Ryan Brennecke / The Bulletin

Bob Manning’s first experience with home security came in 1993, when his Central Point home, which lacked a security system, was broken into.

“I got robbed in the middle of the day with my neighbors watching,” Manning said.

The experience inspired Manning to become more involved with protecting his home. Today, Manning is the branch manager of the Bend office of S.O.S. Alarm, a Medford-based security company that expanded into Central Oregon in 2013.

Manning said the company distinguishes itself from competitors through its flexible, personalized approach to security. S.O.S. Alarm offers a variety of cameras, alarm panels and sensors that it can mix and match to serve the individual needs of each customer. A customer can choose anything from fire and carbon monoxide protection, to sophisticated weight sensors for outdoor patios. Systems start at $20 per month and can reach more than $100, but he said a typical home security system would cost between $25 and $50 per month.

“Our philosophy is to try to give (customers) a menu of security options that they understand and can utilize that matches their needs,” Manning said.

Unlike some alarm installation companies, S.O.S. also handles dispatch for its alarms. If an alarm is triggered, the signal gets sent to the company’s 24-hour central monitoring station in Medford, rather than to a third party that might be in another state entirely.

“From start to finish, it’s always an S.O.S. employee that’s working with the customer,” Manning said.

He added that this allows dispatchers to be more familiar with law enforcement in the area. Additionally, S.O.S. security systems tell dispatchers where in the building the breach occurs, providing them with more information than less-advanced security systems.

“Security in homes is probably one of the most personal things that you can sell to somebody,” Manning said. “What we do is we provide a peace of mind. Literally, the difference is coming home at night and checking your house and coming home and taking off your shoes.”

Though the company has been in Southern Oregon since 1968 and currently serves 16,000 clients, it is still a relative newcomer in Central Oregon. The branch began with Manning and one other employee, but has expanded to 500 clients in the region.

Going forward, Manning expects that number to double within the next year. Furthermore, the company is planning to begin construction on a new building within the next year.

“The secret’s out, but it’s not out as big as it is in Southern Oregon,” Manning said.

— Reporter: 541-617-7818, shamway@bendbulletin.com

Q: How do you get your name out there in a new area?

A: We network a lot, and we have commercials that run during the news hour on KTVZ. We’re putting together a different marketing campaign as we speak. Since we’ve been here, we’ve tried probably every festival, which has been fun.

Q: How did the recession impact your business?

A: Security’s actually a recession-proof business. As the economy gets worse, those that cannot afford security tend to drop security. But at the same time, there are going to be people who buy security, because recession creates more crime. It just generates more of a lift in the security industry.