Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Runno and Steve Carulo of Alarm Brokers of Florida. This is their story:
Founded by husband and wife team Steve Carulo and Mary Runno in 2016, Alarm Brokers of Florida started out selling and installing only residential burglar alarms. We wanted to offer our customers a better experience overall: a wider assortment of products, a superior customer experience and lower pricing. Our first office was a shared space in Doral with a single desk. In 2018 we were selected by Brinks Home Security to sell their alarm services in South Florida. From Years 1-4, the company grew sales 25-35% year over year due in part to strong customer demand for alarms for commercial properties, surveillance cameras, access control systems and network cabling. In 2020, the opportunity came to rent an office and warehouse just west of Miami International Airport and near to the company’s key equipment distributors.
Currently, the company employs four full-time employees and nineteen independent contractors. We have expanded our services from Miami-Dade County to Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe County, positioning us as a unique business in the South Florida market as one of a few one stop shops for low voltage electrical services. Alarm Brokers of Florida’s well-known commercial customers include McAlister’s Deli, CareMax Medical Centers and Fuddruckers. In 2021, we became one of 15 prequalified vendors with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for the installation of surveillance cameras. We also are sub-contractors for various primes doing work for the federal government.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. With Covid in 2020 and 2021 came many struggles, the largest being lack of staffing which in turn led us to have to turn away a lot of work and hence reduced our revenue and profitability.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Alarm Brokers of Florida we love selling the technology that makes us who we are, a problem solving security and low voltage integration company. Every solution we present to our clients has a personal touch and customization based on our clients needs or wants. That’s why we started this company. We came from a competitor who had the same package for everyone. We wanted to offer flexible options. From entry level camera systems to our fully customizable cameras with real time alerts, human detection and even analytics that can conform to everyone’s needs.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for those starting out is that there is never a “right” time to start. If you wait for the “right” time, it just might pass you by. Just go with your gut. You will learn along the way and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@alarmbrokers.net
- Website: www.alarmbrokers.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alarmbrokers
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlarmBrokers/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alarm-brokers-of-florida-miami
