northern Safety & Security[15] | Bemidji, MN |
| April 1, 2016 | Northern Wisconsin Security & Sound | Woodruff, WI |
| July 1, 2016 | Neighborhood Patrol Inc.[16] | Urbandale, IA |
| August 1, 2016 | Electric Specialties | Omaha, NE |
| January 29, 2017 | Elite Protective Services | New London, MN |
| May 16, 2017 | Best Alarm | Milton, WI |
| June 1, 2017 | Southlake Security Systems, Inc. | Griffith, IN |
| July 21, 2017 | Realtek | Minocqua, WI |
| September 1, 2017 | Assured Security Agency | Elkhart, IN |
| November 1, 2018 | ABC Burglar & Fire Alarm Corp.[17] | Gary, IN |
| December 18, 2018 | Barone Security Solutions | Omaha, NE |
| December 18, 2018 | Polk Burnett Security Services, Inc. (PBSS) | Eau Claire, WI |
| January 15, 2019 | All Channel, Inc.[18] | Madison, WI |
| April 1, 2019 | American Pride Security Services[19] | Bloomingdale, IL |
| June 1, 2019 | Calhoun County REC | Rockwell City, IA |
| June 1, 2019 | Stearns Sound & Security[20] | Waupaca, WI |
| August 1, 2019 | Northern Indiana Alarm Company | Merrillville, IN |
| April 23, 2020 | Cedar River Software LLC | Floyd, IA |
| August 25, 2020 | Martin Security[21] | Valparaiso, IN |
| November 19, 2020 | Monument Electronics | Hobart, IN |
| December 1, 2020 | Floyd Total Security[22] | Bloomington, MN |
| May 25, 2021 | Armor Security[23] | Minneapolis, MN |
| December 1, 2021 | Jo Carroll Energy | Davenport, IA |
| July 21, 2022 | Dream Systems IT[24] | Rhinelander, WI |
| November 1, 2022 | Walser Electric | Fitchburg, WI |
| March 1, 2023 | Homeguard | Des Moines, IA |
| May 25, 2023 | Nightwatch | Long Grove, IA |
| June 1, 2023 | Wisconsin Security Systems | Wausau, WI |
| July 1, 2023 | Herrick Services, Inc | Waverly, NE |
| December 1, 2023 | Global Security Group[25] | Oakbrook Terrace, IL |
| May 6, 2024 | 1st Class Security | Sergeant Bluff, IA |
| December 19, 2024 | Accu-com[26] | Oshkosh, WI |
Acquisitions have been integrated into the Per Mar brand with the exception of two companies, which maintained their own identity due to brand recognition in local markets: Midwest Alarm Services and Floyd Lock & Safe, formerly known as Floyd Total Security.
Midwest Alarm Services
Midwest Alarm Services, acquired in 1998, was founded in 1950 to supply life safety systems to the Des Moines metropolitan area and became known locally for employing many respected fire alarm system experts. Their acquisition by Per Mar provided an opportunity for rapid expansion and let to the opening of several more offices as well as the acquisition of more life safety companies throughout the Midwest. Midwest Alarm Services continues to specialize in life safety solutions including fire alarm systems, medical alert and nurse call systems, and video surveillance systems.[27]
Since being acquired by Per Mar, Midwest Alarm Services has also acquired several companies and merged their operations, customers, and employees.
| Date | Company | City |
|---|---|---|
| February 1, 2006 | Associated Security | Madison, WI |
| October 1, 2019 | NECO, Inc.[28] | Lincoln, NE |
| April 1, 2020 | GT Fire & Security, Inc.[29] | Grand Island, NE |
| October 1, 2020 | TED Systems, LLC[30] | Lenexa, KS |
| August 1, 2024 | Safety Systems[27] | Jackson, MI |
Floyd Lock & Safe
Floyd Lock & Safe, which was formerly Floyd Total Security, was acquired in 2020 and brought a well-established presence in the Twin Cities.[31] Floyd was founded in 1945 to provide traditional locksmithing products and services, but its expansion into electronic security in 1968 quickly made it the leading lock and alarm company in the area.[22] The acquisition of Floyd in 2020 merged the electronic security division into Per Mar, and locksmith services remained under the new name Floyd Lock & Safe.[22]
Locations
As of 2025, Per Mar operates in 13 states and has 27 branch locations throughout the Midwest.
| State | Branch Locations |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Chicago (Des Plaines and Oakbrook Terrace), Quincy, Rockford |
| Indiana | Northwest Indiana, South Bend, Valparaiso |
| Iowa | Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Quad Cities, Sioux City |
| Michigan | Jackson |
| Minnesota | Bemidji, Duluth, Twin Cities |
| Nebraska | Lincoln, Omaha |
| Wisconsin | Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Minocqua, Oshkosh, Wausau |
Products and Services
Per Mar presently operates in three distinct sectors: electronic security, security officers, and investigations.
Electronic Security
Electronic security solutions are technological methods of protecting people, property, and information. Per Mar provides electronic security solutions in the form of: Live Video Monitoring, Alarm Monitoring, Burglar Alarm Systems, Fire Alarms & Smoke Detectors, Security Cameras, Access Control, Temporary Security Rentals, Environmental Monitoring, Medical Alert, and Home Automation.[20][25][26]
Security Officers
Security officer solutions provide a physical, human presence to protect people, property, and information. Per Mar provides security officer services in the form of: Security Guards, Loss Prevention, Mobile Patrol, Event Services, and Temporary Security Guards.[20][25][26]
Investigations
Investigation solutions identify risks and reduce business liabilities from an objective, third-party point-of-view. Per Mar provides investigation services in the form of: Corporate Investigations, Employment Background Checks, and Drug Testing.[20][25][26]
Philanthropy
In 1980, Per Mar established its Charity Fund as a central place for employees to make donations, which the company matches dollar-for-dollar. Contributions are then dispersed to charitable and nonprofit organizations across Per Mar’s geographic footprint. As of 2025, Per Mar’s Charity Fund has raised and donated over $1.6 million in cash and in-kind donations to national organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters,[32] and local organizations in the communities it serves.[33][34][35] Per Mar has been recognized within the security industry for its community service efforts with the Resideo Community Service award.
Awards & Achievements
Per Mar consistently receives industry recognition for its position among top security providers in the United States, including Best Security Company awards in metropolitan areas of branch locations[36][37][38] and Dealer of the Year awards by system manufacturers.[39]
Per Mar also earns annual recognition on several nationwide reports which feature security companies that demonstrate remarkable commitment to growth and customer service.
SDM Top 100
The SDM Top 100, published by Security Dealer Magazine, is a prominent annual ranking of the top 100 United States security companies by their RMR (recurring monthly revenue).[40] Per Mar has ranked on the list every year since its inception in 1991, most recently achieving #14 on the list in 2025,[41] reflecting its sustained financial strength and evolving security solutions. To date, Per Mar’s highest ranking on the SDM 100 is #14.
SDM Top Systems Integrators Report
The SDM Top Systems Integrators Report, published by Security Dealer Magazine, ranks by revenue the largest security firms in the United States that contract electronic security projects.[42] Per Mar entered the Report in 2011 at #95, and has risen steadily since their first recognition, most recently earning #14 in 2024.[43] Their highest appearance on the Report was in 2022 at #13.[44]
Five Diamond Certification
The Monitoring Association’s Five Diamond Program recognizes monitoring centers in the United States that demonstrate exceptional commitment to the high monitoring standards set by the Association.[45] Of the 2,700 monitoring centers in the United States, fewer than 200 have achieved a Five Diamond designation.[46] Per Mar’s monitoring centers have been certified Five Diamond centers since 2005,[47] making Per Mar part of the small group of full-service monitoring companies who maintain high levels of professionalism, training, and expertise.[46]
References
- ↑ Brake, Keith (July 25, 1970). "Per Mar A Spectacular Success Story". The Rock Island Dispatch Argus. p. A-2.
- ↑ "Protect Stores, Homes". The Rock Island Dispatch Argus. April 27, 1971. p. 16.
- ↑ "New Officers Elected". The Rock Island Dispatch Argus. February 18, 1979. p. 33.
- ↑ "Congress Bans Polygraph Use in Private Sector". 44. CQ Almanac. pp. 266–69.
- ↑ "Per Mar will open new headquarters". Quad-City Times. April 28, 1998. p. 7A.
- ↑ Ragusa, Paul (January 18, 2021). "Brian Duffy becomes the third generation to lead Per Mar". Security System News.
