Business View Magazine - January 2024

team member to play a role in SAS’s achievements. In this dynamic environment, leadership permeates throughout the organization and reflects the collective efforts driving Southwest’s ongoing success. With strong leadership, a rich history, and a focus on supplying top-tier security products to their clients, Southwest Automated Security is a testament to dedication and vision. Launched in 1981 in Dallas under the name FAAC of Texas, SAS was an offshoot of Big D Metalworks and focused on gate operators. The ensuing years saw expansion, leading to a tactical rebranding in 1992 as Southwest Automated Security Inc. In 1998, Spence and Goodwin steered the venture out from under the umbrella of Big D and continued to grow the enterprise. In 2004, Big D relinquished ownership to Goodwin, Spence, and new board member Shain from the Phoenix location. SAS experienced explosive growth under this team and asserted itself as a pioneer in hydraulic operators. A defining chapter in the company’s history unfolded in December 2011, when the organization embraced a distinctive ownership model. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan made Southwest Automated Security a 100% employee-owned entity, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to its team. An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan providing employees with a stake in Southwest Automated Security. SAS contributes shares to the plan on behalf of members. Participants gain access to the value of the ESOP shares as they accumulate years of service or meet other eligibility criteria. The plan promotes employee responsibility, aligning their interests with the company’s and fostering motivation and workforce retention. Southwest Automated Security has an annual revenue of $80 million, with 110 out of 152 employee-owners in the program. The Employee Stock Ownership Plan model has 145 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01 SOUTHWEST AUTOMATED SECURI T Y