NFIB Local Member Profile: Robert Bonifas and Alarm Detection Systems
Name: Robert A. Bonifas
Business: Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.
Location: Aurora, Illinois
Employees: 225
How did you become a small business owner, and why?
Because my Dad had a grocery store and they opened a great big chain store near us and put us in a world of hurt. So I grabbed him and said, “we need to find a way to make a living.” We converted the store into a rental unit. I had lost my job. I needed something to do. So I bought a franchise for a lawn company initially. Later I got rid of that franchise. I have been a very happy camper ever since. I am ranked 24th in the United States out of 14,000 alarm companies.
What do you love most about running a small business?
I’m 77 and I still love getting up in the morning and making a good deal. I’m also a world traveler. I’ve been to every country on Earth. There’s a major travel club with 12,000 members and I’m one behind the leader. And he’s my fellow buddy. In December, I was at the South Pole.
What makes Illinois a good place to do business?
I was born and raised here. I’ve never lived more than five miles from where I’m sitting right now.
What do you attribute your business’ longevity to?
Because I’m bullheaded. When things look bad I just work harder.
What is the best part of your day?
At this point what I am is kind of the cheerleader. I run the company. I don’t sell things anymore – and not because I’m old, but because I’ve got lots of people to do that now. My job is to sit here every day and strategize how to make the company better.
What have you not yet achieved that you’d like to?
I’d like to hit $100 million in annual revenues.
What do you like to do off the clock?
Travel. I scuba dive. I waterski. I race sailboats on Saturday and Sunday in Wisconsin at a summer home. Those are some of the things that float my boat. I travel a lot in the traveling club with buddies. I’ve got five kids and 13 grandkids so I’ve got plenty to do. I’ve got a lot of things in life that I’m excited about and business is one of the big ones.
