From its humble beginnings in a Toyota Corolla, CPI Security — originally Crime Prevention Inc. — has operated with a singular focus.

What do termites, diamonds and security have in common? All three are components of the history of this year’s SDM Dealer of the Year. Sonitrol began when Al Cronk, a police officer, was interested in verifying alarms using audio; Bob Baxter invented microphones to detect termites in trees.

With deep, long-standing roots in the community, this company’s service-based culture and strong commitment to both employees and customers have earned it the distinction of being named SDM’s 2021 Dealer of the Year.

When it comes to maintaining relationships with customers, this company is at the top of its game, all while increasing revenue and keeping employees healthy, happy and engaged. 

Faced with debt, higher than desired attrition, challenges in retaining employees, inflation and supply chain issues caused by a global pandemic, this company managed to get completely debt-free, lower attrition, raise both wages and prices, and still make a profit — all of which resulted in a “war chest” that helped them invest in key cyber and marketing efforts.

The DuraTech Self-Retracting Device features a side cable payout and an internal braking system that provides fast-acting braking for maximum stopping power in the event of a fall.

KNIPEX Tools has introduced 24 tools with tether attachment mounts for its Tethered Tool Pliers Program.

The patent-pending Hi-Viz green HyperLite is the lightest Type IA and IAA fiberglass extension ladder in the world – weighing up to 40 percent less than ordinary fiberglass ladders without sacrificing strength or stability.

The Ladder Protector Kit helps workers safely transition away from leading edges when accessing a roof by ladder.

Checkmate MAX 300 Descender is a constant rate descender with models for both automatic hands-free operation and multiple descents with advanced rescue functionality, as well as a power-assisted option with Checkmate-approved drill.

Entering the 12,000-pound capacity market, the Traverse T1258X Telehandler is the industry’s only telehandler product line with a traversing boom carriage that can move loads while traveling horizontally.

The Single Man Folding Basket for service cranes provides fall arrest and fall protection while helping eliminate the need for ladders or climbing on equipment.

The Checkmate Xplorer Industrial Full Body Harness – designed to be more comfortable than conventional harnesses during suspension and frequent loading – features visual-alert stitching, an intuitive way for the user to understand the correct way to wear the harness.

STAIRMASTER anti-slip renovation treads are ideal for exit path markings, safety egress systems, steps and landings.

Grade 43 Chain Positioning Lanyards are ideally suited for positioning or restraint applications when used in conjunction with a full-body harness with side or hip D-rings.

Cable Leading Edge Lanyards have the lightweight durability of a fixed-length lanyard and permit up to 12 feet of protection during a free fall from an at-height working surface.

FT-One is a patent-pending full-body harness designed and developed with input from contractors to achieve a new level of comfort fit and function.

Spectra two-stage stair nosings are visually appealing and durable, yet can be quickly and easily replaced if damaged.

The FT-One Fit premium full-body harness enables women to achieve a customized fit. Features include an adjustable sub-pelvic strap to ensure a proper fit across a woman’s hips, along with abrasion-resistant shoulder panels and custom-designed gel inserts and padding.

The OSHA-compliant NoFall Flatbed Truck Fall Protection System protects drivers and dock workers from falling off a flatbed trailer truck or onto the deck. The system can be installed permanently or stored right on the truck when not in use.

Form-A-Tread Original is a durable high-tech epoxy paste designed to be easy to apply to stair treads. Form-A-Tread’s kit includes a 400-milliliter cartridge of material that can produce 25 to 40 linear feet of 1-inch-wide tread depending on the surface type.

Foothold is a water-based cleaner and degreaser formulated to help prevent slips and falls in wet, greasy and oily areas. It lifts and suspends heavy soils, brine, fat, and blood from walls, equipment and flooring materials such as rubber, metal and epoxies.

Prevent falls before they happen with MAGNA-GRIP – a repositionable, removable and reusable patent-pending magnetic non-skid safety pad.

