Marvin Britton, Rick Britton’s father, started Atlas Security in 1962. Atlas became the only UL Listed Central Station in the area. Over 60 years later, Atlas still operates as a full-service alarm company. Rick’s dream of building the most valuable panel in the industry began while working in the family business.
In 1975, Rick developed automation for the direct-wire and McCulloh systems monitored by their central station. As the development grew, DMP was formed as an R&D department of Atlas Security, then as a separate manufacturing company. While Atlas enjoyed the labor savings this automation system provided, Marvin talked to his friends in the industry about it. DMP then began offering products to central stations nationwide. From the beginning, DMP equipment has been designed to lower expenses for alarm companies. Having grown up in the industry, Rick knew that 50% of a monitoring center’s expenses were labor; about 10% was the cost of equipment. He intentionally focused on alarm system programming, installation and operational features that would make alarm companies more profitable. That is still DMP’s focus.
On Thursday, January 1, 1981, Rick met Marvin at a local Steak n Shake. There, on the back of a placemat, Rick outlined his idea for the next generation of DMP products. With just himself, his father and two college boys, Rick determined to have this new product line fully operational in less than 90 days. Most people believed this was an impossible task. But Rick has demonstrated many times that his tenacity, and a good plan, can overcome almost any roadblock.
After nearly three months of late nights and all-nighters, the Model 1600 Command Processor control panel and the Security Command alphanumeric keypad were on display at the NBFAA convention in Las Vegas. A new era for DMP had begun. Consistent growth followed. Near the turn of the century, seven control panel generations later, we realized we needed to up our game as an organization to prepare for the next growth spurt Rick envisioned.
On May 7, 2000, during a year of intense leadership training, 20 DMP employees gathered for a 3-day strategic planning session in Branson, MO. On that first morning we were given an assignment: craft a mission statement. It took a few hours, several revisions, but since then, not one word has changed in Our Mission in 25 years.
DMP provides customer-driven products through listening, anticipating needs, and responding quickly with innovative solutions that work. We insist on the integrity of our products and our people. We care. We have fun. We profit.
During that planning session, we were asked to identify the values that had contributed to DMP’s success. The work we did evolved into this list of Our Values: Honesty & Integrity, Innovation & Initiative, Responsiveness, Kindness, Fun, Profit, Teamwork, Generosity, Appearance. However, before we crafted a mission statement and before we made the list of values, Rick presented his Credo of Leadership. The year of leadership training and the strategic planning session were intentional steps that would allow Rick and Jan to move to Kansas City to work at a non-profit for a time. All this work was to prepare us to keep the business thriving in their absence. This Credo of Leadership has incredible significance to all of us.
Rick Britton’s Credo of Leadership (May 7, 2000): DMP has held a unique position in the security industry for 25 years. We have had unique products with outstanding features and capabilities. We have offered a unique marketing advantage to our dealers. But our most unique strength has been our hardworking, dedicated people. As I look at our history, I see three principles that have given us our distinctive position and can guide our corporate and personal decisions in the future. These principles set us apart in a very competitive marketplace.
- Take care of the customer, FAST! That’s not good grammar, but it’s what gets and keeps customers. Our procedures and decisions need to foster an atmosphere and attitude of timeliness. With a spirit of cooperation and “Get it done, now!” we can out deliver and outmaneuver companies many times our size. With a listening ear and an open mind, we can accomplish our customer’s dreams.
- Never Lie. Never lie to customers. Never lie to vendors. Never lie to each other. Our word must be sure; our intent must be plain. Don’t cut corners with the truth. Hold each other accountable.
- Be kind. Think before we speak. Consider what the other person is hearing and feeling. Read the plaque in the front hall. People will remember how you made them feel. Sometimes we must deliver a difficult message, but we can always be kind and courteous. There are no extra people at DMP; we need each and every person. There are no extra customers; we need each and every one.
None of this is earth shattering, but together they create the unique culture of DMP. Together they create a fun place to work. Together they build a team.
P.S. Be sure to make a profit and generate cash, too! Thank you all for being the great people that make DMP the company we are today.
Why do we do what we do? We build security systems because that is what we know best… because Rick grew up working in his father’s alarm business. We have found great purpose and value in protecting people’s lives and livelihoods. It’s a noble undertaking. But there is more to the story. At DMP, we love what we do. We love WHY we do it even more. Our Core Purpose: “DMP manufactures security systems, to create jobs, that support families, because the security of families determines the strength of society, and a strong society reaches out to the rest of the world.”
Our Credo, Mission, Values and Core Purpose are the foundations upon which everything else we do is based. We invite all employees to join us in this pursuit.
