As one of the top 10 security integrators in the country, The Protection Bureau based in Exton, is celebrating 40 successful years in business.

The milestone means much more than just another number for the family-owned, second-generation run business, as this anniversary also represents the perfect opportunity to celebrate the founder and former chief executive officer of the company, Keith Ladd.

The current generation of leaders keeping the company growing, are Keith’s son, J. Matthew Ladd, as the Chief Executive Officer, and his daughter Karen Ladd Baker, as Senior Vice President. Their steady leadership has been critical in expanding the business, bringing it to around 95 employees operating in more than 38 states.

The Protection Bureau provides key services such as intrusion detection and a vast array of home and commercial security options as well as home automation and interactive services and video.

With its headquarters and its key 16,000-square-foot monitoring station in Exton, The Protection Bureau also has offices in South Plainfield, N.J, Wilmington, Delaware and Richmond, Virginia. The company has achieved its steady growth in part by securing a strong account base coast to coast through its membership in Security-Net, a network of over 20 independent professional companies across the country.

“I think it’s important to know that my sister and I were not just handed the company by my father,” noted J. Matthew Ladd. “We were an active participant in its growth, and from the beginning we embraced the legacy our father created and continued to work to future success. And now, with the fantastic team members who are our employees, we’ve built a company that can grow by itself.”

Ladd used the opportunity to challenge the industry to truly get involved with the communities in which they operate, instead of simply promoting their businesses.

“Passing out business cards isn’t involvement; it is self-serving self-advancement,” Ladd said. “Getting involved means supporting local civic groups, it means serving on a school board, with the scouts, and zoning boards. It also means reading the local paper and making contact with legislators. It means opening your eyes and expanding your vision.”