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The‘ Tidy’ Life in Wales: Lockstrong Locksmiths
We caught up with Cameron Goodge of Lockstrong Locksmiths, who told us that everything about locksmithing is‘ Tidy’ – he really loves the trade. Above all, it’ s great working in Monmouthshire where there’ s rolling hills, fresh air and breathtaking scenery; there’ s always plenty to do!
Eager to Take Part in an Interview I really like to read the real-life locksmith stories in The Locksmith Journal, I flick straight to them, and it makes me smile when I see someone I know featured, like Gary Taylorson of Surelock Homes and, more recently, Danny Gardiner of First Entry Locksmiths. I like to keep up to date with what is going on, see what new products are available, and it’ s great to have a read while having lunch in my van or waiting for customers. It’ s great to take part myself, I can’ t wait to show my customers and maybe make some social media posts out of it.
Before Locksmithing
I used to work in retail as a store manager but really wanted to be my own boss because I really didn’ t like being managed by someone. I also was a carpenter’ s assistant for a while, then I received a tax rebate and a grant from the Prince’ s Trust( now called the King’ s Trust) which enabled me to start my own business. I chose locksmithing because I enjoyed lock picking as a hobby in my spare time and, if you can turn a hobby into a job, then it feels less like work( apparently). The Prince’ s Trust was great, they helped me with things like my business plan, selling my services and networking. The grant helped me to pay for my initial training and start-up gear.
Learning the Trade
The locksmithing course gave me the basics but I found that I picked-up more knowledge by doing the job. I’ ve been a locksmith for five years now and every year that goes by I get busier and busier. I do everything myself, I’ m completely independent in my business doing all my own accounts and marketing. I’ m proud of my 90 + five-star reviews on Google and I’ m top of the listing in my area which is great.
Life in Abergavenny
I live in Abergavenny a small market town which is lovely, I moved here eight years ago from Swindon. Townsfolk are very traditional; they look for reputable tradespeople via recommendations and online reviews. My customers tell me that they quickly scroll past Google sponsored adverts so no point paying for those.
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FEBRUARY 2025
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