Inspiring Conversations with Ben Hermans of Smoke Alarm Medic

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Hermans.

Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a retired De Pere Wisconsin Firefighter/Paramedic. I spent a total of 28 years in this career. During that time I also joined the Brown County Sheriff’s Department as a fire investigator. I retired 6 years ago and moved to Surprise Arizona with my beautiful wife Penny. It was here I responded to an add looking for a retired firefighter who would like a part time position servicing and installing residential smoke alarms. The business name is Smoke Alarm Medic and the business originator is Mike Watson. He is a local fire department captain that recognized a need for this work. My son Nic Hermans and I eventually became Mikes boots on the ground employees. As time went on it became hard for Mike to continue to grow a business, work and still be able to attend all his children’s sporting events. Long story short. My son and I purchased the business and we have been striving to maintain the high level of excellence Mike always had. My son Nic Hermans has taken over the hands on portion of the business and is by all accounts, the most talented man and the most polite person I could have ever imagined for this work. My daughter Moriah is our marketing genius and is so very talented. My daughter Olivia is our graphics person and I feel is so artistic and wonderful at what she does. We love our work and enjoy meeting all the people in the greater Phoenix area.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It for the most part has been a pretty smooth transition from employee to owner. Mike Watson, the previous owner, had the business set up properly so transitioning was fairly easy. We’ve had a few issues along the way but we quickly worked to fix the issues and find more quality ways to serve our customers.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Smoke Alarm Medic?
Smoke Alarm Medic only exists because one man saw a need that was not being met. Initially started because”Mike”, the originator of this business saw elderly people in and near his community struggling to find help with their smoke alarms. He knew the idea of them attempting to do this type of work was dangerous and could cause them harm. It started very small but word has spread and we are now fairly well known in the area.

What does success mean to you?
My son, two daughters along with my beautiful wifeI are very proud to serve the people in this area. We consider ourselves blessed to be able to help people that sometimes don’t know where to go with these problems. My son, Nic Hermans, is often referred to as the kindest gentleman and very well versed in what he does. I have to agree with them but you know, I’m biased being his father. Success is having a loving family serving their community in a business God entrusted them with. That’s how we define “success”.

Contact Info:

• Email: smokealarmmedic@gmail.com