Company: DEFENDER Direct, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Company Description: DEFENDER Direct, Inc. started out small as an ADT authorized dealer in the spare bedroom of founder Dave Lindsey’s home. That was 11 years ago, and today DEFENDER Direct, Inc. is an authorized dealer for such prestigious brands as ADT, GE and Dish Network. DEFENDER markets, sells and installs new products and services for homeowners throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Overall Company of the Year – Service Businesses – up to 2,500 Employees

Nomination Title: DEFENDER Direct, Inc.

Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated company during the eligibility period (up to 500 words):

Built on a philosophy of “Businesses don’t grow. People do.” DEFENDER Direct,
Inc. is the largest authorized retailer in the country for ADT Security and Dish
Network.  At DEFENDER we strive to be the best in the world at customer
acquisition for top brand name products and services that target homeowners.  We
believe our success is a direct result of our unique company culture. 

DEFENDER is a fast-paced company, making the Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing
Private Companies list in both 2008 and 2009 in the number 387 and 432 spots
consecutively.  In one year we have grown significantly.  For example, in 2008 we
ended the month of July with 7,320 in ADT security volume, and $13,270 in total
revenue.  In 2009, we ended the month of July with 11,471 in ADT Security
volume, and $23,296,534 in total revenue, a 57% and 78% increase respectively. 
In order to meet the demands of our increased ADT Security sales volume, we
have added 36, installation branches across the country, a 26% increase from the
previous year.  As our business has grown, so has our employee base by 30%
during the eligibility period. 

At DEFENDER, our company culture plays a huge part in our success.  We invest
in our people and our business continues to thrive.  We are driven by our 4
Passions: Self Improvement, Systems are the Solution, Building Leaders and Ever
Expanding Influence.  From their first day on the job, employees are introduced to
DEFENDER through a unique orientation program called Corporate Culture Day. 
Rather than focusing solely on the typical new-hire paperwork, employees are
introduced to the company’s history, structure and core principles that fuel the
fire behind the 4 Passions.  Throughout the day our Executive Team members lead
the presentations and discussions.  Employees leave Corporate Culture Day
excited about their jobs and the company. 

Throughout an employee’s tenure with DEFENDER they are encouraged to follow
a course of self improvement and education through the DEFENDER Leadership
Advantage (DLA).  The DLA is a four year program that maps out, year by year,
suggested, books, seminars, training, and personal growth opportunities for
employees.  Through the life cycle of the DLA, DEFENDER invests approximately
$16,000 in each employee’s personal, professional and spiritual growth. 

A core principle that DEFENDER supports is community involvement. 
DEFENDER matches charitable employee donations dollar-for-dollar.  In May of
2009, DEFENDER employees donated $9,000 to the Make a Wish Foundation,
which DEFENDER matched, bringing the grand total to $18,000.  From this, the
Make a Wish Foundation was able to grant the wishes of three children. 

DEFENDER also offers many opportunities for employees to volunteer in the
Indianapolis community and abroad.  DEFENDER is actively involved in the
Homes of Hope program sponsored by the Youth With A Mission (YWAM)
organization.  Each year DEFENDER sends teams of employees and their
families to Mexico to build homes for the homeless.  In 2009 DEFENDER
committed to building eight homes.  In May 2009, we increased that commitment
to 30 homes, which we are on track to achieve.  DEFENDER subsidizes the cost
of travel and lodging for the volunteers. 

List the URLs (web addresses) of any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that you would like the judges to see that support your entry. IMPORTANT: List each URL on a separate line, begin each URL with http://, and enclose each URL in square brackets. For example, [http://www.yourcompany.com/pressrelease.html]:

http://www.defenderdirecrt.com/awards-pr.aspx

Provide a brief biography of the person or persons who lead the nominated company (up to 100 words):

DEFENDER Direct, Inc. started out small as an ADT authorized dealer in the
spare bedroom of founder Dave Lindsey’s home.  That was 11 years ago, and
today DEFENDER Direct, Inc. is an authorized dealer for such prestigious brands
as ADT, GE and Dish Network.  DEFENDER markets, sells and installs new
products and services for homeowners throughout the U.S. and Canada.