The year 2023 marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for our organization. We started the year with a clear vision and ambitious goals, determined to make a significant impact in our industry. Everything we do revolves around our why we exist: to provide a meaningful impact in as many lives as possible. And our team worked tirelessly to lay the foundation for success, focusing on strategic planning, innovation, and collaboration so our impact is felt within and beyond our communities as we become the most dependable and simplified life safety solution on the planet.

Join us in reflecting on the remarkable achievements and milestones we accomplished in 2023. From continued growth and volunteer efforts to customer success, this blog post will take you through our journey of impacting more lives than ever before.

Leading the Way: Unprecedented Growth and Reaching New Heights

In 2023, our organization experienced unprecedented growth and reached new heights through acquisitions and new hires. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction propelled us forward, allowing us to grow to more than 450 employees and top more than 30,000 customers throughout the Midwest.

One of the key factors contributing to our growth was our expansion into new and existing markets. We welcomed Ace Fire Protection (Lafayette, IN) in February; Eastman Fire Protection (Troy, MI) in September; Allied Safety Systems (Indianapolis, IN) in October; and Copp Systems (Dayton, OH) in December. By identifying emerging opportunities and adapting to changing market dynamics, we were able to establish a strong presence in previously untapped regions and expand on the foundations of existing markets. This expansion not only increased our customer base but also provided us with valuable insights and perspectives, allowing us to further refine our vision to be the most dependable and simplified life safety solution on the planet.

When we welcome new companies and employees to CertaSite, it’s critical for us to continue to build upon and safeguard the legacy owners have built, and it shows through statements like this from previous owners, “I know CertaSite will continue to carry the legacy my family built. I have the highest level of confidence in their integrity and core values,” said Bryan Thomas, former owner of Ace Fire Protection. Or this one from Copp Systems former owner Bill DeFries, “CertaSite is the perfect partner to build on the foundation and legacy laid by our employees and customers.” We’re beyond blessed to have the opportunity to welcome these companies and their employees into the CertaSite family.

Additionally, our team's dedication and hard work played a crucial role in our success. We fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration, empowering our employees to think creatively, take risks, and drive meaningful change. Their passion and expertise enabled us to develop and deliver high-quality solutions, earning us the trust and loyalty of our customers.

We continue to find ways to impress our customers through proactive communications and upcoming service reminders. Our customer feedback matters, and it shows, with 88 percent recommending CertaSite as the preferred life safety provider. We are constantly improving with feedback.

Building Stronger Connections: Celebrating Teamwork and Collaboration

Collaboration and teamwork were at the heart of our success in 2023. We recognized the power of collective effort and fostered a culture that encouraged collaboration, open communication, mutual support, and of course, some fun.

Throughout the year, our branches organized various team-building activities and initiatives to strengthen the bonds among our employees. These activities ranged from team outings to baseball games and cookouts to holiday celebrations and employee recognitions. By providing a platform for employees to connect and engage with one another outside of work, we not only built stronger relationships but also enhanced collaboration and synergy within our teams.

In January, the CertaSite sales team held their inaugural CertaSite Sales Summit at CertaSite HQ. Throughout the two-and-a-half-day event, the team attended workshops to share best practices, sharpen their sales tactics and skills, and walked away with a greater understanding of CertaSite's why - to provide a meaningful impact to as many lives as possible.

Furthermore, we actively promoted cross-functional collaboration, encouraging employees from different departments to work together on projects and initiatives. This approach allowed us to leverage diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise, leading to innovative solutions and improved outcomes.

We also celebrated and recognized the achievements of our teams, both big and small, through our employees of the quarter, Pinnacle Club Achievements, CertaSite Cup competition and CertaSite Academy Level-Ups, to name a few. In fact, to date this year, we’ve had 67 life safety technicians level up their career through the CertaSite Academy with new skills and training. Amazing!

Whether it was a successful project completion, exceeding targets, or individual milestones, we made sure to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our employees. By creating a culture of recognition and appreciation, we motivated our teams to continue delivering exceptional results.

Making a Difference: Changing Lives through Philanthropy

In 2023, our organization made a significant impact on the lives of many through our philanthropic arm CertaSite Serves. CertaSite's purpose is to protect and provide a meaningful impact in as many lives as possible. CertaSite Serves supports that purpose and enlarges our wingspan beyond the life safety systems that we install, inspect, repair and maintain by offering a helping hand and providing a meaningful impact to those in critical need throughout our communities.

Through various initiatives and projects, we were able to change lives and make a difference in our communities. We provided support to those in need, whether it was through financial assistance, education programs, or access to basic necessities.

Some 2023 highlights of our philanthropic initiatives include:

• volunteering more than 400 hours,
• making and serving meals to more than 1,100 individuals,
• cleaning our highways through three Adopt-a-Highway clean ups,
• collecting more than 42,000 pop/pull tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities,
• supporting Make-A-Wish and Toys for Tots foundations,
• preparing meals and snacks at various food banks throughout our communities.

By focusing on philanthropy, we were able to create a positive and lasting impact on individuals and families, empowering them to thrive and succeed.

Overall, 2023 was a year of remarkable achievements and milestones for our organization. Through philanthropy, strategic planning, innovation, and teamwork, we made a significant impact and set the stage for even greater success in the future. We are proud of what we have accomplished and are excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.

Happy New Year!