Locksmith Lounge With Louie Felix - Wayne Winton, Safes, Security & Professional Work
08 Nov 2023
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Get comfy in your work van or while you’ve got a moment and check out "Locksmith Lounge with Louie”, where our host Louie teams up with the seasoned pro Wayne Winton for a down-to-earth chat, that's as educational as it is entertaining. It's all here – funny stories that'll have you spitting out your gas-station coffee, advice for NEW locksmiths, and key advice for any go-getter looking to turn the latch on their entrepreneurial dreams. Dive into discussions that span the olde' times to the cutting-edge future of the locksmith trade, all while sharing a laugh or two along the way. It's a no-frills, honest conversation packed with the kind of wisdom that comes from years of picking locks, safes and more while building a media empire and turning heads in the industry. And for those of you who love a good recommendation, don't skip out on "Wayne's Picks" below, a treasure trove of tools and accessories handpicked by Wayne himself, sure to be some great additions to assist on any job. Be a pal and leave us a comment below – we'd love to hear your thoughts.
So, whether you're tuning in for the tales or to tap into the trade, enjoy the podcast and the good times here at the "Locksmith Lounge with Louie."
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• WAYNES PRODUCT PICKS •
TRANSCRIPT:
Speaker 1:
What's up, everybody? Welcome to the UHS Hardware studio. I'm Louie, here today on our first episode of Locksmith Lounge with Louie. That's me. Today we have a great guest. This is going to be our first guest, a great friend of UHS, a confidant, a wonderful teacher and a trainer that we have around all the time. See him at shows. You've probably seen him yourself.
What's up, everybody? Welcome to the UHS Hardware studio. I'm Louie, here today on our first episode of Locksmith Lounge with Louie. That's me. Today we have a great guest. This is going to be our first guest, a great friend of UHS, a confidant, a wonderful teacher and a trainer that we have around all the time. See him at shows. You've probably seen him yourself.
Speaker 1:
His name is Wayne Winton. If you don't know, he is a notable name across the security business, as a member of SAVTA to the Safe and Vault Technician Association, as well as a major voice and face of the ALOA Security Professionals Association. He's the owner and operator of Tri-County Locksmith Service of Colorado, as well as servicing the Carbondale, Aspen and Glenwood Springs areas.
His name is Wayne Winton. If you don't know, he is a notable name across the security business, as a member of SAVTA to the Safe and Vault Technician Association, as well as a major voice and face of the ALOA Security Professionals Association. He's the owner and operator of Tri-County Locksmith Service of Colorado, as well as servicing the Carbondale, Aspen and Glenwood Springs areas.
Speaker 1:
He specializes in safes, vaults, ATMs, commercial and residential security systems, and he can even help and has helped train police to be trained in case of emergency lockout situations, which is pretty amazing. Wayne, welcome to the show.
He specializes in safes, vaults, ATMs, commercial and residential security systems, and he can even help and has helped train police to be trained in case of emergency lockout situations, which is pretty amazing. Wayne, welcome to the show.
Speaker 2:
Well, thank you. I'm just happy to be here. This is great. I really enjoy this. I think this is great what you're putting on. And I enjoy a lot of the work that you produce as well. I enjoy seeing your videos and truly enjoy and appreciate your creativity in doing them. So thank you for having me.
Well, thank you. I'm just happy to be here. This is great. I really enjoy this. I think this is great what you're putting on. And I enjoy a lot of the work that you produce as well. I enjoy seeing your videos and truly enjoy and appreciate your creativity in doing them. So thank you for having me.
Speaker 1:
Well, for sure. Thank you so much for saying all that man, really. I look up to you and your work and your videos. Honestly, I think that the way you do your stuff is actually really notable as well. So thank you for being here, honestly. So actually we're gonna jump straight into a quick game just to keep ourselves on a track for the show.
Well, for sure. Thank you so much for saying all that man, really. I look up to you and your work and your videos. Honestly, I think that the way you do your stuff is actually really notable as well. So thank you for being here, honestly. So actually we're gonna jump straight into a quick game just to keep ourselves on a track for the show.
Speaker 1:
Basically, I'm going to call this part the five W's, so I'm going to ask you a couple questions about yourself and then we can get into the deeper stuff about you and your business over the years. Just a second. Right. So my first question is going to be, who was your greatest influence and help in your journey as a professional?
Basically, I'm going to call this part the five W's, so I'm going to ask you a couple questions about yourself and then we can get into the deeper stuff about you and your business over the years. Just a second. Right. So my first question is going to be, who was your greatest influence and help in your journey as a professional?
Speaker 2:
Boy, that's a really, really tough one. In my early years, Mr. Bob Dewise was one who really reached out. He was one of the old guard kind of guys, and he saw a young kid that had a lot of ambition and not a lot of brains at that point in time. And he helped guide me to get to a lot better place.
Boy, that's a really, really tough one. In my early years, Mr. Bob Dewise was one who really reached out. He was one of the old guard kind of guys, and he saw a young kid that had a lot of ambition and not a lot of brains at that point in time. And he helped guide me to get to a lot better place.
Speaker 2:
So, I would have to actually answer in a two part question and say both Bob Dewise and Dave McComie had both been extremely, extremely good influential figures in my life. I like the way that they treat other people with humility and respect, and I really-- it wasn't-- I didn't want to choose a mentor based off of technical ability only, I wanted somebody who was a good human as well, so that what I could pick up on those traits as well.
So, I would have to actually answer in a two part question and say both Bob Dewise and Dave McComie had both been extremely, extremely good influential figures in my life. I like the way that they treat other people with humility and respect, and I really-- it wasn't-- I didn't want to choose a mentor based off of technical ability only, I wanted somebody who was a good human as well, so that what I could pick up on those traits as well.
Speaker 1:
That's very cool. Yeah. Learn how to be a businessman from like, every aspect. Very smart. Very cool. Good thinking. All right, great answer. Our second question is going to be, what is the most embarrassing or insane or crazy experience this ever happened with in your professional career? Like something you showed up to a job and everything went nuts.
That's very cool. Yeah. Learn how to be a businessman from like, every aspect. Very smart. Very cool. Good thinking. All right, great answer. Our second question is going to be, what is the most embarrassing or insane or crazy experience this ever happened with in your professional career? Like something you showed up to a job and everything went nuts.
Speaker 1:
Anything you want to share like that?
Anything you want to share like that?
Speaker 2:
Ah, yeah, I've definitely got some some pretty funny war stories. One was-- and this would be a great example of that humility and respect-- I got a call for a lockout. And what happened is, is this couple, they were out on their deck and out in their hot tub on their deck. And so basically to paint the picture, it's just a deck up on the legs, up in the air, you're not going to be able to climb, can't really climb down off of it.
Ah, yeah, I've definitely got some some pretty funny war stories. One was-- and this would be a great example of that humility and respect-- I got a call for a lockout. And what happened is, is this couple, they were out on their deck and out in their hot tub on their deck. And so basically to paint the picture, it's just a deck up on the legs, up in the air, you're not going to be able to climb, can't really climb down off of it.
Speaker 2:
And there's no other way to get to it. And what happened was, is they had actually locked themselves out of this sliding glass door, and it wasn't technically their fault. You know, the sliding glass door has the little lever thing. And it can just drop.
And there's no other way to get to it. And what happened was, is they had actually locked themselves out of this sliding glass door, and it wasn't technically their fault. You know, the sliding glass door has the little lever thing. And it can just drop.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, some gravity.
Yeah, some gravity.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, that's exactly what happened to them. But the problem was, is their home was locked as well. So their neighbor couldn't actually get in to let them in. So their neighbor ended up calling me.
Yeah, that's exactly what happened to them. But the problem was, is their home was locked as well. So their neighbor couldn't actually get in to let them in. So their neighbor ended up calling me.
Speaker 2:
She's like, our neighbors are trapped out on their porch, in their hot tub, on their deck. They can't get down and we can't get in the house. So we have permission. The owners are here, but we're the only ones that have access to a phone right now.
She's like, our neighbors are trapped out on their porch, in their hot tub, on their deck. They can't get down and we can't get in the house. So we have permission. The owners are here, but we're the only ones that have access to a phone right now.
Speaker 2:
And they were just kind of yelling at their neighbors. So I'm like, okay, all right. Yes, this is-- I can take care of this, no problem. So we get there and she's like, "they're going to be naked" basically. I'm like, okay, all right, well, we can handle this.
And they were just kind of yelling at their neighbors. So I'm like, okay, all right. Yes, this is-- I can take care of this, no problem. So we get there and she's like, "they're going to be naked" basically. I'm like, okay, all right, well, we can handle this.
Speaker 2:
So I go there, I meet the neighbor, we open up the door and basically I grab some towels and some robes and some things on the way, and I hand it to him out the door, unlock the door, and basically just kind of lay that stuff out there for them.
So I go there, I meet the neighbor, we open up the door and basically I grab some towels and some robes and some things on the way, and I hand it to him out the door, unlock the door, and basically just kind of lay that stuff out there for them.
Speaker 2:
And, you know, the amount they said "really, truly thank you for being a respectful person of our intimate moment and this particular incident", you know, that could have gone several different ways. You could have been rude. You know, there's creepy people that would have tried to take pictures.
And, you know, the amount they said "really, truly thank you for being a respectful person of our intimate moment and this particular incident", you know, that could have gone several different ways. You could have been rude. You know, there's creepy people that would have tried to take pictures.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, you could have came in with a camera and streamed the whole thing live if you wanted to. You know.
Yeah, you could have came in with a camera and streamed the whole thing live if you wanted to. You know.
Speaker 2:
There's so many ways that this could have gone wrong for exploitation and this and that and the other. The point is, be a good human and be a good person out there.
There's so many ways that this could have gone wrong for exploitation and this and that and the other. The point is, be a good human and be a good person out there.
Speaker 1:
Right, right. That's where, you know, being a trained professional is important. And just being professional in general is, you know... conducting yourself the correct way. So that's really good man. What a great story. Good, good on you, really, to bring them the towels and the blankets and everything that really smart as well. And this is in the middle of winter as well?
Right, right. That's where, you know, being a trained professional is important. And just being professional in general is, you know... conducting yourself the correct way. So that's really good man. What a great story. Good, good on you, really, to bring them the towels and the blankets and everything that really smart as well. And this is in the middle of winter as well?
Speaker 2:
Yes, it was. It was actually pretty chilly outside. It wasn't like snow on the ground, but it was it was getting a little crispy like that first week in November..
Yes, it was. It was actually pretty chilly outside. It wasn't like snow on the ground, but it was it was getting a little crispy like that first week in November..
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I mean, I could imagine, probably terrible to be honest.
Yeah, I mean, I could imagine, probably terrible to be honest.
Speaker 2:
Colorado already got snow this year , so that puts it in perspective.
Colorado already got snow this year , so that puts it in perspective.
Speaker 1:
Already? Yeah. No, I mean, I don't even know what snow is, to be honest. So what is that? All right. My next question is going to be, what keeps you learning and making new opportunities for yourself?
Already? Yeah. No, I mean, I don't even know what snow is, to be honest. So what is that? All right. My next question is going to be, what keeps you learning and making new opportunities for yourself?
Speaker 2:
Huh, boy. Just my mindset and just the business mindset behind it tells me that as people we're either growing or were dying, you're either gaining more knowledge or you're shrinking, you're getting bigger or you're getting smaller. And so any day that I wake up and I'm not expanding my knowledge, am not helping somebody else expand their knowledge or I'm not growing in one way, shape or form or another, I see myself deteriorating and so I just can't stand that fact.
Huh, boy. Just my mindset and just the business mindset behind it tells me that as people we're either growing or were dying, you're either gaining more knowledge or you're shrinking, you're getting bigger or you're getting smaller. And so any day that I wake up and I'm not expanding my knowledge, am not helping somebody else expand their knowledge or I'm not growing in one way, shape or form or another, I see myself deteriorating and so I just can't stand that fact.
Speaker 2:
So I have to do something every day to try and grow, expand, touch somebody else, or try and improve somebody else.
So I have to do something every day to try and grow, expand, touch somebody else, or try and improve somebody else.
Speaker 1:
That's very detailed and beautiful answer. Well said, man. I always feel myself as more of like a shark. Like I got to keep swimming or I'm going to, like, suffocate. You know what I'm saying? I guess also within that whole thing, do you have like a really structured plan for every single day of your life? Like, do you, like, wake up at this time and like, definitely do this, this and the other or else your day doesn’t go right?
That's very detailed and beautiful answer. Well said, man. I always feel myself as more of like a shark. Like I got to keep swimming or I'm going to, like, suffocate. You know what I'm saying? I guess also within that whole thing, do you have like a really structured plan for every single day of your life? Like, do you, like, wake up at this time and like, definitely do this, this and the other or else your day doesn’t go right?
Speaker 2:
Well, I have core values. And and what that basically boils down to is I don't plan out my next day saying I'm going to do specifically X, Y, Z at these particular times. I suffer from ADHD. I'm horrible. Like really, really, really bad.
Well, I have core values. And and what that basically boils down to is I don't plan out my next day saying I'm going to do specifically X, Y, Z at these particular times. I suffer from ADHD. I'm horrible. Like really, really, really bad.
Speaker 1:
That's crazy, me too man.
That's crazy, me too man.
Speaker 2:
ADHD and Dyslexic, so it's difficult for me to keep on a specific schedule, but what I can do is I can say I'm going to wake up at 5:30 in the morning, I'm going to get a workout or some kind of exercise in in the morning. I'm going to sit down and organize my day and organize my text messages, my emails and my schedule.
ADHD and Dyslexic, so it's difficult for me to keep on a specific schedule, but what I can do is I can say I'm going to wake up at 5:30 in the morning, I'm going to get a workout or some kind of exercise in in the morning. I'm going to sit down and organize my day and organize my text messages, my emails and my schedule.
Speaker 2:
And usually by about 7 or 8 o'clock, now I have a good idea of what my plan is going to be. I'll usually have two or three calls scheduled and make sure those are my solid on-time things, and then I'll fill in the rest of the day with whatever comes along. So I structure my day so I can both put out fires and take care of the core basics of it.
And usually by about 7 or 8 o'clock, now I have a good idea of what my plan is going to be. I'll usually have two or three calls scheduled and make sure those are my solid on-time things, and then I'll fill in the rest of the day with whatever comes along. So I structure my day so I can both put out fires and take care of the core basics of it.
Speaker 2:
And then as the day winds down, my core values drift away back from from business back to family. And if I've got to take the kids somewhere or be somewhere or make dinner or do something around the house, then I'll make sure that I'm there for that.
And then as the day winds down, my core values drift away back from from business back to family. And if I've got to take the kids somewhere or be somewhere or make dinner or do something around the house, then I'll make sure that I'm there for that.
Speaker 1:
Speaker 2:
A flashlight and a leatherman. This stuff stays on me right here, and these tools come out almost every single day, every single job, every single time.
A flashlight and a leatherman. This stuff stays on me right here, and these tools come out almost every single day, every single job, every single time.
Speaker 1:
Alright so that's like a must have something you can't go without. That's like your first thing you put it on the morning after you put your pants on, clearly.
Alright so that's like a must have something you can't go without. That's like your first thing you put it on the morning after you put your pants on, clearly.
Speaker 2:
Yep. I put my litte tool belt on. It's right here. I've got lock picks, I've got a flashlight, I've got a Sharpie and a leatherman tool. I use them every single day at work or not at work.
Yep. I put my litte tool belt on. It's right here. I've got lock picks, I've got a flashlight, I've got a Sharpie and a leatherman tool. I use them every single day at work or not at work.
Speaker 1:
Sorry. So when it comes to that flashlight, is that like a specialty flashlight or something, you can get anywhere?
Sorry. So when it comes to that flashlight, is that like a specialty flashlight or something, you can get anywhere?
Speaker 2:
Milwaukee flashlight. Just pick it up at UHS-Hardware.com
Milwaukee flashlight. Just pick it up at UHS-Hardware.com
Speaker 1:
Just a standard flashlight. Gotcha. Just keep a nice flashlight in hand. Extra batteries, all that kind of good stuff. I got you. All right. So you just kind of wake up a locksmith in the morning. That's just kind of who you are. It's very cool. All right. Okay, So then my next question...
Just a standard flashlight. Gotcha. Just keep a nice flashlight in hand. Extra batteries, all that kind of good stuff. I got you. All right. So you just kind of wake up a locksmith in the morning. That's just kind of who you are. It's very cool. All right. Okay, So then my next question...
Speaker 1:
How do you keep yourself so knowledgeable on all the many facets and emerging technologies of security, I should say specifically?
How do you keep yourself so knowledgeable on all the many facets and emerging technologies of security, I should say specifically?
Speaker 2:
Oh, okay. You know, just the position that I've put myself in. And again, I'll I'll reference one of those people that were one of my mentors,Dave McCombee, said he's kind of like a spider in the middle of a web. Because we founded Locksmith Nation, because I have my own page, WaynesLockShop.com, because I have ties to almost every supplier and every association out there, because we've been friendly to all of these people.
Oh, okay. You know, just the position that I've put myself in. And again, I'll I'll reference one of those people that were one of my mentors,Dave McCombee, said he's kind of like a spider in the middle of a web. Because we founded Locksmith Nation, because I have my own page, WaynesLockShop.com, because I have ties to almost every supplier and every association out there, because we've been friendly to all of these people.
Speaker 2:
And these people are my friends and I know them. And we try to work and interact with them... Any time each one of those strings gets drawn to a particular entity and there's some vibration or some movement in that spectrum of the field, I get feedback from that. If there's something going on in the automotive industry, I'll get a text message that says so-and-so's happening, something major is happening like there was there was several things that happened, you know, the whole thing with Ilco and...
And these people are my friends and I know them. And we try to work and interact with them... Any time each one of those strings gets drawn to a particular entity and there's some vibration or some movement in that spectrum of the field, I get feedback from that. If there's something going on in the automotive industry, I'll get a text message that says so-and-so's happening, something major is happening like there was there was several things that happened, you know, the whole thing with Ilco and...
Speaker 2:
Selling to AUTOZONE or, you know, just all these different things, I will get those messages because people expect me in a position of leadership to be able to make a call on that and take a stand and say, Hey, we're either really supporting this or this is really damaging to the community in the industry, and we need to take action to make sure that we say we're not okay with this and that we can begin organizing so that we can have a unified voice and get our message across.
Selling to AUTOZONE or, you know, just all these different things, I will get those messages because people expect me in a position of leadership to be able to make a call on that and take a stand and say, Hey, we're either really supporting this or this is really damaging to the community in the industry, and we need to take action to make sure that we say we're not okay with this and that we can begin organizing so that we can have a unified voice and get our message across.
Speaker 1:
Right, it's very important. I mean, think about this myself a lot recently. It's very important that everybody is on the same page as to what we're trying to accomplish and who's trying to be served. So good points for you.
Right, it's very important. I mean, think about this myself a lot recently. It's very important that everybody is on the same page as to what we're trying to accomplish and who's trying to be served. So good points for you.
Speaker 2:
Exactly. So I just get all this feedback from everybody. I'll get feedback from the manufacturers when a new tool comes out, a lot of times they'll just hit me up and they'll say, Hey, do you want to do some beta testing for us? They'll just send something out my way.
Exactly. So I just get all this feedback from everybody. I'll get feedback from the manufacturers when a new tool comes out, a lot of times they'll just hit me up and they'll say, Hey, do you want to do some beta testing for us? They'll just send something out my way.
Speaker 1:
That's very cool.
That's very cool.
Speaker 2:
I provide feedback. And then I'm also very respectful of those people as well. A lot of times I'll have to sign an NDA non-disclosure agreement or something like that, but even if I didn't have to, integrity would just say, Hey, here's my feedback. You let me know-- and I'll be very honest with them-- you let me know when you'd like me to put this information out and we'll collaborate with that together.
I provide feedback. And then I'm also very respectful of those people as well. A lot of times I'll have to sign an NDA non-disclosure agreement or something like that, but even if I didn't have to, integrity would just say, Hey, here's my feedback. You let me know-- and I'll be very honest with them-- you let me know when you'd like me to put this information out and we'll collaborate with that together.
Speaker 1:
Understand. Yeah, it's about, you know.
Understand. Yeah, it's about, you know.
Speaker 2:
So that's really how I do it, is I just stay in the middle and every time I hear something or see something, I will give my feedback on that and then I'll let that come back. And that's how we stay in it.
So that's really how I do it, is I just stay in the middle and every time I hear something or see something, I will give my feedback on that and then I'll let that come back. And that's how we stay in it.
Speaker 1:
Okay. Once again, great answer. Thank you so much. All right. It seems to be really important to have great mentors. I mean, it seems to be one of the major points of I've become a locksmith in all rights when a person-- this is outside the game by the way, we're past that now, I'm going to ask you a random question--
Okay. Once again, great answer. Thank you so much. All right. It seems to be really important to have great mentors. I mean, it seems to be one of the major points of I've become a locksmith in all rights when a person-- this is outside the game by the way, we're past that now, I'm going to ask you a random question--
Speaker 1:
When people are moving into becoming a locksmith, how do they source themselves a viable mentor? Like, where do you find somebody who you can respect and who can guide you, who is respected within the world of of of such a, you know, locksmithing in itself. Like it's it seems like a very difficult thing to be able to search for.
When people are moving into becoming a locksmith, how do they source themselves a viable mentor? Like, where do you find somebody who you can respect and who can guide you, who is respected within the world of of of such a, you know, locksmithing in itself. Like it's it seems like a very difficult thing to be able to search for.
Speaker 1:
Like you can't just go on Google and look for reputable and respectful locksmiths, you know, like, how do you find that?
Like you can't just go on Google and look for reputable and respectful locksmiths, you know, like, how do you find that?
Speaker 2:
Right. That is pretty difficult to do. I would say what I did is becoming-- being involved in the groups online and watching and seeing how certain people interact with others. There are some people who, in a group or in a community, when when somebody asks a question, there's two types of people out there. There's somebody who likes to tear everybody else's stuff down.
Right. That is pretty difficult to do. I would say what I did is becoming-- being involved in the groups online and watching and seeing how certain people interact with others. There are some people who, in a group or in a community, when when somebody asks a question, there's two types of people out there. There's somebody who likes to tear everybody else's stuff down.
Speaker 2:
There's two ways to have the tallest building in the city, tear everybody else's down so that yours remains the tallest or put in the blood, sweat and tears and actually build the tallest building out there. You can see who actually knows what they're talking about, who is actually knowledgeable and who conveys that knowledge in a respectful way on these forums through the associations, through the forums, and just by paying attention to how they treat every single individual, not based on who they're interacting with, but based on, hey, I'm interacting with another person.
There's two ways to have the tallest building in the city, tear everybody else's down so that yours remains the tallest or put in the blood, sweat and tears and actually build the tallest building out there. You can see who actually knows what they're talking about, who is actually knowledgeable and who conveys that knowledge in a respectful way on these forums through the associations, through the forums, and just by paying attention to how they treat every single individual, not based on who they're interacting with, but based on, hey, I'm interacting with another person.
Speaker 2:
I need to uphold my standards as high as possible and treat them with respect. I can't tell you how many times somebody will post a question and somebody is just looking for an answer and somebody will write "Call a locksmith." It's like, that's not a helpful answer. It just only delayed the progress--
I need to uphold my standards as high as possible and treat them with respect. I can't tell you how many times somebody will post a question and somebody is just looking for an answer and somebody will write "Call a locksmith." It's like, that's not a helpful answer. It just only delayed the progress--
Speaker 1:
The actual help..
The actual help..
Speaker 2:
Actually helping this person out. And it just drives me nuts to see this. And the only reason that person said that is because they don't feel confident in themselves because somebody put them down. They're passing that on. So look for somebody who's not making negative comments. Look for that person who's never talking crap about somebody else, because here's the thing about somebody who talks about somebody else.
Actually helping this person out. And it just drives me nuts to see this. And the only reason that person said that is because they don't feel confident in themselves because somebody put them down. They're passing that on. So look for somebody who's not making negative comments. Look for that person who's never talking crap about somebody else, because here's the thing about somebody who talks about somebody else.
Speaker 2:
If they're talking about you behind that somebody else's back, they're going to be talking about you behind your back in no time at all. So finding somebody online who you can trust, who you think goes along with your moral values would be a good start. Joining the associations, whether it's a local association or whether it's a national association, ALOA, SAVTA, any of these associations and actually taking some time to get out and network with the group.
If they're talking about you behind that somebody else's back, they're going to be talking about you behind your back in no time at all. So finding somebody online who you can trust, who you think goes along with your moral values would be a good start. Joining the associations, whether it's a local association or whether it's a national association, ALOA, SAVTA, any of these associations and actually taking some time to get out and network with the group.
Speaker 2:
You can learn just as much at the bar, at an association meeting, talking to the old timers and hearing war stories as you can in the classroom. Sometimes even more is learned after the fact. At a good dinner--
You can learn just as much at the bar, at an association meeting, talking to the old timers and hearing war stories as you can in the classroom. Sometimes even more is learned after the fact. At a good dinner--
Speaker 1:
After a couple of beers, they'll share anything I'm sure.
After a couple of beers, they'll share anything I'm sure.
Speaker 2:
Or a couple beers-- than anything else. So that's the way that you find your mentor and then you just kind of connect with somebody and every single good person, all the best top tier people, they all had a mentor who compressed decades into days and transferred that knowledge to them.
Or a couple beers-- than anything else. So that's the way that you find your mentor and then you just kind of connect with somebody and every single good person, all the best top tier people, they all had a mentor who compressed decades into days and transferred that knowledge to them.
Speaker 1:
Okay. I mean, I could imagine that it's almost close to impossible to be able to learn as much as you need to know to not only run a business, but to also be a really good locksmith without all of that. Because, I mean, just the amount of resources that there are to watch YouTube videos and to try to figure this stuff out, you know, just picking locks, I can't see it leading to anything but a very odd relationship between you and your clients where you're not really sure what you're doing or how to talk to them or how to condone yourself in their presence or whatever.
Okay. I mean, I could imagine that it's almost close to impossible to be able to learn as much as you need to know to not only run a business, but to also be a really good locksmith without all of that. Because, I mean, just the amount of resources that there are to watch YouTube videos and to try to figure this stuff out, you know, just picking locks, I can't see it leading to anything but a very odd relationship between you and your clients where you're not really sure what you're doing or how to talk to them or how to condone yourself in their presence or whatever.
Speaker 1:
I feel like it's really important for like... I mean, actually, here's another side of that question. Is there any kind of a source or a platform where mentors are gathering themselves to be found? Like, is it beneficial in any way to the mentors to make themselves more apparent or more findable?
I feel like it's really important for like... I mean, actually, here's another side of that question. Is there any kind of a source or a platform where mentors are gathering themselves to be found? Like, is it beneficial in any way to the mentors to make themselves more apparent or more findable?
Speaker 2:
Boy, that's pretty tough. I think everybody gets so caught up in their own lives and their own stuff. I don't think a lot of people really offer it as, hey, I'm going to, you know, put myself out there as a mentor. I can tell you that personally, I've taken on about ten different people. I've just seen them-- and they didn't ask me either.
Boy, that's pretty tough. I think everybody gets so caught up in their own lives and their own stuff. I don't think a lot of people really offer it as, hey, I'm going to, you know, put myself out there as a mentor. I can tell you that personally, I've taken on about ten different people. I've just seen them-- and they didn't ask me either.
Speaker 2:
I just kind of saw that they were floundering a little bit. And I offered-- I said, here's a couple of suggestions that will help you through your immediate problem. And then they apply that. They put it to work and it works. And then I'll then offer that afterwards and say, Hey, you know what? If you ever need anything, I'm always available and I'm willing to help and mentor you right now.
I just kind of saw that they were floundering a little bit. And I offered-- I said, here's a couple of suggestions that will help you through your immediate problem. And then they apply that. They put it to work and it works. And then I'll then offer that afterwards and say, Hey, you know what? If you ever need anything, I'm always available and I'm willing to help and mentor you right now.
Speaker 2:
So if you if you need anything, keep my phone number, keep my cell phone number and give me a call. I'll help you with anything technically related. I'll help you with anything business related. And I'll also help you with anything going on in your personal life as well. If you need a little bit of advice or just an ear to bend for a little bit, I can do all of that.
So if you if you need anything, keep my phone number, keep my cell phone number and give me a call. I'll help you with anything technically related. I'll help you with anything business related. And I'll also help you with anything going on in your personal life as well. If you need a little bit of advice or just an ear to bend for a little bit, I can do all of that.
Speaker 2:
I've helped like I said, about ten people out now and it's really changed a lot of of their lives for the better.
I've helped like I said, about ten people out now and it's really changed a lot of of their lives for the better.
Speaker 1:
That's great. Yeah, I can say for sure, just having someone to call and just answer a question in itself is really powerful. Just having somebody with patience to listen to your complaints or to hear what you're trying to explain. You know, people are really busy, so I can see a full time locksmith, not really wanting to take the time to answer calls in the middle of the day, you know, and taking that time, it's really important.
That's great. Yeah, I can say for sure, just having someone to call and just answer a question in itself is really powerful. Just having somebody with patience to listen to your complaints or to hear what you're trying to explain. You know, people are really busy, so I can see a full time locksmith, not really wanting to take the time to answer calls in the middle of the day, you know, and taking that time, it's really important.
Speaker 1:
So it's good to have people like you out there. So thank you.
So it's good to have people like you out there. So thank you.
Speaker 2:
It is, it is. So as far as an actual place where mentors get together and say, hey, we're mentors, would people like to come be mentorees... I don't know that anything like that exists at this current stage, or at least in that format. I can tell you that like I'm the ALOA Southwest Board Director, right? So if I have somebody in my region who I think needs help, like I just mentioned, I offer that to them.
It is, it is. So as far as an actual place where mentors get together and say, hey, we're mentors, would people like to come be mentorees... I don't know that anything like that exists at this current stage, or at least in that format. I can tell you that like I'm the ALOA Southwest Board Director, right? So if I have somebody in my region who I think needs help, like I just mentioned, I offer that to them.
Speaker 2:
So that would be a really good way is go to one of your associations and pick up a mentor there. Find somebody who's older, who's done it well, everything there is to do, who's very friendly, very personable, and they're going to be on their way out, like I'm ramping up, I'm building an empire. Some of these guys are ramping down and they would love nothing more than to pass on a lifetime of knowledge to somebody willing to listen.
So that would be a really good way is go to one of your associations and pick up a mentor there. Find somebody who's older, who's done it well, everything there is to do, who's very friendly, very personable, and they're going to be on their way out, like I'm ramping up, I'm building an empire. Some of these guys are ramping down and they would love nothing more than to pass on a lifetime of knowledge to somebody willing to listen.
Speaker 1:
Alright, Aaron (producer), I think we're going to go into our game... This is the portion of our show we're going to call Quiz Lock where locksmiths come to compete.
Alright, Aaron (producer), I think we're going to go into our game... This is the portion of our show we're going to call Quiz Lock where locksmiths come to compete.
Speaker 1:
Wayne, we're going to have today a special version just for you. We're calling this one Locksmiths and Colorado in honor for yourself. So we're going to go ahead and get into this. It's going to be a multiple choice kind of a scenario, just kind of, you know, we're going to count your points up and see what you get at the end.
Wayne, we're going to have today a special version just for you. We're calling this one Locksmiths and Colorado in honor for yourself. So we're going to go ahead and get into this. It's going to be a multiple choice kind of a scenario, just kind of, you know, we're going to count your points up and see what you get at the end.
Speaker 1:
I'm probably not going to count a single point, but you'll be a winner, I'm sure, no matter what. And we'll see what we know together. Okay. All right, Aaron (producer), let's go ahead and go into question one. Okay, Wayne. Which tool is specifically designed to manipulate the combination wheels in a Safe Lock? A. Tourque Wrench, B. Bump Key, C. Snap Gun, D. Autodialer... [SPEAKER 2 : The answer is D. Autodialer] . Oh, already too quick!
I'm probably not going to count a single point, but you'll be a winner, I'm sure, no matter what. And we'll see what we know together. Okay. All right, Aaron (producer), let's go ahead and go into question one. Okay, Wayne. Which tool is specifically designed to manipulate the combination wheels in a Safe Lock? A. Tourque Wrench, B. Bump Key, C. Snap Gun, D. Autodialer... [SPEAKER 2 : The answer is D. Autodialer] . Oh, already too quick!
Speaker 1:
Let's find out. And Wayne is correct, professional on the case. All right. Let's go to question two. Let's make this one a little harder, Aaron. Let's see how it goes. What is the state animall of Colorado? I'm sure you know this from elementary school. If you want to go ahead, jump ahead, hit me.
Let's find out. And Wayne is correct, professional on the case. All right. Let's go to question two. Let's make this one a little harder, Aaron. Let's see how it goes. What is the state animall of Colorado? I'm sure you know this from elementary school. If you want to go ahead, jump ahead, hit me.
Speaker 2:
Oh, man, I actually don't know. Okay. It's the bighorn sheep, but I'm not sure because I'm not a Colorado native.
Oh, man, I actually don't know. Okay. It's the bighorn sheep, but I'm not sure because I'm not a Colorado native.
Speaker 1:
Oh, interesting to find out. A. Black Bear B. Bighorn Sheep C. Meadow Jumping Mouse D. Painted Turtle Let's find out what the answer is. It is B. the bighorn sheep. Way to go Wayne. Ding, ding, ding. Alight. Next question coming up is: What is ‘radiological’ safe cracking? A. Using X-rays to view the internal mechanisms of a safe B. Using radioactive materials to weaken the safe’s structure C. Using radiation to erase the safe’s combination D. Using radio waves to interfere with electronic locks Oh, do you wanna do it before I read these really, really long answers.
Oh, interesting to find out. A. Black Bear B. Bighorn Sheep C. Meadow Jumping Mouse D. Painted Turtle Let's find out what the answer is. It is B. the bighorn sheep. Way to go Wayne. Ding, ding, ding. Alight. Next question coming up is: What is ‘radiological’ safe cracking? A. Using X-rays to view the internal mechanisms of a safe B. Using radioactive materials to weaken the safe’s structure C. Using radiation to erase the safe’s combination D. Using radio waves to interfere with electronic locks Oh, do you wanna do it before I read these really, really long answers.
Speaker 2:
I believe it's one.Or A.
I believe it's one.Or A.
Speaker 1:
Is it A? Let's find out... It is! Uing X-rays to view the internal mechanisms of a safe in order to figure out how you work on it.
Is it A? Let's find out... It is! Uing X-rays to view the internal mechanisms of a safe in order to figure out how you work on it.
Speaker 2:
Would you like some more information on that? There used to be actually, I've got one right here. So, see this safe lock? Those are metal wheels, okay? On those metal wheels, you can actually see the gates on there. This is a gate right here. One of those little-- one of these little openings right here. They actually built locks for the government because of that...
Would you like some more information on that? There used to be actually, I've got one right here. So, see this safe lock? Those are metal wheels, okay? On those metal wheels, you can actually see the gates on there. This is a gate right here. One of those little-- one of these little openings right here. They actually built locks for the government because of that...
Speaker 2:
that had plastic wheels or nylon wheels. They couldn't be X-rayed.
that had plastic wheels or nylon wheels. They couldn't be X-rayed.
Speaker 1:
(Sounds of Understanding)
(Sounds of Understanding)
Speaker 2:
So they solved that problem.
So they solved that problem.
Speaker 1:
That's smart. I can’t imagine that using X-rays to view safes would be very safe, generally. So, wonder how many people got cancer from that? Anyway, let's go on to our next question before we talk more about X-rays. Which of the following is a specialized tool used to decode or open combination locks by applying tension to the wheel pack? A. Decoder knife B. Plug spinner C. Jiggler keys D. Tubular lock pick
That's smart. I can’t imagine that using X-rays to view safes would be very safe, generally. So, wonder how many people got cancer from that? Anyway, let's go on to our next question before we talk more about X-rays. Which of the following is a specialized tool used to decode or open combination locks by applying tension to the wheel pack? A. Decoder knife B. Plug spinner C. Jiggler keys D. Tubular lock pick
Speaker 1:
ADD SPEAKER 2 ] - A... Ok, A. Decoder Knife I feel like there's too many A's in this answer key so far. Alight. Next question. In the context of safes, what does ‘TL-15’ rating indicate? A. 15 minutes of fire protection B. 15 minutes of tool resistance C. 15-inch thickness of the safe wall D. 15-year warranty SPK2 - B! Is that the answer Aaron? And you're on fire. I mean, you're killing it.
ADD SPEAKER 2 ] - A... Ok, A. Decoder Knife I feel like there's too many A's in this answer key so far. Alight. Next question. In the context of safes, what does ‘TL-15’ rating indicate? A. 15 minutes of fire protection B. 15 minutes of tool resistance C. 15-inch thickness of the safe wall D. 15-year warranty SPK2 - B! Is that the answer Aaron? And you're on fire. I mean, you're killing it.
Speaker 1:
You know way too much about everything. It seems like you are really a true professional. Let's go into our next question. Which of the following attacks involves applying force to the safe handle to engage the boltwork? A. Torque attack B. Side attack C. Punch attack D. Peeling attack SPK 2- C! C. Let's find out.
You know way too much about everything. It seems like you are really a true professional. Let's go into our next question. Which of the following attacks involves applying force to the safe handle to engage the boltwork? A. Torque attack B. Side attack C. Punch attack D. Peeling attack SPK 2- C! C. Let's find out.
Speaker 2:
It could technically be a side attack.
It could technically be a side attack.
Speaker 1:
Aparrently it’s a torque attack. All right.
Aparrently it’s a torque attack. All right.
Speaker 2:
So technically, there's two. Well, it would be called bolt punching. It was called bolt punching where you'd find a bolt on the side of the safe and keep hitting it over and over and over and over again until you would defeat the bolt of the lock because there was no protection at that point in time.
So technically, there's two. Well, it would be called bolt punching. It was called bolt punching where you'd find a bolt on the side of the safe and keep hitting it over and over and over and over again until you would defeat the bolt of the lock because there was no protection at that point in time.
Speaker 1:
And that's that main bolt right there at the bottom, the main locking mechanism is a bolt, correct?
And that's that main bolt right there at the bottom, the main locking mechanism is a bolt, correct?
Speaker 2:
Yes. Which is what would lock up your safe and a bolt bar would come into gear. And so the actual old school technical term was called punching or chipping safes, is what it's called-- that's what the Mafia actually used to call it. So I have not heard the term torque attack. And actually torque technically doesn't make sense because you're not applying Torque to the safe.
Yes. Which is what would lock up your safe and a bolt bar would come into gear. And so the actual old school technical term was called punching or chipping safes, is what it's called-- that's what the Mafia actually used to call it. So I have not heard the term torque attack. And actually torque technically doesn't make sense because you're not applying Torque to the safe.
Speaker 1:
I'm such a fan that you're fixing this question.
I'm such a fan that you're fixing this question.
Speaker 2:
You're punching from the side with brute force attack. You're not applying torque in any way, shape or form.
You're punching from the side with brute force attack. You're not applying torque in any way, shape or form.
Speaker 1:
Alright. So we're going to put a weird symbol on the screen for this one because it turns out it's actually answer C. Wayne has fixed our question. Thank you, Wayne, for fixing our question and reeducating the people. Thank you.
Alright. So we're going to put a weird symbol on the screen for this one because it turns out it's actually answer C. Wayne has fixed our question. Thank you, Wayne, for fixing our question and reeducating the people. Thank you.
Speaker 2:
Ask them other safe techs if they agree. Just so we have-- don't take my bias opinion.
Ask them other safe techs if they agree. Just so we have-- don't take my bias opinion.
Speaker 1:
If you disagree with Wayne, leave it in the comments. For now, though, he's reigning champion of knowledge. So we'll see how it goes. From what language did colorado get its name? A. Cheyenne B. English C. Spanish D. French
If you disagree with Wayne, leave it in the comments. For now, though, he's reigning champion of knowledge. So we'll see how it goes. From what language did colorado get its name? A. Cheyenne B. English C. Spanish D. French
Speaker 2:
I think it's Cheyenne. Cheyenne or Spanish. I can't-- I would say, Cheyenne.
I think it's Cheyenne. Cheyenne or Spanish. I can't-- I would say, Cheyenne.
Speaker 1:
Oh, okay. Let's find out. It was Spanish. Co-lo-rado. I guess it does sound Spanish... Alright, actually random bonus points for that. If you happen to know the name, or what that actually means in Spanish. What does Colorado mean?
Oh, okay. Let's find out. It was Spanish. Co-lo-rado. I guess it does sound Spanish... Alright, actually random bonus points for that. If you happen to know the name, or what that actually means in Spanish. What does Colorado mean?
Speaker 2:
Is it color? I think it's something color or descriptive word of color.
Is it color? I think it's something color or descriptive word of color.
Speaker 1:
Reddish color-- yeah, I guess -rado... color. Yeah, it makes sense. Reddish colored. Colorado means reddish colored. Alright great fun facts for everybody. Education all around. What have we got coming up next Aaron? Okay. Next question is, which inventor is credited with creating the modern combination lock used in safes today? You know this off the bat? Or I can go through the names if you want.
Reddish color-- yeah, I guess -rado... color. Yeah, it makes sense. Reddish colored. Colorado means reddish colored. Alright great fun facts for everybody. Education all around. What have we got coming up next Aaron? Okay. Next question is, which inventor is credited with creating the modern combination lock used in safes today? You know this off the bat? Or I can go through the names if you want.
Speaker 1:
Okay. A. Linus Yale Jr. B. Harry Soref C. Alfred Charles Hobbs D. James Sargent
Okay. A. Linus Yale Jr. B. Harry Soref C. Alfred Charles Hobbs D. James Sargent
Speaker 2:
The modern lock is a Sargent and Greenleaf. So I would have to say James Sargent would probably be my best answer. I don't know my history with safe locks.
The modern lock is a Sargent and Greenleaf. So I would have to say James Sargent would probably be my best answer. I don't know my history with safe locks.
Speaker 1:
Hey! Way to go! But you did it. You got it. Way to go, you're killing it, man. All right, next question. What is the time lock mechanism in a vault primarily designed to prevent?
Hey! Way to go! But you did it. You got it. Way to go, you're killing it, man. All right, next question. What is the time lock mechanism in a vault primarily designed to prevent?
Speaker 2:
Unauthorized Access
Unauthorized Access
Speaker 1:
A. Unauthorized access B. Safe cracking C. Time travel D. Hold-up scenarios
A. Unauthorized access B. Safe cracking C. Time travel D. Hold-up scenarios
Speaker 2:
Oh actually no. So technically, A and D are a similar answer. It's designed to prevent holdup scenarios. What happened was, is back in the day in the Wild Wild West, if you wanted access to the bank vault, all you had to do was go get the bank manager because you know, he had the combination. So you take him, you put a gun to his head, you forced him to open up the vault and boom, there you go.
Oh actually no. So technically, A and D are a similar answer. It's designed to prevent holdup scenarios. What happened was, is back in the day in the Wild Wild West, if you wanted access to the bank vault, all you had to do was go get the bank manager because you know, he had the combination. So you take him, you put a gun to his head, you forced him to open up the vault and boom, there you go.
Speaker 2:
You don't have to break in or anything. You don't have to put any work in you don't have to defeat the vault itself. You just get the answer from them. So after all of these bank managers, nobody wanted to be a bank manager. They said, Heck no, I'm not going to be that. That was actually the most lethal job, the most hazardous environment that you could possibly have at that point in time.
You don't have to break in or anything. You don't have to put any work in you don't have to defeat the vault itself. You just get the answer from them. So after all of these bank managers, nobody wanted to be a bank manager. They said, Heck no, I'm not going to be that. That was actually the most lethal job, the most hazardous environment that you could possibly have at that point in time.
Speaker 2:
Therefore, they decided we need an answer for this. So what a time lock does is you set up and you wind the time. It's basically a very, very sophisticated, fine tuned watch that goes inside the safe for the vault. And you would wind it down and you'd have different settings for time because obviously overnight from between the hours of when you shut down at five and you reopen in the morning, that's going to have a different setting from when you leave that Friday at five and come back at Monday, 9 a.m..
Therefore, they decided we need an answer for this. So what a time lock does is you set up and you wind the time. It's basically a very, very sophisticated, fine tuned watch that goes inside the safe for the vault. And you would wind it down and you'd have different settings for time because obviously overnight from between the hours of when you shut down at five and you reopen in the morning, that's going to have a different setting from when you leave that Friday at five and come back at Monday, 9 a.m..
Speaker 2:
So the entire time you could have the combination to the vault. And this is very true today. You could have the combination to the vault and you still can't get into it or have access unless it's within that time window, until the time clock has ran down or the time mark has run down. You can not have access to that vault.
So the entire time you could have the combination to the vault. And this is very true today. You could have the combination to the vault and you still can't get into it or have access unless it's within that time window, until the time clock has ran down or the time mark has run down. You can not have access to that vault.
Speaker 2:
This also, as another little piece of information, is the number one cause of vault lockouts. So we do have to figure out how to defeat this particular mechanism inside there quite often.
This also, as another little piece of information, is the number one cause of vault lockouts. So we do have to figure out how to defeat this particular mechanism inside there quite often.
Speaker 1:
And so it can be set off and then you have no way of undoing it is basically the situation.
And so it can be set off and then you have no way of undoing it is basically the situation.
Speaker 2:
Oh, there's always a way to do it. And basically what it is, is it sits in there and there's a bar that goes in the way called the “Schnubber bar”. When that is activated, the Boltwork hits against it and it can't work as it gradually moves back with that time clock, then you can actually access it. Now, if that lock fails or something happens and it gets jammed up because it's a complicated clock inside there, if something happens, then you would have to defeat that time lock, neutralize it, and then be able to gain access to be able to service that, either of which one can be done from the outside of the container
Oh, there's always a way to do it. And basically what it is, is it sits in there and there's a bar that goes in the way called the “Schnubber bar”. When that is activated, the Boltwork hits against it and it can't work as it gradually moves back with that time clock, then you can actually access it. Now, if that lock fails or something happens and it gets jammed up because it's a complicated clock inside there, if something happens, then you would have to defeat that time lock, neutralize it, and then be able to gain access to be able to service that, either of which one can be done from the outside of the container
Speaker 2:
using a very, very small hole to be able to defeat that mechanism, to be able to repair it and put it back in service.
using a very, very small hole to be able to defeat that mechanism, to be able to repair it and put it back in service.
Speaker 1:
Safes are...
Safes are...
Speaker 2:
So yes, hold up scenarios is definitely why that was.
