A DAY IN THE LIFE • 33 organisations like ALOA existed, this business was very much a closed society. The driving locksmith axiom of the time was‘ if I know something that you don’ t, better for me’ followed closely by‘ if I share my knowledge with you, you will use it to steal my clients’, and the ever popular‘ even though you are my employee, if I teach you, you will use that info to open your own business and steal my clients’. While this still exists in some pockets, we have mostly seen the need to grow the industry and make it a more of a profession in order to serve the public.
Possibly the worst change in the industry, at least in the USA, is the introduction of what we refer to as‘ Scammer Locksmiths’. These are groups and companies of people with limited locksmith knowledge and skills, who flood social media and search engines with promises of cheap and quick services only to arrive and charge an exorbitant amount for a menial task or give false information about the products they sell and install. While the general public has heard a smattering of information regarding this- and eventually these charlatans leave the area or attack another service industry- during the time they exist and for some time beyond, their actions reflect badly on those of us that try to make an honest and honourable living.
HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY CHANGED THE LOCKSMITH INDUSTRY IN THE USA AND HAVE YOU WELCOMED THESE CHANGES?
Technology has certainly changed locksmithing in many areas; automotive security, electronic security, and even some of the physical lock and key security. As far as embracing the changes, yes, for the most part when the technology has been thoroughly tested and most of the bugs are worked, I do. Unfortunately I think some of the technology has been rushed to market just to be the first.
IS THE LOCKSMITH INDUSTRY DIVERSE IN THE USA?
Not as much as it should be. It is still a predominantly middle to upper middle age, male industry. While the number of female locksmiths is growing, there is still a huge gap. My own grandmother and many of my female relatives were involved in locksmithing at an early age.
As for age, this industry, at least in the States, does not seem to attract youth. If you grow up with it as a family business, you tend to stay in it but it is unfortunate that there is no government-sponsored internships or apprenticeships which I believe might drive younger people to start a career in the industry.
IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A‘ TYPICAL DAY’ AS A LOCKSMITH IN THE USA?
You know, the best thing about this industry is there is no such thing as a typical day. While some choose to specialise in one aspect of the field- automotive or safes for example- most of us have to know a little about everything and be ready to unlock a house, then go to a safe opening call, then go to a repair on an exit device followed by installing a door closer and so on. It is this diversity that keeps it interesting and challenging.
IS THERE SUCH THING AS A‘ TYPICAL’ AMERICAN LOCKSMITH’?
No thank goodness! If there is anything that I could say would be typical of not only the American locksmith but locksmiths in general, is that I believe we tend to be highly intelligent, have great reasoning skills, great hand / eye coordination, tremendous memory and recall, and an odd sense of humour!
Jim Hancock
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?
Locksmithing is an excellent career path. It’ s sometimes stressful, but can be done until a very ripe old age. It is fun and entertaining. It can be rewarding, yes financially, but more so spiritually. Every time you perform a job, it hasn’ t just made life a bit more convenient for someone, you may well have done something that will protect a property or even save a life. As a locksmith, because of the skills you possess, the ability to open locked doors and safes with little to no detection, with the information you become privy to just in the course of your normal job, means that you must be above reproach. Your standards, morals and ethics must be at a higher level than pretty much any other profession.
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL. CO. UK | MAR / APR 2018 Sponsored by Lockex 2018- Security & Fire Safety