80 years of protecting what matters most
Our technology has evolved. Our commitment to old-school customer service hasn’t.
Explore Bay Alarm’s history, how far we’ve come and how far we’re ready to go to protect your home or business.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
A fledgling family business
In 1946, Everett and Marj Westphal founded Bay Alarm in Oakland, CA to help people protect what was most important to them. It was based on a simple principle. “Do your absolute best every time, and you’ll be successful.” Over eight decades and three generations later, our family-owned business has been protecting homes, businesses, and peace of mind—guided by values that never go out of style. While our technology has evolved, our commitment to family, trust, and accountability remains at the heart of everything we do. That’s “The Bay Way” in action. And, after 80 years, we’re just getting started.
HOW IT ALL STARTED
A fledgling family business
In 1946, Everett and Marj Westphal founded Bay Alarm in Oakland, CA to help people protect what was most important to them. It was based on a simple principle. “Do your absolute best every time, and you’ll be successful.” Over eight decades and three generations later, our family-owned business has been protecting homes, businesses, and peace of mind—guided by values that never go out of style. While our technology has evolved, our commitment to family, trust, and accountability remains at the heart of everything we do. That’s “The Bay Way” in action. And, after 80 years, we’re just getting started.
1940s/1950s
From the kitchen to the first office headquarters
Everett and Marj Westphal grew Bay Alarm, initially operating out of their home, processing billing and paperwork with a typewriter they rented for 25 cents. Focusing on quality and service, their commitment to doing right by customers and staff provided the foundation of values that remain to this day. Over the next 10 years, the company expanded, moving operations from the family home to its first company office on Marin Way in Oakland, CA. “Everett sold and installed, his brother Elden installed, and I was the office for quite some time. The office equipment consisted of one rented typewriter. The first time I did statements, there were seven. Everett and I walked to the corner mailbox feeling very good; we were now in business.” - Marj Westphal
1960s
A new generation and new technology
Bay Alarm reached several milestones at the start of the new decade, including welcoming its thousandth customer in 1960. In 1962 and 1964, a new generation of the Westphal family joined the ranks—Everett and Marj’s sons Bruce and Roger. In 1964, the company established its first Central Monitoring Station at its new headquarters on 7th street in Oakland. While on 24-hour call, the brothers took turns sleeping on a cot in the central station. That same year, Bay Alarm patented a printed circuit code wheel 1/10th the size of traditional equipment—a design that revolutionized the business. In 1966, after winning a landmark anti-monopoly lawsuit against ADT, the future growth of Bay Alarm—and every other independent alarm company in the country—was secured. Bruce Westphal went on to form the Bay Area Alarm Association, promoting and protecting the interests of electronic security systems in the area.
1940s/1950s
From the kitchen to the first office headquarters
Everett and Marj Westphal grew Bay Alarm, initially operating out of their home, processing billing and paperwork with a typewriter they rented for 25 cents. Focusing on quality and service, their commitment to doing right by customers and staff provided the foundation of values that remain to this day. Over the next 10 years, the company expanded, moving operations from the family home to its first company office on Marin Way in Oakland, CA. “Everett sold and installed, his brother Elden installed, and I was the office for quite some time. The office equipment consisted of one rented typewriter. The first time I did statements, there were seven. Everett and I walked to the corner mailbox feeling very good; we were now in business.” - Marj Westphal
1960s
A new generation and new technology
Bay Alarm reached several milestones at the start of the new decade, including welcoming its thousandth customer in 1960. In 1962 and 1964, a new generation of the Westphal family joined the ranks—Everett and Marj’s sons Bruce and Roger. In 1964, the company established its first Central Monitoring Station at its new headquarters on 7th street in Oakland. While on 24-hour call, the brothers took turns sleeping on a cot in the central station. That same year, Bay Alarm patented a printed circuit code wheel 1/10th the size of traditional equipment—a design that revolutionized the business. In 1966, after winning a landmark anti-monopoly lawsuit against ADT, the future growth of Bay Alarm—and every other independent alarm company in the country—was secured. Bruce Westphal went on to form the Bay Area Alarm Association, promoting and protecting the interests of electronic security systems in the area.