So yes, hold up scenarios is definitely why that was.
Speaker 1:
Safes are so incredibly interesting. I'll go ahead and say that much as are you Wayne. Way to go. Holdup scenarios is the right answer. Way to go. Great, great job. We have anything else coming up after this? Okay, Here we go. What is the nitroglycerin method of in context of safe cracking? How would you describe it?
Safes are so incredibly interesting. I'll go ahead and say that much as are you Wayne. Way to go. Holdup scenarios is the right answer. Way to go. Great, great job. We have anything else coming up after this? Okay, Here we go. What is the nitroglycerin method of in context of safe cracking? How would you describe it?
Speaker 2:
If you want to read them, you can.
If you want to read them, you can.
Speaker 1:
Yeah. I mean, do you want me to? It seems like a lot of words. What is the ‘nitroglycerin’ method in the context of safe cracking? A. Using nitroglycerin to create a controlled explosion to breach a safe. B. Using nitroglycerin to lubricate the lock mechanism. C. Using nitroglycerin to dissolve the safe’s material. D. Using nitroglycerin to create a smoke screen while cracking a safe.
Yeah. I mean, do you want me to? It seems like a lot of words. What is the ‘nitroglycerin’ method in the context of safe cracking? A. Using nitroglycerin to create a controlled explosion to breach a safe. B. Using nitroglycerin to lubricate the lock mechanism. C. Using nitroglycerin to dissolve the safe’s material. D. Using nitroglycerin to create a smoke screen while cracking a safe.
Speaker 2:
So, I mean, the the basic idea was they actually came up with what's called cannonball safes. If anybody's ever seen a cannonball safe, it's the very, very old Screw Door safes that had the big round container on top and a big pedestal on the bottom. Banks you to use these as their bank vaults. And what people would do before this technology was available is they would pour nitroglycerin in between the door of the safe and the safe itself.
So, I mean, the the basic idea was they actually came up with what's called cannonball safes. If anybody's ever seen a cannonball safe, it's the very, very old Screw Door safes that had the big round container on top and a big pedestal on the bottom. Banks you to use these as their bank vaults. And what people would do before this technology was available is they would pour nitroglycerin in between the door of the safe and the safe itself.
Speaker 2:
So there was a little gap in between the two. You could put nitroglycerin down in between there and then cause an impact, and it would blow the door off the hinges. That was the original attack that was designed by people that that figured out how they could open up safes. This is where the dynamite theory came. You know, every time I go in a safe, somebody asks me, When are you going to get the dynamite?
So there was a little gap in between the two. You could put nitroglycerin down in between there and then cause an impact, and it would blow the door off the hinges. That was the original attack that was designed by people that that figured out how they could open up safes. This is where the dynamite theory came. You know, every time I go in a safe, somebody asks me, When are you going to get the dynamite?
Speaker 2:
This is why they did that. This is where it leads back to. So what they did was, is they came up with these cannonball safes that actually screw together-- the lid literally is like a foot thick of steel, and it threads into there. Well now that the tolerances are so tight and you have what's called a screw door, you can't get the nitroglycerin down in between the two.
This is why they did that. This is where it leads back to. So what they did was, is they came up with these cannonball safes that actually screw together-- the lid literally is like a foot thick of steel, and it threads into there. Well now that the tolerances are so tight and you have what's called a screw door, you can't get the nitroglycerin down in between the two.
Speaker 2:
There's no room to be able to do that. And the screw force doesn't allow it to penetrate in. Therefore, it neutralizes the attack. So I don't know which one of these answers.
There's no room to be able to do that. And the screw force doesn't allow it to penetrate in. Therefore, it neutralizes the attack. So I don't know which one of these answers.
Speaker 1:
I mean, yeah, it's supposed to create a controlled explosion to breach a safe. I mean, I can't imagine how controlled that would be, but that's really impressive. So how much of safe technology goes back to just like 1910 to 1920 and 19-you know, around then, like the Wild West specifically, it seems...
I mean, yeah, it's supposed to create a controlled explosion to breach a safe. I mean, I can't imagine how controlled that would be, but that's really impressive. So how much of safe technology goes back to just like 1910 to 1920 and 19-you know, around then, like the Wild West specifically, it seems...
Speaker 2:
I mean, everything a lot goes back to then. Buying a safe back then was was really actually probably one of the largest investments in a business. You have to think, there wasn't machining tools. You couldn't make a set of wheels like this by turning them on or lathe because there wasn't an electric motor for crying out loud, again, let alone a tool steal and lay them all of these different things.
I mean, everything a lot goes back to then. Buying a safe back then was was really actually probably one of the largest investments in a business. You have to think, there wasn't machining tools. You couldn't make a set of wheels like this by turning them on or lathe because there wasn't an electric motor for crying out loud, again, let alone a tool steal and lay them all of these different things.
Speaker 2:
They had to be the origin of our industry and trade actually goes back to the blacksmiths. A blacksmith used to make both the lock and the key, and they were the only ones that had that technology at that point in time because they had to physically make those two things together in order to work. Right? So then it takes on even more.
They had to be the origin of our industry and trade actually goes back to the blacksmiths. A blacksmith used to make both the lock and the key, and they were the only ones that had that technology at that point in time because they had to physically make those two things together in order to work. Right? So then it takes on even more.
Speaker 2:
Eventually, the first safes were actually hob nail safes, and it was a team effort between between a carpenter, a skilled carpenter, and a blacksmith. And then they would build a wooden chest. They would interlace it with metal so that you couldn't just chop through it with an axe. And then they would put a sophisticated locking device on there and they would actually hide it so that you wouldn't even know that it had a locking key on it.
Eventually, the first safes were actually hob nail safes, and it was a team effort between between a carpenter, a skilled carpenter, and a blacksmith. And then they would build a wooden chest. They would interlace it with metal so that you couldn't just chop through it with an axe. And then they would put a sophisticated locking device on there and they would actually hide it so that you wouldn't even know that it had a locking key on it.
Speaker 2:
Like finding the keyhole was actually a difficult part of the ordeal and part of the security. Then all of those pieces put together, that's how the first safes were created. Then they started using cast iron and actually casting them. But now, let's say I've got a 4,000 pound safe that I bought. And I got to bring this on the Oregon Trail by Mule to my business from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Like finding the keyhole was actually a difficult part of the ordeal and part of the security. Then all of those pieces put together, that's how the first safes were created. Then they started using cast iron and actually casting them. But now, let's say I've got a 4,000 pound safe that I bought. And I got to bring this on the Oregon Trail by Mule to my business from Cincinnati, Ohio.
Speaker 2:
All of a sudden, you can see how major this is. For a company to get a safe was a huge deal. And that's why they're so important these days.
All of a sudden, you can see how major this is. For a company to get a safe was a huge deal. And that's why they're so important these days.
Speaker 1:
All right, cool. This is incredibly interesting. Thank you for being a guest on the show. All right. What's our next question here? Okay. Which of the following is NOT a type of safe lock? A. Combination lock B. Biometric lock C. Key lock D. Gravity lock
All right, cool. This is incredibly interesting. Thank you for being a guest on the show. All right. What's our next question here? Okay. Which of the following is NOT a type of safe lock? A. Combination lock B. Biometric lock C. Key lock D. Gravity lock
Speaker 2:
Hm? I'm wondering if this is another one of those funny trick questions...
Hm? I'm wondering if this is another one of those funny trick questions...
Speaker 1:
It seems tricky.
It seems tricky.
Speaker 2:
So electronics do have biometrics. So I would say combination lock is obviously-- this is a combination lock right here. This is a keyed lock right here. So that's going to eliminate those two. Biometrics should be an electronic lock that has a fingerprint, hand or face scan on it. So that should be legitimate as well. By default, I would say gravity lock
So electronics do have biometrics. So I would say combination lock is obviously-- this is a combination lock right here. This is a keyed lock right here. So that's going to eliminate those two. Biometrics should be an electronic lock that has a fingerprint, hand or face scan on it. So that should be legitimate as well. By default, I would say gravity lock
Speaker 1:
Oh, that was really great, way to like suss that out. It is gravity lock, D. was the correct answer. Really beautiful work there man. All right. What is the tallest mountain in Colorado? A. Mt. McKinley B. Pikes Peak C. Mt. Elbert D. Mt. Whitney
Oh, that was really great, way to like suss that out. It is gravity lock, D. was the correct answer. Really beautiful work there man. All right. What is the tallest mountain in Colorado? A. Mt. McKinley B. Pikes Peak C. Mt. Elbert D. Mt. Whitney
Speaker 2:
I believe it's Pikes Peak. Oh, Elbert. Ok, Pikes Peak is the most famous. We get a lot of 14ers here. All those ones are all over 14,000 feet.
I believe it's Pikes Peak. Oh, Elbert. Ok, Pikes Peak is the most famous. We get a lot of 14ers here. All those ones are all over 14,000 feet.
Speaker 1:
I know, it's ridiculous. So Colorado, known for the tallest mountains in the world. Of what stone is the Colorado Capitol State building made of? The state capital building of Colorado is made of what stone? A marble, B, cement, C, gypsum or D, limestone.
I know, it's ridiculous. So Colorado, known for the tallest mountains in the world. Of what stone is the Colorado Capitol State building made of? The state capital building of Colorado is made of what stone? A marble, B, cement, C, gypsum or D, limestone.
Speaker 2:
Well, I'm going to take a wild shot in the dark... because I live next to Marble, Colorado, that actually mines marble that is at equivalent to or higher than Italian grade marble that's imported, I'm gonna say marble.
