With about 25 people hired currently, the True Protection Security expects to reach 100 employees by the end of 2009. True Protection Security is an independent authorized ADT Security Systems dealer. The business opened in Pequot Lakes a few weeks ago.

Matt Reckinger-Rowe, True Protection Security vice president, said the company, which is headquartered in Indianapolis, has been in business 15 years. So why open an office here? Reckinger-Rowe, who makes his home in Crosslake, said he was working as vice president of marketing in the corporate office after being with the business for nine years and was putting in 16-hour days. A decision to have more time to spend with family led to his giving notice for a sales position and his wife's roots in Minnesota helped lead him here. But Reckinger-Rowe said the company president then suggested opening an office here.

When looking for a site, Reckinger-Rowe leased space from Close-Converse in the Hunt Technologies Call Center building on County Highway 11 across from Landis-Gyr near Pequot Lakes. The space, location and walking trail in the back were deal makers.

Since then, the business has been working closely with the WorkForce Center in Brainerd to find employees. Reckinger-Rowe said they are willing to train and coach people and the key ingredient they are looking for in an employee is attitude, which he described as a desire to succeed or try something new.

Wages have a base pay of $25,000 but Reckinger-Rowe said with bonuses and monthly incentives entry-level workers typically earn $45,000 to $50,000 in the first year. Employees learn the system by starting in marketing through cold calls to prospective clients, talking to small business owners across the United States offering the ADT Security System. After 30 days, if goals are met, workers will move into other program areas. Next month, Reckinger-Rowe said the office in Pequot Lakes will be taking care of marketing for the United Kingdom, handling 300 outside sales representatives throughout the United States and the small businesses in the nation.

"Reckinger-Rowe said the business strives to create a good atmosphere for the staff who work in a casual dress environment. Because the work can be stressful, an emphasis is placed on creating an enjoyable work space," Reckinger-Rowe said. "If all the week's work is done by Thursday, he said employees have taken Friday off with pay. If people enjoy coming to work," Reckinger-Rowe said, "that is reflected in productivity." To date, workers have ranged in age from 20-somethings to people in their early 50s.

Interested employees may contact the WorkForce Center or stop in for an application or call the office manager at True Protection Security at (218) 206-8559.

"It's going to be constant hiring between now and the end of November," Reckinger-Rowe said.