Advanced alarm technologies, alarm systems for businesses

About Us

Serving and Protecting Our Community Since for Generations

The Team That Has Your Back

Every member of our team plays a part in keeping your home or business secure. We’re a close-knit group with deep roots in law enforcement, years of hands-on experience, and a shared belief in doing things the right way. When you reach out, you’ll speak with someone who knows your name and understands your needs. This isn’t just our job—it’s our responsibility, and we take it personally.

Mark Wells

Director of Operations

Jennifer Wells

Chief Operations Officer

Natasha Lockridge

Client Service & Marketing Representative

Lauren Hawthorne

Client Services & Technician

Nic Mason

IT Director

advanced alarm technologies, alarm company staff

Billy Stringfellow

Senior Technician

rachel markham advanced alarm technologies staff member

Rachael Markham

Technician

Jordan Stringfellow

Technician

Elijah Wells

Technician in Training

Honoring Our Founders

Advanced Alarm Technologies wouldn’t be here without them. These are the faces of the people who laid the foundation for our company.

Edward Pridgen

Grandma Phyllis

Mark Garland

Gwen Garland

What Sets Us Apart

We Are Advanced Alarm Technologies, and Your Safety Is Our Priority

old photograph of owner of advanced alarm systems

A Legacy of Service and Protection

For generations, our family has been rooted in law enforcement, public safety, and community trust. This isn’t just a business—it’s a continuation of a life’s work built on keeping people safe.

A Team You Can Actually Talk To

When you call, you won’t be passed around. You’ll get the same voice, the same support, and the same people committed to helping you stay secure—day or night.

Customer Service Commitment

At Advanced Alarm Technologies, customer service isn’t an afterthought—it’s the core of our operations. Our local office team handles everything from billing to technical support, ensuring customers always speak to someone who knows their system and cares about their safety. We prioritize efficient, expert help with a personal touch.

Always – Guided by Faith, Family, and Community

Since day one, our mission has been rooted in faith, family values, and a heartfelt commitment to our community. As we look toward the future, these principles continue to guide us. We protect what matters most—with integrity, innovation, and care that comes from treating customers like family.

Career

Become Part of Our Team

Join our growing team of professionals who take pride in protecting their communities—and the people and businesses that make them thrive.

Technician

Our technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot security, fire, and surveillance systems for homes and businesses. They make sure every system is reliable, code-compliant, and customized to meet each client’s needs. Background checks via the Arkansas State Police are required upon application for both positions.

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Technician Assistant

Technician assistants are technicians in training who support licensed team members on job sites.

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A Legacy of Protection

For more than three decades, Advanced Alarm Technologies has grown through dedication, trust, and a strong connection to the communities we serve. What started as a small, family-operated venture has expanded into a respected name in regional security—always with the same mission at heart.

1970s

Pridgen Lock & Safe opens in Southwest Little Rock, founded by Sgt. Ed Pridgen and his wife, Phyllis, offering trusted locksmith services to the community.
1982

Mark Garland marries Gwen Pridgen and continues growing in the business, becoming a key part of operations and expanding his expertise in safes and security.
1989

Knight Guard Security Inc. is incorporated, marking the company’s expansion into electronic alarm systems alongside its traditional locksmith services.
Early 1990s

The company rebrands as Arkansas Alarm & Lock to better reflect its services and eliminate confusion with guard services.
Mid-1990s

Brand colors shift from red to neutral tones to prioritize technician safety during rising regional violence, eventually transitioning to professional blue.
Late 1990s

Mark Garland joins law enforcement, gaining valuable public safety experience that deepens the company’s understanding of protection.
Early 2000s

A full-service office opens with a local team offering in-house billing, support, and personal service rooted in community knowledge.
2020s

The fleet expands with new vehicles and equipment, allowing the team to take on larger commercial projects safely and efficiently.
Ongoing

Our technicians undergo continuous training and certification to stay ahead of evolving technologies. Among them are licensed female alarm technicians—trailblazers in a field where women make up less than 2% of the workforce—bringing valuable skill, perspective, and strength to our growing team.