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A New Career at 50 : Surelock Homes
» WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF interviewing Gary Taylorson of Surelock Homes , based in Workington , Cumbria . Joining the locksmithing trade later in his career , Gary has finally been able to satisfy his desire to ‘ find a trade ’. Gary ’ s company name , Surelock Homes , is a hit with everyone who hears it , and he ’ s proud to do all of his own social media marketing .
My Journey into Locksmithing
I finished school and then went to university , but it didn ’ t work out as planned and I left and got a job , but later I regretted not finding a trade . My father was a welder and very ‘ handy ’, I used to follow him around as a child with my toy hammer and help him with DIY projects . Over the years , I honed my skills , even renovating two houses , one of which was recently completed and sold . Despite having a full-time job in the nuclear industry , that involved shift work - four days on and six days off - I still found the time to work on my sideline projects . This fuelled my desire to work for myself .
As I approached 50 , I began seeking job satisfaction for my final working years and wanted to gain a trade . Initially , I considered becoming an electrician , but the four years of training and the expensive qualifications made it seem impractical . My interest in locksmithing was sparked by watching a reality TV show , where locksmiths worked with bailiff companies to gain entry to properties . The skill intrigued me , seeming like a bit of a “ dark art ,” and I decided to explore it further .
I trained under Nick Foster , known as “ Dr Lock ,” who provided a blend of on-the-job and classroom training . The hands-on experience , combined with the support of a network of fellow trainees through a WhatsApp group , gave me a solid foundation . Nick set me up with the necessary tools , stock , and supplier accounts , allowing me to hit the ground running . Now , just three months in , I ’ m on my way to establishing myself as a locksmith , at last finding the satisfaction and independence I craved for so long .
Using Social Media to Grow My Business
Social media has been a key tool for promoting my locksmith business initially , before ‘ word of mouth ’ kicks-in . I use the social platforms Facebook and Instagram and manage these accounts myself , sharing photos of the jobs I ’ ve completed and using my Google Business profile to gather reviews , which I then post on social media . My focus is on sharing real-life examples of my work , which helps potential customers see the value of my services . This authentic approach resonates with my audience and builds trust .
While many businesses opt for Google Ads , I find them expensive , and prefer to leverage the free reach of social media to connect with potential clients . It ’ s relatively easy to setup social profiles and Google Business , then it ’ s a matter of getting into a routine of doing your own marketing , every time I ’ m doing a job I think ‘ could this make a post ?’ and I just take a few snaps on my phone , or video clips . Don ’ t be shy , ask people for reviews , it ’ s all great marketing and can be shared across social channels also .
The Challenges of Being a Locksmith
One of the most challenging aspects of locksmithing is the unpredictability of the job . You might receive a call and think you know the solution , only to discover something unexpected once you arrive . This work requires a logical mind and strong problem-solving skills . There ’ s always a solution , but finding it can be the tricky part . Things are rarely as straightforward as they seem , and staying level-headed is crucial to succeeding in this field .
The Rewards of Locksmithing
The most rewarding part of being a locksmith is the satisfaction of helping people in need . Every call presents a new problem - whether it ’ s a stuck window , a jammed door , or locked car keys - they need your help , and being able to provide that assistance is very satisfying . I don ’ t specialise in auto locksmithing , although I do offer car entry services for those who ’ ve locked their keys inside their vehicles .
What started as a sideline is quickly becoming a much busier and more viable career option . My aspiration is to make this my full-time job , allowing me to be my own boss and fully commit to the locksmithing trade .
Advice to Others Getting Started in Locksmithing
For anyone looking to enter the locksmithing trade , I highly recommend Nick Foster , at Dr Lock who is based in Cumbria . His training and support have been invaluable , and he ’ s truly brilliant at what he does .
16
SEPTEMBER 2024
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