Well, I'm going to take a wild shot in the dark... because I live next to Marble, Colorado, that actually mines marble that is at equivalent to or higher than Italian grade marble that's imported, I'm gonna say marble.
Speaker 1:
That's interesting. All right. Let's find out. It is A. marble way to go. You are like, really killing this. This is a good quiz for you, man. All right. Our next questions are going to go into: What is the significance of the ‘UL 687’ in relation to safes?
That's interesting. All right. Let's find out. It is A. marble way to go. You are like, really killing this. This is a good quiz for you, man. All right. Our next questions are going to go into: What is the significance of the ‘UL 687’ in relation to safes?
Speaker 1:
A. It is a UL standard for burglary-resistant safes B. It is a UL standard for fire-resistant safes C. It is a UL standard for safe installation D. It is a UL standard for electronic locks on safes
A. It is a UL standard for burglary-resistant safes B. It is a UL standard for fire-resistant safes C. It is a UL standard for safe installation D. It is a UL standard for electronic locks on safes
Speaker 2:
Wow, that's a good one. I should know this and I don't, and now I'm a bit embarrassed by that. I believe it's fire rating.
Wow, that's a good one. I should know this and I don't, and now I'm a bit embarrassed by that. I believe it's fire rating.
Speaker 1:
Let's find out. Oh, it is a standard burgalry-resistant. Well, it's all right. You know, we're all learning together. It's okay. But sometimes you got to just go back in time and remember things. But up to now, you've been frickin amazin man, don't you worry. What's coming up next? Anything else? Oh, that was the last question. Way to go. I'm going to say that you just got yourself exactly 15,000 points, putting you at least on the top of our board of people so far at yourself, on the board of “Leaders of the Locksmith Lounge.”
Let's find out. Oh, it is a standard burgalry-resistant. Well, it's all right. You know, we're all learning together. It's okay. But sometimes you got to just go back in time and remember things. But up to now, you've been frickin amazin man, don't you worry. What's coming up next? Anything else? Oh, that was the last question. Way to go. I'm going to say that you just got yourself exactly 15,000 points, putting you at least on the top of our board of people so far at yourself, on the board of “Leaders of the Locksmith Lounge.”
Speaker 1:
Wow. So way to go. That's backwards once again. Okay. So next we're going to go into another section of the show. I forgot where my notes are... Okay. So since I asked you a bunch of deep questions early on, we can hop back into the future of Locksmithing if you want to get more specific on it in a little bit.
Wow. So way to go. That's backwards once again. Okay. So next we're going to go into another section of the show. I forgot where my notes are... Okay. So since I asked you a bunch of deep questions early on, we can hop back into the future of Locksmithing if you want to get more specific on it in a little bit.
Speaker 1:
But I guess let's go ahead and talk to you about you. I guess, what got you into this line of work?
But I guess let's go ahead and talk to you about you. I guess, what got you into this line of work?
Speaker 2:
It is a crazy story. Boy, 2000. Well, if you're old enough to remember the 2008-2009 crash, a big economic downturn. Yeah, this was our equivalent of the Great Depression. It was the largest financial disaster in history, second only to the Great Depression. And so people lost a lot. I was out in the oil field. I was a young kid willing to work, you know, willing to work hard.
It is a crazy story. Boy, 2000. Well, if you're old enough to remember the 2008-2009 crash, a big economic downturn. Yeah, this was our equivalent of the Great Depression. It was the largest financial disaster in history, second only to the Great Depression. And so people lost a lot. I was out in the oil field. I was a young kid willing to work, you know, willing to work hard.
Speaker 2:
I was working 12, 14, 18 hour days every single day, seven days a week for months on end. And that is not an exaggeration. I would literally get in my truck at 3:00 in the morning, drive an hour and a half to get into another truck, to chain out to drive in the snow, another hour and a half to get to the equipment to finally actually start our workday, work our 8, 10, 12 hours, and then go back and do that all over again.
I was working 12, 14, 18 hour days every single day, seven days a week for months on end. And that is not an exaggeration. I would literally get in my truck at 3:00 in the morning, drive an hour and a half to get into another truck, to chain out to drive in the snow, another hour and a half to get to the equipment to finally actually start our workday, work our 8, 10, 12 hours, and then go back and do that all over again.
Speaker 2:
Now, we have to do that because that's what was required of me to provide for my family at that point in time. It was the only work that I could do. I didn't have college education or any of those things, so I just had to work through sheer brute force and sheer will. So I did that for a long time and ran heavy equipment, bulldozers, excavators.
Now, we have to do that because that's what was required of me to provide for my family at that point in time. It was the only work that I could do. I didn't have college education or any of those things, so I just had to work through sheer brute force and sheer will. So I did that for a long time and ran heavy equipment, bulldozers, excavators.
Speaker 2:
I ran everything with wheels and without okay, if you-- if it was on the job site, I could run it... Haul trucks, you know, Motor grader everything. Water trucks, everything.
I ran everything with wheels and without okay, if you-- if it was on the job site, I could run it... Haul trucks, you know, Motor grader everything. Water trucks, everything.
Speaker 1:
You made a pretty good living doing that kind of work as well.
You made a pretty good living doing that kind of work as well.
Speaker 2:
Yeah. You know, I was making, you know, at that time in 2000, you know, ten or whatever, you know, 26, 28 bucks an hour working, you know, 90-120 hours a week, you can get a pretty decent paycheck. Right? And then as with everything, oil field kind of came in and busted and left. Right. And then when that happened, the economic crash happened.
Yeah. You know, I was making, you know, at that time in 2000, you know, ten or whatever, you know, 26, 28 bucks an hour working, you know, 90-120 hours a week, you can get a pretty decent paycheck. Right? And then as with everything, oil field kind of came in and busted and left. Right. And then when that happened, the economic crash happened.
Speaker 2:
And therefore, luckily, I actually managed to get out of the oil field and get into one of the local gravel pit, which those actually usually-- the economy usually doesn't affect them as well. Right. Because those jobs are going to come like when the economy's going really bad, they're going to do infrastructure grants and things like that. So the government's going to start opening up the purse strings and the gravel pits will make gravel... the, you know, concrete, asphalt, all that stuff got.
And therefore, luckily, I actually managed to get out of the oil field and get into one of the local gravel pit, which those actually usually-- the economy usually doesn't affect them as well. Right. Because those jobs are going to come like when the economy's going really bad, they're going to do infrastructure grants and things like that. So the government's going to start opening up the purse strings and the gravel pits will make gravel... the, you know, concrete, asphalt, all that stuff got.
Speaker 2:
So I was actually saved from that up to about 2012. And then finally in 2012, I was one of the last-- well, I was the last equipment operator to get laid off from the company. And I told them I was like, Hey, you know, if if you guys lay me off, I'm just-- I'm not coming back. You know, that's-- I don't want to do this.
So I was actually saved from that up to about 2012. And then finally in 2012, I was one of the last-- well, I was the last equipment operator to get laid off from the company. And I told them I was like, Hey, you know, if if you guys lay me off, I'm just-- I'm not coming back. You know, that's-- I don't want to do this.
Speaker 2:
I don't want to be seasonal right? I'd been seasonal for too long earlier.
I don't want to be seasonal right? I'd been seasonal for too long earlier.
Speaker 1:
This like this was where you were in Colorado, then?
This like this was where you were in Colorado, then?
Speaker 2:
In Colorado Yeah, And so I was like, okay, time to go find something else and go do something different. I've been a big kid in the sandbox and played with my played with my Tonka toys long enough. My back hurt real bad. I'm sure I'll tell you, it does not have suspension so my back is wrecked. The oilfield chews up young bodies and spits them out.
In Colorado Yeah, And so I was like, okay, time to go find something else and go do something different. I've been a big kid in the sandbox and played with my played with my Tonka toys long enough. My back hurt real bad. I'm sure I'll tell you, it does not have suspension so my back is wrecked. The oilfield chews up young bodies and spits them out.
Speaker 2:
That's what it does.
That's what it does.
Speaker 1:
It's a lot of work and there's a ton of work out there. I mean
It's a lot of work and there's a ton of work out there. I mean
Speaker 2:
It’s a ton of work, and most and most of the people that I knew at that time ended up getting painkiller addictions, alcoholism, all of these things are really.
It’s a ton of work, and most and most of the people that I knew at that time ended up getting painkiller addictions, alcoholism, all of these things are really.
Speaker 1:
Just kind of because it goes along with working till you're like, ready to kill yourself. So you got to do something to deal with it.
Just kind of because it goes along with working till you're like, ready to kill yourself. So you got to do something to deal with it.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, Yeah. You know, and I was finding myself there, you know, I like I said, leave it 3:00 in the morning. Get home at eight, nine, 10:00 at night, just enough to, you know, maybe, possibly enjoy a sip on a beer and a couple bites of food and that's it. It's time to go to bed, get 3 hours of sleep, and do it all over again.
Yeah, Yeah. You know, and I was finding myself there, you know, I like I said, leave it 3:00 in the morning. Get home at eight, nine, 10:00 at night, just enough to, you know, maybe, possibly enjoy a sip on a beer and a couple bites of food and that's it. It's time to go to bed, get 3 hours of sleep, and do it all over again.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, it's miserable yet. And so I wanted change and the opportunity came up to purchase this business. The original owner was on the descent. You know, he was tapering off. The company didn't even make I think they didn't even make $100,000. I think that when I took it over the last year, he was in charge. He had taken like 16 weeks off just for vacation.
