The hosts critique a $4.28 million asking price for a Signal Security franchise in San Antonio that only generates $773K in revenue. They discuss the challenges of low-skill staffing in security, highlighting liability risks and operational difficulties. The team debunks unreliable franchise rankings and raises concerns over the franchisor's focus on selling rather than service quality. They explore the potential of pivoting to executive security and the impact of technology on traditional guard roles, ultimately agreeing this franchise is not worth the investment.
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insights INSIGHT
Asking Price Far Exceeds Revenue
The listing asks $4.28M for a Signal Security franchise with only ~$773K revenue, creating a huge valuation gap.
The hosts flag this as likely overpriced and not supported by disclosed EBITDA or realistic margins.
insights INSIGHT
Core Business Is Low-Margin Staffing
The business is essentially commercial security staffing: contract hourly guards and patrol services.
Owners must manage low-wage staff, unpredictable incidents, and heavy day-to-day operations.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Avoid 'Only Penalized' Service Models
Avoid businesses where excellence isn't rewarded but failures are punished, like low-skill security staffing.
Expect constant crisis management and liability when hourly guards mess up.
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In this episode the hosts critique a $4.28 million asking price for a Signal Security Franchise business in San Antonio earning ~$773K revenue—arguing it’s overpriced, under‑differentiated and risky.
Business Listing – https://www.bizbuysell.com/business-opportunity/san-antonio-tx-highly-profitable-security-business-for-sale/2350661/
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In this episode of Acquisitions Anonymous, hosts Michael Girdley, Bill D’Alessandro and Connor Groce dig into a franchise‐for‐sale opportunity in the private security industry: a Signal Security franchise in San Antonio asking $4.28 million with $773K in gross revenue. They walk through the business model (commercial security staffing), margins, branding claims, franchise structure and red flags.
Key Highlights: - Asking price: $4.28 million for a franchise security services business in San Antonio, with ~$773 K gross revenue. - Model: Commercial security staffing (e.g., apartment complexes, offices) relying on contract revenue and hourly staff. - Margin concerns: Advertised ~39% gross margin but likely much lower net profit—owners estimate very low take‑home. - Franchise platform issues: Website more focused on selling franchise opportunities than showing service revenue or client success; raises questions about sustainability & support. - Operational risks: Staffing, liability issues, tech disruption (surveillance & automation), brand reputation, risk of employee negligence or incident triggering legal/insurance exposure. - Verdict: Thumbs down across hosts; valuation too aggressive for the business model and risk profile.