StairMaster safety renovation treads come in 9- or 11-inch widths as well as contrasting or coordinating colors, including a glow-in-the-dark option. The tread is ideal for exit path markings, safety egress systems, or steps and landings.

The Werner visual safety system provides simple on-product safety cues that ensure workers and safety professionals are choosing the right ladder, using it correctly and communicating the importance of safety to everyone on a jobsite.

Philadelphia – The incidence of spinal injuries suffered by U.S. soldiers in modern warfare may exceed previous conflicts, according to a new study from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

Dallas – Gulf War Illness may cause memory problems in veterans, concludes a new study from the University of Texas.

Washington – Certain drivers transporting cargo for the U.S. military have been exempted for two years from a federal hours-of-service break requirement, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Chicago – Mild traumatic brain injury caused by blast exposures may alter soldiers’ brains, suggests a study from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Santa Monica, CA – Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression may be common among private military contractors, suggests a new study from RAND Corp., a nonprofit research institution.

Houston – Vietnam War veterans who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer, according to a new study from researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Washington – Although blast trauma among soldiers can be proven to cause serious eye injuries and may be linked to post-traumatic stress disorder, insufficient evidence exists showing a relationship to tinnitus, vertigo and cardiovascular issues, according to a new report from the Institute of Medicine.

St. Louis – Military personnel with concussions caused by explosions had outcomes similar to personnel with concussions from other causes, according to a study from Washington University in St. Louis.

Washington – The Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a registry to track the health of veterans exposed to burn pits and other airborne hazards in recent military operations, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

Washington – Disabled veterans who have been newly hired to positions in the federal government could receive immediate access to sick leave as part of a proposed House bill.

Washington – U.S. service members deployed to the Middle East may be facing occupational health risks due to a lack of health monitoring and flaws in the Department of Defense’s multiple data storage systems, according to a Government Accountability Office report released June 22.

Atlanta – It’s vital to keep family in mind when creating a workplace safety culture. Former Navy Commander Mike Abrashoff shared this message during today’s Opening Session at the 2015 NSC Congress & Expo.

Washington – The House Armed Services Committee recently adopted a proposed amendment that would exempt many federal defense contractors from disclosing labor law violations.

San Diego – Members of the military who have poor sleep habits are “less resilient” than service members with healthy sleep behaviors, according to a recent study from the Naval Health Research Center.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing a pilot program that would allow a limited number of military veterans between 18 and 21 years old to operate a commercial motor vehicle for interstate commerce, according to a notice of proposed rulemaking published in the Aug. 22 Federal Register.

Washington – Military veterans who operated commercial motor vehicles during their service will have an easier time obtaining learner’s permits and driver’s licenses to become CMV operators as civilians, thanks to a recently published final rule intended to simplify the process.

Fairfax, VA – The U.S. Navy has announced a ban on e-cigarettes and other vaping devices on ships, submarines, aircraft, boats, craft and heavy equipment.

Rosemont, IL — Members of the military may face an increased risk of developing skin cancer, according to a recent study from the American Academy of Dermatology.

Washington — The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has released a video intended to protect first responders who face potential exposure to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

In the years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, training and preparation for police, fire and emergency medical services professionals has taken on heightened importance,

Charlottesville, VA — Frequent exposure to minor explosions may increase the risk of brain injury and inflammation among members of law enforcement and the military, results of a recent study led by researchers from the University of Virginia show.

Washington — The ongoing health problems of workers who responded during and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks are the focus of an online exhibit recently unveiled by NIOSH and the Department of Health and Human Services.

Washington — The National Institutes of Health and the Department of Veterans Affairs will partner on a study they hope “will lead to many answers to those suffering from Gulf War Illness.”

Washington — An update to OSHA’s standard on emergency response is undergoing a final review, according to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs website.

Washington — The NIOSH World Trade Center Health Program is accepting nominations for its Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee.