'20 under 40' Class of 2018—Curtis Kindred

Curtis Kindred, 35

Owner, president and CEO, American Defense Systems

Bedford, Texas

Curtis Kindred, owner, president and CEO of American Defense Systems, started the company in July of 2010, after joining the industry in 2008. The company now secures more than 35,000 locations across the country and has 200 employees and contractors.

American Defense Systems is a Brinks Home Security dealer, with a 90 percent residential and 10 percent commercial account mix.

Prior to joining the industry, Kindred served a few years in the U.S. Army in the 1/75 Ranger Battalion in Savannah, Ga., serving two tours of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq. Kindred left Savannah and chased his passion in the golf industry where he was managing a couple of courses in Northern California, and then relocated to Phoenix to teach at the Wigwam resort. Kindred quickly realized that he wanted more. While working part time as a bartender, Kindred came into the security industry by being recruited to sell alarms door to door.

“The most rewarding part of my day is being able to see people grow in their roles … it's a great feeling to see people transform their lives in this lucrative industry while adding valuable skillsets of sales professionals, technicians, customer service, and operations,” Kindred said. “Also, with my military background, it's important for us to feel like we can be the first line of defense in case something happens in the home.” American Defense Systems' tag line is, “from the front lines to your front door,” he added.

Kindred plans to grow American Defense Systems substantially over the next five years to be one of the largest providers of home security, nationwide. “Providing a world-class experience to our customers aligned with taking care of our employees, contractors, and partners is what we strive for daily,” Kindred said.