1940s/1950s
From the kitchen to the first office headquarters
Everett and Marj Westphal grew The Bay Alarm Company, initially operating out of their home, processing billing and paperwork with a typewriter they rented for 25 cents. Focusing on quality and service, their commitment to doing right by customers and staff provided the foundation of values that remain to this day. Over the next 10 years, the company expanded, moving operations from the family home to its first company office on Marin Way in Oakland, CA. “Everett sold and installed, his brother Elden installed, and I was the office for quite some time. The office equipment consisted of one rented typewriter. The first time I did statements, there were seven. Everett and I walked to the corner mailbox feeling very good; we were now in business.” - Marj Westphal
1940s/1950s
From the kitchen to the first office headquarters
Everett and Marj Westphal grew Bay Alarm, initially operating out of their home, processing billing and paperwork with a typewriter they rented for 25 cents. Focusing on quality and service, their commitment to doing right by customers and staff provided the foundation of values that remain to this day. Over the next 10 years, the company expanded, moving operations from the family home to its first company office on Marin Way in Oakland, CA. “Everett sold and installed, his brother Elden installed, and I was the office for quite some time. The office equipment consisted of one rented typewriter. The first time I did statements, there were seven. Everett and I walked to the corner mailbox feeling very good; we were now in business.” - Marj Westphal
1960s
A new generation and new technology
Bay Alarm reached several milestones at the start of the new decade, including welcoming its thousandth customer in 1960. In 1962 and 1964, a new generation of the Westphal family joined the ranks—Everett and Marj’s sons Bruce and Roger. In 1964, the company established its first Central Monitoring Station at its new headquarters on 7th street in Oakland. While on 24-hour call, the brothers took turns sleeping on a cot in the central station. That same year, Bay Alarm patented a printed circuit code wheel 1/10th the size of traditional equipment—a design that revolutionized the business. In 1966, after winning a landmark anti-monopoly lawsuit against ADT, the future growth of Bay Alarm—and every other independent alarm company in the country—was secured. Bruce Westphal went on to form the Bay Area Alarm Association, promoting and protecting the interests of electronic security systems in the area.
1960s
A new generation and new technology
Bay Alarm reached several milestones at the start of the new decade, including welcoming its thousandth customer in 1960. In 1962 and 1964, a new generation of the Westphal family joined the ranks—Everett and Marj’s sons Bruce and Roger. In 1964, the company established its first Central Monitoring Station at its new headquarters on 7th street in Oakland. While on 24-hour call, the brothers took turns sleeping on a cot in the central station. That same year, Bay Alarm patented a printed circuit code wheel 1/10th the size of traditional equipment—a design that revolutionized the business. In 1966, after winning a landmark anti-monopoly lawsuit against ADT, the future growth of Bay Alarm—and every other independent alarm company in the country—was secured. Bruce Westphal went on to form the Bay Area Alarm Association, promoting and protecting the interests of electronic security systems in the area.
1970s
New leadership, continued innovation
Bay Alarm built the first fully computerized Central Monitoring Station in CA in 1973, part of its commitment to technological advancement. In 1974, as the new company president, Bruce partnered with his brother to develop an acquisition strategy that fueled Bay Alarm’s growth for generations to come. In 1976, the company diversified, forming Balco Properties and allowing the family to acquire commercial and residential real estate while extending investments into technology. Family members Reed and Molly Westphal guided its continuing success. In 1978, Bay Alarm made its first acquisition: Security Alarm Company. In 1979, the company partnered with a team of software developers to fully automate the Central Monitoring Station, once again revolutionizing the security business. “The first time we came online, we had all of these people just staring in amazement at it, including myself. What was so surprising was that it actually worked! We were now the first alarm company to be fully automated.” - Roger Westphal
1970s
New leadership, continued innovation
Bay Alarm built the first fully computerized Central Monitoring Station in CA in 1973, part of its commitment to technological advancement. In 1974, as the new company president, Bruce partnered with his brother to develop an acquisition strategy that fueled Bay Alarm’s growth for generations to come. In 1976, the company diversified, forming Balco Properties and allowing the family to acquire commercial and residential real estate while extending investments into technology. In 1978, Bay Alarm made its first acquisition: Security Alarm Company. In 1979, the company partnered with a team of software developers to fully automate the Central Monitoring Station, once again revolutionizing the security business. “The first time we came online, we had all of these people just staring in amazement at it, including myself. What was so surprising was that it actually worked! We were now the first alarm company to be fully automated.” - Roger Westphal
1980s
A digital revolution and company expansion
In 1981, with the acquisition of SAS, Bay Alarm officially expanded into Southern California. By 1982, Bruce and Roger made the substantial technological commitment to go digital, which required the monumental task of replacing every single customer’s alarm panel. One year later, the company signed its 50,000th customer. Roger became president in 1984 and eventually oversaw the building of the company’s own cellular network, eliminating the need for third-party phone lines. Bay Alarm expanded its service offerings across the state of California, which included the acquisitions of California Security Services and Lodi Alarm. That same year, the company updated its logo to the one currently seen across properties everywhere. In 1986, Bay Alarm added central stations in Stockton and Ventura, CA, continuing its commitment to greater customer support and tech advancement. Additional acquisitions through the rest of the decade included: Sacramento Security, Transbay Alarm Systems, Placer Alarm Systems, Design Security Systems, ATI Security Systems, Peninsula Burglar Alarms, and Delta Alarms.
1980s
A digital revolution and company expansion
In 1981, with the acquisition of SAS, Bay Alarm officially expanded into Southern California. By 1982, Bruce and Roger made the substantial technological commitment to go digital, which required the monumental task of replacing every single customer’s alarm panel. One year later, the company signed its 50,000th customer. Roger became president in 1984 and eventually oversaw the building of the company’s own cellular network, eliminating the need for third-party phone lines. Bay Alarm expanded its service offerings across the state of California, which included the acquisitions of California Security Services and Lodi Alarm. That same year, the company updated its logo to the one currently seen across properties everywhere. In 1986, Bay Alarm added central stations in Stockton and Ventura, CA, continuing its commitment to greater customer support and tech advancement. Additional acquisitions through the rest of the decade included: Sacramento Security, Transbay Alarm Systems, Placer Alarm Systems, Design Security Systems, ATI Security Systems, Peninsula Burglar Alarms, and Delta Alarms.
1990s
A third generation joins & more milestones achieved
In 1993, 47 years after the company was founded, Matt and Graham Westphal—sons of Bruce—joined the ranks, working their way through every department and launching a rigorous management training program. Bruce founded Security Network of America—now known as NetOne—in 1994, bringing independent security companies together to share best practices and drive industry innovation. In 1996 Bay Alarm celebrated 50 years in business, along with its 58,000th customers.
1990s
A third generation joins & more milestones achieved
In 1993, 47 years after the company was founded, Matt and Graham Westphal—sons of Bruce—joined the ranks, working their way through every department and launching a rigorous management training program. Bruce founded Security Network of America—now known as NetOne—in 1994, bringing independent security companies together to share best practices and drive industry innovation. In 1996 Bay Alarm celebrated 50 years in business, along with its 58,000th customer.
