Notice Board
Combo to now being on my third VW Transporter, I’ ve always made sure my vans are well equipped and a true reflection of the Fort Locks brand.
For me, a well-kitted-out van is a mobile office. First impressions matter: when you turn up with the right tools, a professional setup, and branded clothing, clients feel instantly reassured that they’ re in safe hands.
Advice for Aspiring Locksmiths
If you’ re starting out, my advice is simple: go all in or don’ t bother. Work nights, get yourself on directories like Checkatrade, TrustATrader, and Which, and collect testimonials you’ re your livelihood depends on it( because it does). Don’ t sit around waiting for the phone to ring, get out there and build relationships! It takes grit. It’ s hard graft, but it pays off.
Character at the Core of the Business
Fort Locks is more than a business- it’ s a reflection of my values. From the personalised number plate FT10CKS to my honesty and tidiness, I like to think the personal touch defines every aspect of what I do.
There’ s no room for dishonesty in this trade, and I sleep well at night knowing I’ ve done right by my customers. That kind of integrity future-proofs any business.
Sadly, not everyone in the industry shares that mindset. I’ ve heard stories of customers being charged thousands of pounds for simple jobs. To me, that’ s
not just bad business, it’ s unethical, and I won’ t be a part of it.
The Job: The Good, The Bad, The Unexpected
What do I enjoy most? The freedom and satisfaction of a job done well. My van is fully stocked with everything I need. If it’ s not in there, it’ s probably a bespoke lock. I always aim to complete the job in one visit.
Least favourite task? Key cutting. It’ s repetitive but it’ s part of the service, especially for property managers.
Some situations are unpredictable- awkward clients, false lockout stories, or misunderstandings about filming work for transparency. You learn to tread carefully, ask questions, and use good judgment. This job keeps you on your toes!
Collaboration Over Competition
I’ m a firm believer in community over competition. I often collaborate with other locksmiths, especially as door locks and technology are continuously evolving. If I’ m busy, I pass work on- and they do the same for me. We all have different strengths, and over the years we’ ve built real trust with each other.
A lot of my networking know-how comes from my 12 + years in BNI. It’ s about meeting people, identifying who’ s reliable, and building relationships that are genuinely mutually beneficial.
Looking Ahead: Sharing the Load My wife keeps telling me I can’ t keep up this pace forever. She’ s probably right, she usually is! Eventually, I’ ll need to bring someone on board, but they’ ll have to be the right fit.
Until then, I’ ll keep doing what I do best: turning up promptly, doing the job properly, and treating people with respect. I work to live, not live to work, but I always get out of bed and get the job done. That’ s who I am.
Fort Locks has been a trusted name in Hertfordshire for over two decades. At Fort Locks, the difference is simple: honesty, professionalism, and a personal touch. Whether it’ s a domestic lockout, a commercial security upgrade, or an emergency call-out, Kevin’ s commitment to fair pricing, tidy workmanship, and reliable service remains unmatched.
It’ s not just about LOCKS it’ s about TRUST.
Promise Less Deliver More
www. fortlocks. co. uk 07976 359552
OCTOBER 2025
9
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk