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Podcast Description – The Fire Alarm Insider
Welcome to The Fire Alarm Insider the no-fluff podcast where fire alarm pros, techs, and future business owners get the real-world strategies to build, scale, and dominate in the life safety industry. Hosted by Anthony T. Richardson, a 20-year veteran and president of Secure It Securities, this show pulls back the curtain on how to turn your skills into a 6 or 7 figure fire alarm business.
Whether you’re in the field or in the office, every episode delivers practical tactics, compliance hacks, code breakdowns, and insider game all designed to put you ahead of the curve.
🎁 Grab your free copy of the “Fire Alarm Business Blueprint” eBook and start your path to ownership now:
Your tools, your talent, your time now it’s time to build your business. Tune in. Level up. Let’s get to work.
Episodes

49 minutes ago
Mastering The NICET Level 1 Fire Alarm Exam
49 minutes ago
49 minutes ago
In this episode, Anthony breaks down how to master the NICET Level 1 Fire Alarm Exam without wasting time on the wrong material. You’ll learn proven study techniques, what topics to focus on, and how to approach test questions like a certified pro. Whether you’re a beginner or already working in the field, this episode gives you a clear plan to pass the exam with confidence.
Get the Spark Series NICET Level 1–12 Quiz Questions & Answers the ultimate companion to accelerate your exam prep.

Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Your Business Keeps Getting Denied… Here’s Why Banks Don’t Trust You Yet
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
Tuesday Oct 21, 2025
When your business keeps hitting walls with lenders, it’s not about luck it’s about structure.
In this episode of The Fire Alarm Insider, I breaks down the truth about why most small businesses struggle to get funding and how to fix it.
You’ll learn:
- Why your business credit is like raising a child and what stage yours is really in.
- The exact steps to move from Tier 1 vendor credit to high-limit business credit cards.
- How your personal credit still plays a role and how to use it strategically, not emotionally.
- The biggest myths about business funding (and how they keep entrepreneurs broke).
- Why having cash flow isn’t enough to get approved and what banks actually look for.
Key Takeaway:
You don’t get denied because you’re unqualified you get denied because you’re unstructured.
Funding Tools gives you the structure to fix that.
Download the Funding Tools today!!
Take control of your credit, unlock new lines of funding, and build a business that stands on its own.

Thursday Oct 09, 2025
EST3 Rule Architect: How to Think Like a Fire Alarm Programmer
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Thursday Oct 09, 2025
Most technicians know how to install. Few know how to think.
In this episode, I break down what separates an installer from a true fire alarm programmer. You’ll learn how to master Edwards EST3 SDU programming, understand rule logic, and transform the way you design and troubleshoot systems in the field.
Key Takeaways:
Programming is not about memorizing syntax it’s about understanding logic.
Once you understand inputs, outputs, and priorities, you can write rules for any system. The EST3 Rule Architect is built to give techs a real process, not just theory.
Resources Mentioned
EST3 Programming Cheat Sheet (Free Download)
EST3 Rule Architect Live Training – 8-Week Program
Secure It Securities – Fire Alarm Services
If you’re serious about learning how to program the Edwards EST3 the right way, download the free EST3 Programming Cheat Sheet and join the next live Rule Architect training. You’ll walk away thinking like a programmer, not just an installer.

Friday Sep 26, 2025
Unlock $100K in Vendor Credit
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Episode Summary:
In this episode, I breaks down one of the most important steps in the Fire Alarm Business Blueprint and that's building vendor credit. If you’ve ever wondered how to secure supplier accounts that actually report to business credit bureaus, or how to leverage vendor relationships, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why vendor credit is essential for fire alarm and service-based businesses
The difference between vendors that report vs. vendors that don’t
How to apply for $5K–$25K lines of credit without a personal guarantee
Which suppliers to start with: ADI, Honeywell, Wesco/Anixter, Snap AV, Kidde, and more
How to build relationships with vendors for better terms, extended warranties, and higher credit limits.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Download the Vendor Guide and start building $25K+ in vendor credit today: https://vendorguide.secureitsecurities.io/vendor-guide

Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
How I Move Money: The Bank Account Blueprint That Gets You Funded
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Want to know how to build a financial system that makes banks want to give you money?
This episode breaks down the exact bank account structure I use to organize my business finances, automate cash flow, and create funding opportunities—without the confusion, overdrafts, or messy QuickBooks.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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How I set up 7+ business bank accounts and what each one is for
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The reason separating your accounts increases your chances of getting funded
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Why I use different banks (Chase, BoA, KeyBank, Navy Federal, Affinity CU)
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How I automate cash allocation based on percentages and dollar thresholds
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What bank ratings are, and how they unlock $25K–$150K in business credit
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The strategy behind getting 3 high-limit business credit cards in your first week
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Why your bank accounts aren’t just for storing money—they’re signals to lenders
Whether you're making $10K/month or still scaling up, this system will help you look fundable, stay organized, and never miss a payment again.

Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
In today’s episode, we unpack one of the most overlooked business growth tools for tradespeople, contractors, and solo entrepreneurs minority certification.
If you're an electrician, plumber, painter, or run any type of specialty trade business, this episode will show you how minority certifications can help you land big contracts and build generational wealth.
Here’s What You’ll Learn:
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The difference between NYC, NYS, DBE, and 8(a) certifications
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How certification leads to non-competitive bids and direct contract awards
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The 30% rule and why large contractors are required to work with you
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How Anthony built Secure It Securities into a seven-figure company by leveraging certifications for service, monitoring, and installation contracts
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Why now is the best time to get certified—and how to do it without guesswork
You don’t have to wait 10 years to break through. Learn the shortcuts that took a decade to figure out.
Ready to get certified and land your first $50K contract?
The Certification Accelerator walks you step-by-step through how to qualify, apply, and monetize your certification.

Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Electricians: Here’s How to Add $100K to Your Income with Fire Alarms
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
If you're already a licensed electrician, you're leaving serious money on the table. In this episode, we break down exactly how electricians can generate $50K–$100K in extra income by adding fire alarm installation and service to their existing business.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
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How to start a fire alarm division under your existing business
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Why you can skip the 81-hour course (yes, skip it)
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What specific insurance and licenses you need
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How to market your offer (hint: the “Perfect Fire Alarm Install”)
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The easiest supply accounts to open without a personal guarantee
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Why minority certification (DBE, MWBE, MBE) is your fast lane to government contracts
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How to use business credit to scale your new division
This is the playbook most electricians will never get their hands on.
Want the full step-by-step strategy to launch your fire alarm company in 90 days?
Download the free eBook and get started today:

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
The Bankable Blueprint: 11 Steps to Make Your Business Lender-Ready
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Tuesday Sep 02, 2025
Starting a business is easy. Starting a bankable business? That’s a whole different game.
In this episode, we break down the 11-step Bankable Business Blueprint a proven framework designed to get you fundable, credible, and ready to receive capital. Whether you're launching your first LLC or restructuring to attract investors and lenders, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.
Here’s What We Cover:
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Why your business name alone could be killing your funding chances
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The EIN mistake most beginners make (and how to fix it)
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Setting up your money hub: How to organize your business accounts like a boss
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Why a virtual address and business phone system isn’t optional
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The exact steps to create credibility with banks, vendors, and clients
If you’re tired of freestyling your business setup and want a plug-and-play strategy that works, this episode is your launchpad.
Get instant access to the full Structure Selector Pro course and walk through all 11 steps with videos, tools, and done-for-you templates.

Sunday Aug 31, 2025
150 Chances to Pass: Master the NYS Fire Alarm Exam on Your First Try
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Sunday Aug 31, 2025
Are you ready to become a licensed fire alarm contractor in New York State?
This episode is your shortcut.
We break down how you can study smarter not harder with a proven question set pulled directly from past New York State Fire Alarm License Exams. With over 150 review questions organized into five targeted modules, you’ll understand exactly what’s required to pass the test on your first attempt.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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The 5 core modules covered on the NYS fire alarm license exam
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How to identify trick questions and pick the correct answers
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Why analog vs. digital matters—and how it shows up on the test
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A walkthrough of actual test questions with answers and explanations
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How to prepare for real exam conditions and avoid common mistakes
This isn’t theory. These questions are based on real-world material from previous tests condensed, refined, and explained.
Ready to unlock your license and increase your income potential?
Grab the full review question bundle here:

Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Camera-Shy? Here’s How to Be Authentic on Video and Grow Your Brand Anyway
Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Saturday Aug 30, 2025
Feel awkward every time you hit record?
Worried someone might say it better or say you’re wrong?
You’re not alone.
In this episode, we dive into what it really means to be authentic on camera and how fire alarm pros, electricians, and new business owners can overcome the fear of being seen to finally build their brand.
What You’ll Learn:
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Why “being yourself” isn’t advice it’s a skill you can develop
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How to deal with imposter syndrome even if you’re an expert
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Why sharing your perspective, not perfection, is what builds trust
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How to use storytelling + educational content to grow your audience
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The 3 core skills every brand-building contractor needs today
You don't need fancy gear. You don’t need a huge following.
You just need the courage to show up and a system to guide you.
Download the Brand Architect Cheat Sheet to learn how to extract your real value, show up on camera, and start building a brand that gets you paid:
