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family balance. I love the flexibility. If there’ s a school play or football match, I can just take a few hours and be there. I’ ve never missed a parent’ s evening or an important event. That’ s priceless.
And yes, there are things I really dislike, like entering houses after tenants have left them in absolute filth. Used nappies, rodents, general grime, I have to admit that part of the job is unpleasant. But the freedom and flexibility of the work more than make up for it.
Why Every Locksmith Has a Story
I used to think my life wasn’ t interesting enough to put in the Locksmith Journal. I’ ve read some amazing stories in there and wondered if mine could compare. So, I put my name on the list anyway, and after speaking to Wendy she put my mind at ease. Every locksmith has a story she told me, and it’ s true! Everyone’ s journey into the trade is unique, some come from engineering like me, others from retail or construction. If my story helps others, then it’ s worth doing. It’ s the mix of challenges, funny moments, and the people you meet along the way that makes the work interesting.
Keys to Locksmithing Success
People always ask me what it takes to be a successful locksmith. Honestly, it’ s simple:
1. Stick with it. Don’ t be put off by tough jobs or the odd bad day.
2. Build a base of customers. Treat them right, be reliable, and the good work will follow.
3. Be in control. Choose your hours, your jobs, and how you grow your business.
Follow those three things, and you’ ll have a trade you can be proud of, and a business that works for you, not the other way around.
Looking Ahead I’ ve been running Lockfit Lancaster for five years now, and I’ m nearly exactly where I want to be. Trading time for money, keeping a good work-life balance, and having the freedom to be there for my kids – I’ m living the dream. There will always be more you could earn or bigger jobs you could take, but for me, it’ s about having control and living life the way I want.
The Takeaway
Summing up Wendy says …“ Steve’ s story is a reminder that locksmithing is more than just opening doors. It’ s a path to independence, problem-solving, and building something that fits around your personal commitments and the life you want. For Steve Leighton, the bigger picture is freedom, family, and a career that he can truly call his own.”
www. lockfit. co. uk / lancaster-locksmith 01524 489247 07387 788999 Stephen. leighton @ lockfit. co. uk
SEPTEMBER 2025
7
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk