Notice Board
From Postman to Powerhouse: Entry Solutions Locksmiths
Meet Kyle Chance, a former postman in Boston, Lincolnshire, who transformed his lock picking hobby into a nationwide locksmithing and security contracting business, Entry Solutions Locksmiths. For locksmiths and security professionals, Kyle’ s journey is a testament to determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and the power of versatility in an ever-evolving trade.
A Hobby that Became a Calling I started lock picking about six or seven years ago. Honestly, I didn’ t think much of it at first, just messing about with locks in my spare time. But when I was opening locks consistently, I felt good at it. That satisfaction, the mental challenge, it stuck with me. I put myself out there as a part-time locksmith while still working as a postman. I had £ 12,000 in savings, a friend lent me a van for six months, and I reinvested every penny I earned into the right tools and parts. Gearboxes in doors, three-star picks, curtain picks, decoders- I made sure
I had everything for the common jobs, because going back to a job twice just wastes time and is disappointing for the customer.
Delivering Security, Not Letters
I wanted out of Royal Mail. £ 400 a week wasn’ t enough earnings, to support my growing family, and I knew I wanted more than delivering letters. Becoming self-employed, being my own boss, was the best decision I’ ve ever made. My step count might be down now, but the freedom, the mental challenge, and the variety make every day worth it. It’ s the only job I’ ve ever loved, and I’ ve found that I thrive being outside of my comfort zone.
Building the Business
When I went full-time two to three years ago, I started with basics- repossessions, warrants, reactive maintenance. Now I have a network of 70 approved, vetted contractors nationwide who can handle everything from boarding and locksmithing to glazing and access control. I’ ve got three to four lads doing warrants a day, covering from Cornwall to Scotland, Birmingham, everywhere. We also provide services to Merlin Entertainment( Thorpe Park etc) and we’ re talking to similar large companies for more big contracts.
A lot of my growth has come from diversification. I say yes to jobs most would turn down. Doing boarding, glazing, access control- it makes people’ s lives easier, being able to do it all, and they know they can rely on us. Every month something big is happening; it feels like business is snowballing. People come to me when they have a sticky situation and I sort it out for them.
Building My Confidence: Mentors I owe a lot to mentors like Spencer Pittam and Seth Ryden. Without them, I wouldn’ t have had the confidence to tackle what I do today. I went on their UPVC opening and repair course at Fortress Locksmithing Training in Blackburn, learning mechanisms and how to deal with new and different types of doors. At the
12
OCTOBER 2025
locksmithjournal. co. uk Issue Takeover