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me the confidence to go out and build my business the right way. My advice to new locksmiths is simple: if you don’ t train properly, customers will see your frustrations. Training is a 100 % must.
I now have key cutting machines in the back of my van. I like to carry a large amount of stock so I can get the job done in one visit. My attitude is simple: I want to be able to say to customers“ I’ ll do the job right now for you” in one visit the job is done, this is how a professional service is done.
Friendliness Over Rivalry One of the things that makes me different is how I see other locksmiths. There are other locksmiths who advertise in my local area in Melton Mowbray, but I do not see them as a threat. On occasions other locksmiths have contacted myself when they are unable to undertake a job or whereby, they need my expertise. I am always happy to help out when I can. That attitude has worked well for me. I’ ve been self-employed for over ten years now and my business continues to grow.
Carpentry still plays a big role too. Those skills help with door adjustments and fitting, and customers always appreciate when you able to do a complete job. Word of mouth is everything. I started out working for one estate agent, now I work for several because they all talk to each other. I’ ve learnt that at the drop of a hat, if you show up, help people, and do the job right, your reputation carries you.
Tools, Training & Confidence
I’ m an MLA member, and training has been massive for me. I always read The Locksmith Journal to see new products and updates of fellow businesses so that I can keep abreast of new trends and any potential new product issues.
Locksmithing is one of those fields where experience matters. People will watch you working so you need confidence in your craft, which only comes from training. Jason Hillier was a big influence; he’ s patient, knowledgeable, willing to sit with me all day and talk me through opening locks.
Geraint Jones from GJ Locks was another. His tools are fantastic, and he’ s always passionate about showing you what you need. I bought his whole range, and everything I’ ve used has worked. Training sessions with ten people were okay, but I’ m a quiet guy, not outspoken, and I didn’ t learn enough in big groups. One-to-one training changed everything for me. With Jason and Geraint, I got 110 %. That gave
Jobs that Stick with You
Every locksmith has those jobs that stand out. One was a tubular lock on a garage door. The customer’ s key didn’ t work, so I used a lockpick, felt what the pins were doing, and managed to open it. Once I pulled the lock out, the cable came with it and the door lifted. Turned out it was an automatic up-and-over garage door, but the power had tripped. I cut a key on my impressioning machine, fitted the lock back in, and the customer was 100 % happy. No drilling, all done on the day( of course)…
I have also completed an auto locksmith course with Lishi picks, to add another string to my bow which has enabled me to add gaining entry to vehicles and programming vehicle keys.
This came about because I got so many calls for this service, and I hated turning the work down. So, I invested in the equipment required, and I look to grow the auto side of my business over time. It’ s all about being able to say‘ Yes’ to customers and provide a solution.
Looking Ahead Where do I go from here? That’ s the big question. Right now, it’ s just me in my van, For now, I’ m busy taking on more estate agents, councils and housing associations and extending my regular customer base. It all comes back to being there for people, whenever they need you and providing a reliable trustworthy service.
Malcolm Green runs The Lock Doctor, specialising in non-destructive entry across Melton Mowbray and surrounding areas. With a background in carpentry, over a decade of locksmithing experience, and a reputation for friendliness and professionalism, Malcolm is a TPL member and MLA-certified locksmith. He offers 24-hour domestic, commercial, and auto locksmith services, with a focus on fast, reliable, and damage-free entry.
www. lockdoctorlocksmiths. co. uk, 07951 427164, lockdoctor640 @ gmail. com
NOVEMBER 2025
11
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk