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DECEMBER 2025
AMERICAN-ALARMS.COM
(515) 266-9888
GROWING THE RIGHT WAY THE YEAR THAT BUILT THE NEXT
As the year winds down, I always think about the people who make everything work. December is when we step back, take stock of what went right, and look for ways to do even better. For us at American Alarms, that means focusing on our team and the systems that help us get better together. We have a group of people who genuinely care about our customers. Many of them have been with the company for 20 years or more, and their experience and dedication are what help us get so much done with a smaller team. Everyone here works hard, supports each other, and puts customer service above everything else. You don’t need decades of technical experience to care about someone’s safety or take pride in doing a job right. That’s a mindset we look for in every person we hire. Keeping our culture strong doesn’t happen by accident, though. It takes collaboration and regular check-ins to make sure we’re moving toward the same goal. We follow a planning system called EOS that emphasizes organization, clarity, and accountability and ensures the right people are in the right seats. One of our advisors likes to say, “Being clear is being kind,” and I completely agree. When people are clear on their expectations, they can focus on doing great work instead of guessing what’s next.
Every few months, we sit down for one- on-one meetings and talk about what’s working, what’s not, and where we can help each other out. It gives everyone a chance to be heard, and those conversations often bring something useful to the surface that we can use to improve our work going forward. And when someone goes above and beyond, we take time to recognize them for it. It’s good for morale, but I hope it also reminds the team that their work matters to the people around them. Heading into 2026, one of my top goals is to bring on new people who really fit the way we work. We’ve been lucky to build a strong team over the years, and I want to keep that streak going. So, I’m working on improving our hiring process. I’ve learned that finding the right person takes time, but it’s worth it when you find someone who cares about showing up, learning, and doing work the right way. We can always teach the tools and the processes, but work ethic and attitude come from within. Another thing I’m excited about is the apprenticeship program we’re starting with my old school district. It will be Iowa’s first licensed and registered apprenticeship program focused specifically on the alarm industry. Apprentices who go through the one-year program will get a feel for the trade and help them see that this could be a real career. I’m proud to see it coming
together, and it feels good to play a part in shaping the future of this industry.
We have a lot on the horizon to look forward to, but I also value this time of year because it gives me time to step back and appreciate the people around me. When the holidays arrive, it’s all about family. Most of my kids are grown now and spread between a few cities, so it’s always special when we can spend time together and let everything else wait for a while. It’s easy to keep looking ahead, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is stop for a moment and enjoy what’s right in front of you.
Wishing you a safe, happy holiday season, and here’s to everything ahead in 2026!
American-Alarms.com · 1
No Time? No Problem Smart Fitness Tips for Packed Schedules
Use interval training wisely. Instead of committing to long, draining sessions, try short intervals of intense activity paired with light recovery moves. Ten minutes of push-ups, squats, or stair sprints can leave you feeling energized without the guilt of skipping a “real” workout. It’s efficient, effective, and surprisingly doable. Treat exercise like a meeting. If you wouldn’t cancel a client call, why cancel on yourself? Block out short fitness breaks in your calendar, whether a 20-minute lunchtime walk or a quick yoga stretch after work. When you schedule it, you’re more likely to follow through. Prepare your environment for success. Keep a ready-to-go fitness bag with sneakers, a water bottle, and workout gear. Having everything within reach reduces excuses and makes it easier to stick to your plan.
Rely on bodyweight basics. If you don’t have any equipment, it’s not a problem! Push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks deliver serious results using only your body weight. They’re portable, adaptable, and efficient, perfect for hotel rooms, living rooms, or even the office. Don’t skip hydration and sleep. Drinking enough water and getting enough rest are two underrated hacks. Hydration keeps your brain sharp and muscles ready to perform, while quality sleep ensures your body can recover and push harder the next day. Sometimes, the healthiest move is choosing sleep over another late-night grind. Celebrate small wins. Progress isn’t just about six-packs or running marathons. Did you manage five push-ups between meetings? Celebrate that. Took the stairs instead of the elevator? That counts. Recognizing these victories builds momentum and helps create a lasting habit.
Between back-to-back meetings, overflowing inboxes, and endless to-do lists, staying fit can feel like a luxury reserved for people with extra hours in the day. But here’s the secret: You don’t need hours, you just need strategy. With the right hacks, you can incorporate fitness into your routine, no matter how hectic your schedule looks. Sneak in micro-workouts. Your calendar may be jam-packed, but fitness doesn’t always mean hitting the gym. Think micro-workouts: pace during phone calls, squats while brushing your teeth, or squeeze in a quick plank before bed. These small bursts add up over time and keep you moving without derailing your schedule.