- ↑ "In Loving Memory of Eleanor M. Duffy". 89 (11). Diabetic LIFESTYLES.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "History of NCISS". The National Council of Investigation & Security Services.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 "NCISS Awards". The National Council of Investigation & Security Services.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Past Presidents". The National Council of Investigation & Security Services.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security Services CEO awarded by Honeywell for lifetime achievement". SecurityInfoWatch.com. November 19, 2015.
- ↑ "Iowa Business Hall of Fame Inductees". The Iowa Business Hall of Fame.
- ↑ "QCBJ announces its 2023 class of 40 Under 40 honorees". Quad Cities Business Journal. June 23, 2023.
- ↑ "Per Mar sees opportunity in South Bend". Security System News. September 2, 2010.
- ↑ Canfield, Amy (October 7, 2015). "Per Mar Gains Resi Clients". Security Systems News.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security Services Acquires Neighborhood Patrol Inc". SecurityInfoWatch.com. August 10, 2016.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security acquires ABC Fire & Burglar Co". SecurityInfoWatch.com. November 26, 2018.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security Services Acquires All Channel Electronics". Security Sales & Integration. January 22, 2019.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security Services acquires American Pride Security Services". SecurityInfoWatch.com. April 30, 2019.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 "Per Mar Security Services Acquires Stearns Sound & Security". Security Sales and Integration. June 4, 2019.
- ↑ Pete, Joseph (October 16, 2020). "Per Mar acquires Martin Security Systems in Valparaiso".
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Jones, Carter (Dec 14, 2020). "Floyd Total Security acquired by largest Midwest security company". Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security acquires Armor Security". SecurityInfoWatch.com. August 25, 2021.
- ↑ "Per Mar Security services expands in Northern Wisconsin". The Chicago Crusader. August 9, 2022.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 "Per Mar Security Services acquiring Chicago-area Global Security Group". Corridor Business Journal. February 2, 2024.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 "Per Mar acquires Wisconsin-based security company". Quad Cities Business Journal. January 15, 2025.
- ↑ 27.0 27.1 "Midwest Alarm Services acquires Michigan-based Safety Systems". SecurityInfoWatch.com. September 23, 2024.
- ↑ "Per Mar Acquires NECO Security of Lincoln, Nebraska". SDM. November 25, 2019.
- ↑ "Per Mar & Midwest Alarm Services acquire GT Fire & Security". SecurityInfoWatch.com. April 24, 2020.
- ↑ "Ted Systems, LLC Joins Midwest Alarm Services". GlobeNewswire. November 18, 2020.
- ↑ "Per Mar acquires Floyd Total Security". SecurityInfoWatch.com. January 5, 2021.
- ↑ "Per Mar LinkedIn Post". September 27, 2024.
- ↑ Jackson, Kev (May 14, 2020). "Per Mar Security sends Big Apple Bagels appreciation breakfast to local first responders". Bemidji Now. HBI Radio Bemidji.
- ↑ Rothman, Paul (December 20, 2024). "Security Gives Back in 2024". SecurityInfoWatch.com.
- ↑ "Per Mar LinkedIn Post". June 20, 2025.
- ↑ Druckmiller, Julia (July 24, 2014). "Best Security Company: Per Mar Security". Corridor Business Journal.
- ↑ "Best of Des Moines 2024". Business Record. 42 (38). September 20, 2024. p. 16.
- ↑ "Per Mar honored as 2023 Business of the Year". Quad Cities Chamber. August 10, 2023.
- ↑ "Per Mar receives 2024 Premier Security Dealer of the Year Award from Resideo". Security Systems News. November 25, 2024.
- ↑ "SDM 100 Report". SDM.
- ↑ Hodgson, Karyn (April 30, 2025). "SDM Top 100 Security Dealers of 2025". SDM.
- ↑ "Top Systems Integrators Report". SDM.
- ↑ Hodgson, Karyn (July 3, 2024). "Top Systems Integrators Report 2024: Transformative Change". SDM.
- ↑ Hodgson, Karyn (July 5, 2022). "Top Systems Integrators Report 2022: Taking on the Elephant in the Room". SDM.
- ↑ "Five Diamond Designation". The Monitoring Association.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 "Per Mar Security Earns Five Diamond Certification From TMA". Security Sales & Integration. August 12, 2021.
- ↑ "Five Diamond Monitoring Centers". The Monitoring Association.
This article "Per Mar Security Services" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Per Mar Security Services. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