2000s
Bay Alarm Medical launches
In 2002, Tim Westphal rejoined Bay Alarm to support the new Orange County branch opening. He went on to manage the branch and the company’s southern California expansion. Bruce and Roger received the coveted CAA George Weinstock Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, which celebrated their significant contributions to the security industry. In 2004, Bruce’s sons Matt and Graham became co-presidents and opened the company’s third branch office. In 2008, Bay Alarm Medical was established, providing life-saving medical alert systems for seniors and peace of mind for their families. Expansion across California continued, as Bay Alarm operated 13 branch offices to serve a growing customer base. The company celebrated its 100,000th customer in 2009. “We’ve always had a view that this company can be a generational business. If we challenge each other to make sure we’re making great decisions, if we take care of our customers, our employees, our co-workers, we’ll be successful.” - Graham Westphal
2000s
Bay Alarm Medical launches
In 2002, Tim Westphal rejoined Bay Alarm to support the new Orange County branch opening. He went on to manage the branch and the company’s southern California expansion. Bruce and Roger received the coveted CAA George Weinstock Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, which celebrated their significant contributions to the security industry. In 2004, Bruce’s sons Matt and Graham became co-presidents and opened the company’s third branch office. In 2008, Bay Alarm Medical was established, providing life-saving medical alert systems for seniors and peace of mind for their families. Expansion across California continued, as Bay Alarm operated 13 branch offices to serve a growing customer base. The company celebrated its 100,000th customer in 2009. “We’ve always had a view that this company can be a generational business. If we challenge each other to make sure we’re making great decisions, if we take care of our customers, our employees, our co-workers, we’ll be successful.” - Graham Westphal
2010s
Innovation and investment = optimized security services
The acquisition of San Diego Alarm in 2013 allowed the company to better serve the greater San Diego area. In 2015, Matt was elected president of the California Alarm Association and was also honored with the CAA George Weinstock Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016, more accolades were earned when Bruce and Roger were inducted into the Security Sales & Integration Industry Hall of Fame. In 2018, Tim—the fifth Westphal to do so—was elected president of the California Alarm Association, continuing a long tradition of industry relations and support. To prepare for its next phase of growth, Bay Alarm appointed an outside board of directors for the first time.
2010s
Innovation and investment = optimized security services
The acquisition of San Diego Alarm in 2013 allowed the company to better serve the greater San Diego area. In 2015, Matt was elected president of the California Alarm Association and was also honored with the CAA George Weinstock Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2016, more accolades were earned when Bruce and Roger were inducted into the Security Sales & Integration Industry Hall of Fame. In 2018, Tim—the fifth Westphal to do so—was elected president of the California Alarm Association, continuing a long tradition of industry relations and support. To prepare for its next phase of growth, Bay Alarm appointed an outside board of directors.
2020s and Beyond
Carrying a legacy forward
Today, with the support of over 1000 dedicated employees, Bay Alarm celebrates its 80th anniversary. The company is still holding fast to its commitment of doing right by clients and staff, and focused on protecting the people and assets most important to its more than 150,000 customers across the west coast.
2020s AND BEYOND
Carrying a legacy forward
Today, with the support of over 1000 dedicated employees, Bay Alarm celebrates its 80th anniversary. The company is still holding fast to its commitment of doing right by clients and staff, and focused on protecting the people and assets most important to its more than 150,000 customers across the west coast. In 2025, Tim Westphal was honored with the George A. Weinstock award for lifetime achievement in the alarm industry.
2020s AND BEYOND
Carrying a legacy forward
Today, with the support of over 1000 dedicated employees, Bay Alarm celebrates its 80th anniversary. The company is still holding fast to its commitment of doing right by clients and staff, and focused on protecting the people and assets most important to its more than 150,000 customers across the west coast. In 2025, Tim Westphal was honored with the George A. Weinstock award for lifetime achievement in the alarm industry.
THREE GENERATIONS OF FAMILY LEADERSHIP
Everett & Marj Westphal
1940s - 1980s
High school sweethearts Everett and Marjorie were married in 1939 in Los Angeles, CA. They founded Bay Alarm as a small burglar alarm company in the California Bay Area. The company was initially operated out of the Westphal's Oakland home. In 1956, the company opened its first central office on East 14th Street in Oakland. Everett and Marj remained active in the management of Bay Alarm, guiding its growth as it expanded from a small family business to a regional leader. When sons Bruce and Roger took over management of the company, Everett retired, but continued to help support and guide the company as he watched it expand while still holding true to the values he and Marj first founded the company on.
