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  • Writer's pictureAshley Gerthoffer

Sonitrol's Founders


Sonitrol was founded in 1964 by Robert (Bob) Baxer & Allen (Al) Cronk.

The company known today for detecting burglars had its roots in pest control of a different sort in the early 1960s.

Robert Baxter, of Anderson, Indiana, installed microphones within the walls of a building to listen for termites and pinpoint their location. Baxter invented other sound-related devices, too. On June 16, 1960, he incorporated "Sonitrol", from the words sound and control, to manufacture and market his innovations. In 1964, Sonitrol Security, as we know it today, became a reality.

In 1963, Baxter met Al Cronk, a local police officer who owned an alarm company. Cronk was frustrated with systems that seemed to let the perpetrators get away. He joined with Baxter, the inventor, to develop ideas for a new alarm company. Baxter responded with the audio sensor, and Sonitrol was born as a security company the following year.

Sonitrol is trusted by police officers because it was designed from a police officer’s perspective. Sonitrol was the first and only patented sound detection and verification alarm system.

815 Wood Ridge Center Drive

Charlotte, NC 28217

704-423-1111


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