In this episode of the I Am Lakeland podcast, host Don Burns sits down with Brandi Morris, co-owner of All Alarm Services, to discuss the journey of building a local security business from the ground up. Brandi shares the story of how her husband, John, a Navy veteran with a background in shipboard communications, transitioned from over 25 years in the corporate security world—working for giants like ADT and Johnson Controls—to launching their own family-owned venture in 2018.
The conversation explores the “scary leap” of leaving stable corporate careers to prioritize personalized service and community connection. Brandi reflects on the early days of the business, including an unexpected “retirement trial run” where they spent months traveling and attending FSU games before fully kicking off their local operations. This period served as a valuable reminder of why they chose entrepreneurship: to build a legacy that allows for family time and community involvement.
Brandi details the comprehensive services All Alarm Services provides, ranging from high-end commercial fire alarm systems to residential smart home automation. Through their partnership with alarm.com, they offer clients a seamless, one-app solution for managing security cameras, remote door locks, thermostats, and access control. Brandi emphasizes the “relationship-first” model, highlighting how local clients value having direct access to the owners for support, whether they are monitoring a second home from out of state or managing a local business.
Beyond the technology, the episode touches on Brandi’s deep roots in Lakeland, including her passion for coaching youth softball and her commitment to local volunteering. The discussion underscores the peace of mind that comes from working with a local provider who truly understands the community. 18