Roger & Bruce Westphal
1960s - 2000s
Roger and Bruce Westphal (sons of Everett and Marj) have each contributed more than 50 years to growing and managing Bay Alarm. The brothers are well respected throughout the security community for their leadership in the industry, with a focus on integrity and service. From their dedication to early alarm system software programs in the ‘70s to their adoption of a recurring revenue model that has grown the business, their achievements form the bedrock of the company’s success. In 2016, the brothers were inducted into the Security Sales & Integration (SSI) Industry Hall of Fame, which recognizes those who have contributed to advancements in the industry through achievement and professionalism
Matt, Graham & Tim Westphal
1990s - Present Day
As third-generation family operators, Matt and Graham (sons of Bruce) and Tim (son of Roger) grew up in the alarm industry and learned about the business from an early age. In 2004, Matt and Graham became co-presidents and opened the company’s third branch office. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Whittier College and working in the telecom and internet industries, Tim started his career with Bay Alarm. After many years in various operations and leadership positions, he became Chief Executive Officer of Bay Alarm in 2023. Today, Tim is active in the security industry and serves on several boards and committees, including as past president of the California Alarm Association.
Everett & Marj Westphal
1940s - 1980s
High school sweethearts Everett and Marjorie were married in 1939 in Los Angeles, CA. They founded Bay Alarm as a small burglar alarm company in the California Bay Area. The company was initially operated out of the Westphal's Oakland home. In 1956, the company opened its first central office on East 14th Street in Oakland. Everett and Marj remained active in the management of Bay Alarm, guiding its growth as it expanded from a small family business to a regional leader. When sons Bruce and Roger took over management of the company, Everett retired, but continued to help support and guide the company as he watched it expand while still holding true to the values he and Marj first founded the company on.
Roger & Bruce Westphal
1960s - 2000s
Roger and Bruce Westphal (sons of Everett and Marj) have each contributed more than 50 years to growing and managing Bay Alarm. The brothers are well respected throughout the security community for their leadership in the industry, with a focus on integrity and service. From their dedication to early alarm system software programs in the ‘70s to their adoption of a recurring revenue model that has grown the business, their achievements form the bedrock of the company’s success. In 2016, the brothers were inducted into the Security Sales & Integration (SSI) Industry Hall of Fame, which recognizes those who have contributed to advancements in the industry through achievement and professionalism
Matt, Graham & Tim Westphal
1990s - Present Day
As third-generation family operators, Matt and Graham (sons of Bruce) and Tim (son of Roger) grew up in the alarm industry and learned about the business from an early age. In 2004, Matt and Graham became co-presidents and opened the company’s third branch office. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Whittier College and working in the telecom and internet industries, Tim started his career with Bay Alarm. After many years in various operations and leadership positions, he became Chief Executive Officer of Bay Alarm in 2023. Today, Tim is active in the security industry and serves on several boards and committees, including as past president of the California Alarm Association.
OUR CORE VALUES
Still doing things “the Bay Way”
Since our founding in 1946, we’ve built our company with our core values of family, trust, and accountability guiding the way. We treat our staff like family and show up for our customers as the trusted security partner they need to protect what’s most important to them.
Built on 80 years of
From our first employee to our most recent customer to the local communities we serve; they’re all part of the Bay Alarm family. We’re committed to do right by everyone we work with, and treat our entire staff with the utmost respect.
Built on 80 years of
FAMILY
From our first employee to our most recent customer to the local communities we serve; they’re all part of the Bay Alarm family. We’re committed to do right by everyone we work with, and treat our entire staff with the utmost respect.
TRUST
After 80 years, our name has become synonymous with security. Our customers rely on us to keep what matters most safe, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We work hard to maintain that trust, with dedicated local staff and technology that evolves with the industry.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Three generations and thousands of customers after Everett and Marj Westphal started Bay Alarm in their kitchen, we stay true to their recipe for success: by doing our absolute best every day. And we’re not stopping now.
Built on 80 years of
FAMILY
From our first employee to our most recent customer to the local communities we serve; they’re all part of the Bay Alarm family. We’re committed to do right by everyone we work with, and treat our entire staff with the utmost respect.
TRUST
After 80 years, our name has become synonymous with security. Our customers rely on us to keep what matters most safe, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. We work hard to maintain that trust, with dedicated local staff and technology that evolves with the industry.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Three generations and thousands of customers after Everett and Marj Westphal started Bay Alarm in their kitchen, we stay true to their recipe for success: by doing our absolute best every day. And we’re not stopping now.
Get in touch with our team
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