I’d like to say our efforts are completely selfless, but the truth is that giving back feels good. When you do well, it’s important to support the community that’s helped you succeed and lend a hand to people who might need just a little help getting through a rough patch. For us, it’s a way of saying thanks. It also reminds us of what we’re building, why community matters, and how much difference it can make when you look out for each other. BEYOND BUSINESS AS USUAL Supporting the Community That Supports Us
Every year, our team takes time to unwind and reconnect when things slow down after the holidays. We’ve learned that it’s hard to celebrate during the rush of December, so we typically hold our company party in January instead. It gives everyone something to look forward to and allows the team to enjoy each other’s company without the usual end-of-year chaos. We also have other team get-togethers outside of work throughout the year. We’ve gone bowling, hit the indoor go-kart tracks, spent days out on the lake, and even cheered on the Iowa Cubs from a suite at the ballpark. These outings remind me how fortunate I am to work alongside such a great group of people. They care about each other, our customers, and our community. That sense of care extends beyond the office, too. Over the years, our team has had the opportunity to support several great organizations, including Meals From the Heartland, Freedom For Youth Ministries, Spread Your Wings, and The Village Youth Center. We also donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention after one of our team members was personally affected by suicide.
2 · American-Alarms.com
Cardinal Cookies Frosty Gingerbread Gifts Menorah Mittens Peppermint Pinecones Sagittarius Snowball Yule
Every winter, I find myself talking about the same thing: frozen fire sprinkler systems. It’s not the most festive topic, but it’s an important one. We get at least one call every year about a system that burst after a cold snap, and the damage can be worse than most people expect. When pipes freeze, they can flood a building long before a fire ever happens. And what many people don’t realize is that water damage can cost more than the fire itself. Commercial insurance deductibles are often between $50,000 and $100,000, so a single incident can leave you with a huge out-of-pocket expense. The good news is that most of these situations are entirely preventable. Of course, the biggest risk comes from areas that don’t stay warm enough when temperatures drop. Parking garages, attics, entryways, and canopies are some of the most common trouble spots. Once the air dips near 32 F, even for a short time, water inside those pipes can start to freeze. Many large buildings use “dry systems” in these areas, which hold pressurized air instead of water until a sprinkler activates. However, they still need regular checks to ensure everything’s working the way it should. A few simple steps can make a big difference. Keep the temperature steady in all heated areas and make sure exposed pipes are properly insulated. If your system uses antifreeze, it should be tested before every winter to ensure it’s rated for the climate. For dry systems, drain condensation and test the pressure regularly. Most importantly, have your system inspected annually (or more often if required by code) to ensure it’s ready for the season. We also recommend having your fire alarm system professionally monitored. A monitored system can detect drops in pressure early and give you a heads-up before a minor issue turns into a major disaster. If you’re unsure whether your building’s fire sprinkler system is prepared for cold weather, don’t wait to find out the hard way it isn’t. We’re always happy to take a look, answer questions, and make sure your system is ready before the next cold front hits. Is Your Fire Sprinkler System Winter-Ready? THE COLD TRUTH ABOUT FROZEN PIPES
Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto • 1 package dinner rolls, halved lengthwise • 1/4 cup fig preserves • 3/4 cup shredded fontina cheese • 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup melted butter • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 2 chopped garlic cloves • Black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange prosciutto and bake for 8–10 minutes. 3. On a separate lined baking sheet, place the bottom halves of the rolls and spread fig preserves over them. 4. Layer with fontina and Swiss cheese. Top with crispy prosciutto. 5. Place the top half of the rolls over the prosciutto and gently press down. 6. In a bowl, mix butter, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, garlic, and black pepper. 7. Pour butter mixture over rolls. Cover with foil and bake 10 minutes. 8. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, and separate before serving.
Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
American-Alarms.com · 3
Complete Fire Alarm and Security Service In Iowa And The Midwest, By A Local Veteran-Owned Company American-Alarms.com (515) 266-9888
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1659 E Euclid Ave, Ste. B Des Moines, Iowa 50313
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. Setting the Stage for 2026
2. Quick Workouts for Hectic Lives 2. Celebrating Team and Community 3. Keeping Fire Sprinklers Safe This Winter 3. Crispy Prosciutto and Cheese Sliders
4. A Softer Approach to Modern Living
Home Design That Flows THE POWER OF THE CURVE
Ever notice how some spaces feel better than others? You can walk into a room and instantly feel more relaxed, even if it’s unclear why. It turns out that a room’s shape might have more to do with that than the furniture inside. Lately, curved architecture is trending in residential home design, and one of the main reasons is the positive shift in mood these curves bring to a space. Studies show that people prefer curves and rounded edges to hard angles. It makes sense when you think about it. Nature is full of curves. You see them everywhere: tree canopies, rolling hills, river stones, and even our bodies. Familiar forms put our minds at ease. Some research links curved spaces to reduced stress, a feeling of safety, and a boost in mood.
In home design, curves promote good flow and soften transitions between spaces. And builders today have more ways to bring rounded elements into a home. CNC machines, 3D printers, and new drywall framing systems make creating soft-edged interior spaces and design elements easier and more affordable. But you don’t have to renovate your house to bring in the curve. You can ease into it. A round mirror in the hallway changes the way light bounces. A lamp with a soft arc can pull a corner together. Swap out a square coffee table for a circular one, and suddenly the flow of a room changes. If you are remodeling, consider an arched pass-through between the kitchen and dining room or a rounded edge on the kitchen island. Built-ins with curved shelving
or banquette seating can soften a space without taking over the entire layout.
What matters most is how your eye travels. Curves can guide you through a room, and simply adding a few to your home’s layout can change how it looks and feels. That’s a design choice we can all get behind.
4 · American-Alarms.com
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