Yeah, it's miserable yet. And so I wanted change and the opportunity came up to purchase this business. The original owner was on the descent. You know, he was tapering off. The company didn't even make I think they didn't even make $100,000. I think that when I took it over the last year, he was in charge. He had taken like 16 weeks off just for vacation.
Speaker 2:
Wow. So the company had made about $80,000 and I was like, okay, well, you know, I can I can really certainly turn things around. So I did have to move. It was still in Colorado, but I had move about an hour and a half away and I stayed in a hotel and just learned my family was back home and I just stayed in the hotel.
Wow. So the company had made about $80,000 and I was like, okay, well, you know, I can I can really certainly turn things around. So I did have to move. It was still in Colorado, but I had move about an hour and a half away and I stayed in a hotel and just learned my family was back home and I just stayed in the hotel.
Speaker 2:
It came the business came with 90 days training, which again is not enough.
It came the business came with 90 days training, which again is not enough.
Speaker 1:
Of course not.
Of course not.
Speaker 2:
For anything for anybody. It came with a van fully stocked man tools, company name phone number and the and the reputation that the business had.
For anything for anybody. It came with a van fully stocked man tools, company name phone number and the and the reputation that the business had.
Speaker 1:
Were you're already operating into the three locations in or just out of one location.
Were you're already operating into the three locations in or just out of one location.
Speaker 2:
It was called Tri-County Locksmiths. So there's three counties that are up here. Pitkin County, Garfield County and Eagle County are the two counties that we service in. It's kind of weird. They'll kind of come together in a weird, weird way, but it's just a good name.
It was called Tri-County Locksmiths. So there's three counties that are up here. Pitkin County, Garfield County and Eagle County are the two counties that we service in. It's kind of weird. They'll kind of come together in a weird, weird way, but it's just a good name.
Speaker 1:
I got you.
I got you.
Speaker 2:
The name was actually.
The name was actually.
Speaker 1:
Go ahead. I was gonna say, like, how many people do you do you employ, I guess, in your, fleet?? Do you have fleet at this time or is it just you still.
Go ahead. I was gonna say, like, how many people do you do you employ, I guess, in your, fleet?? Do you have fleet at this time or is it just you still.
Speaker 2:
So I've got myself I've got an office, an office lady, operations manager, and then I've got two techs on the road.
So I've got myself I've got an office, an office lady, operations manager, and then I've got two techs on the road.
Speaker 1:
Okay.
Okay.
Speaker 2:
Right now. And then I've also got a business partner, John, who we started up another company with, John Wayne Lock and safe kind of fun. Little play on words.
Right now. And then I've also got a business partner, John, who we started up another company with, John Wayne Lock and safe kind of fun. Little play on words.
Speaker 1:
Nice. Yeah.
Nice. Yeah.
Speaker 2:
Cool name. So we're. Yeah, so we're working on that in another area. And my marketing strategy is this I partnered with somebody who has we've got the security game. So it's Reliant Security. John owns Reliant Security. That's all the alarms, cameras, all that stuff. That's what he does. Okay. Yeah, that's what you have to do. I've got the locksmith side of things locked down for the entire area.
Cool name. So we're. Yeah, so we're working on that in another area. And my marketing strategy is this I partnered with somebody who has we've got the security game. So it's Reliant Security. John owns Reliant Security. That's all the alarms, cameras, all that stuff. That's what he does. Okay. Yeah, that's what you have to do. I've got the locksmith side of things locked down for the entire area.
Speaker 2:
Tri-County Locksmith Service. And then now we thought how appropriate we can gain yet another Google business listing by opening up a separate entity and actually having a showroom and a shop with this. And so now we've got John Wayne Lock & Safe. So when you search in my area, I don't show up once. I don't show up twice, I cover the entire page.
Tri-County Locksmith Service. And then now we thought how appropriate we can gain yet another Google business listing by opening up a separate entity and actually having a showroom and a shop with this. And so now we've got John Wayne Lock & Safe. So when you search in my area, I don't show up once. I don't show up twice, I cover the entire page.
Speaker 2:
And if it's not me, it's still me.
And if it's not me, it's still me.
Speaker 1:
All right. We could do a whole a whole discussion with you on how to market a company successfully as well. It seems like you're really on top of this marketing thing, to be quite honest. Yeah.
All right. We could do a whole a whole discussion with you on how to market a company successfully as well. It seems like you're really on top of this marketing thing, to be quite honest. Yeah.
Speaker 2:
And actually.
And actually.
Speaker 1:
I guess let me actually see if we can stick to more questions. Let me move on to the next thing. Answers. Great, great answer. By the way, what do you do to occupy your nonworking hours? What do you do outside of of work? What do you do when you're not in a van opening things?
I guess let me actually see if we can stick to more questions. Let me move on to the next thing. Answers. Great, great answer. By the way, what do you do to occupy your nonworking hours? What do you do outside of of work? What do you do when you're not in a van opening things?
Speaker 2:
Okay. So I look at things like the wheel of life. Okay? If you've got your wheel of life here, you're going to have a couple spokes on that Wheel of Life. And I need to dedicate equal amounts of time and energy to myself. That is one spoke on this wheel. One spoke is the work spoke and the other spoke is the family spoke.
Okay. So I look at things like the wheel of life. Okay? If you've got your wheel of life here, you're going to have a couple spokes on that Wheel of Life. And I need to dedicate equal amounts of time and energy to myself. That is one spoke on this wheel. One spoke is the work spoke and the other spoke is the family spoke.
Speaker 2:
And if any one of those spokes gets out of round and I don't give that much equal attention to it, then obviously you're going to have an oval and not a round wheel. And if you can imagine trying to go fast on an oval, it's not going to happen. Bumpy So I need to contribute equal amounts of time on all fronts.
And if any one of those spokes gets out of round and I don't give that much equal attention to it, then obviously you're going to have an oval and not a round wheel. And if you can imagine trying to go fast on an oval, it's not going to happen. Bumpy So I need to contribute equal amounts of time on all fronts.
Speaker 2:
So if I'm not working, I'm usually hanging out with my family, spending time with my kids, teaching them things, spending time with my wife, you know, just just doing whatever it needs to to happen around the house and to support my family. That's cool, because what are we working for? But to support that exactly.
So if I'm not working, I'm usually hanging out with my family, spending time with my kids, teaching them things, spending time with my wife, you know, just just doing whatever it needs to to happen around the house and to support my family. That's cool, because what are we working for? But to support that exactly.
Speaker 1:
You guys like, you know, sports or hunting, anything outdoors, what you guys usually do, you know, in your spare time.
You guys like, you know, sports or hunting, anything outdoors, what you guys usually do, you know, in your spare time.
Speaker 2:
So we used to go rock crawling, had a buggy at one time. Just didn't have the time for it. Don't do a whole lot of sports. We'll go we'll watch UFC fights, you know. Well, every now and then, if somebody is fighting that, I know I will usually grab whatever pay per view that is. We actually flew to Vegas for my son's 18th birthday when he when he turned 18, we flew to Vegas, caught the Nate Diaz, fight his last fight.
So we used to go rock crawling, had a buggy at one time. Just didn't have the time for it. Don't do a whole lot of sports. We'll go we'll watch UFC fights, you know. Well, every now and then, if somebody is fighting that, I know I will usually grab whatever pay per view that is. We actually flew to Vegas for my son's 18th birthday when he when he turned 18, we flew to Vegas, caught the Nate Diaz, fight his last fight.
Speaker 1:
It's a great fight. That was too.
It's a great fight. That was too.
Speaker 2:
Yeah, it was, and we were there live.
Yeah, it was, and we were there live.
Speaker 1:
That's cool, man. that’s really cool.
That's cool, man. that’s really cool.
Speaker 2:
And so that that's about it. You know, I just I try and come up with fun, unique ways to spend time with them and and just do fun stuff with them. The family has side by sides, I mean, we'll get out in the outdoors and and go do stuff.
And so that that's about it. You know, I just I try and come up with fun, unique ways to spend time with them and and just do fun stuff with them. The family has side by sides, I mean, we'll get out in the outdoors and and go do stuff.
Speaker 1:
Okay. So I guess next is going to be regarding your technical prowess. You desire to take things apart and know where all the little pieces go. get into these incredibly dense and ridiculous machinery pieces.. Safes themesleves are absurd to me. Locks taking that apart, putting it together. I don't understand how you can keep it all together in your brain. When did you notice for yourself that you were able to like, care so much about things like that and to put the work in to to be good at that?
Okay. So I guess next is going to be regarding your technical prowess. You desire to take things apart and know where all the little pieces go. get into these incredibly dense and ridiculous machinery pieces.. Safes themesleves are absurd to me. Locks taking that apart, putting it together. I don't understand how you can keep it all together in your brain. When did you notice for yourself that you were able to like, care so much about things like that and to put the work in to to be good at that?
Speaker 2:
It all goes back to this was my last shot, You know, when I left the construction industry, I left something. I was every bit as good as an operator as I am a locksmith. Like when I go in, I go all in. That was I was the last one to be laid off. I was I could run anything.
It all goes back to this was my last shot, You know, when I left the construction industry, I left something. I was every bit as good as an operator as I am a locksmith. Like when I go in, I go all in. That was I was the last one to be laid off. I was I could run anything.
Speaker 2:
There was not anybody that could do what I could do on that job site. And I made sure of it and it was made sure that I had employment up to the last moment. So I took that same dedication and applied it to this trade. That's all I did. I didn't do anything different. Is it my idea of a fun time to take this apart and put it back together?
There was not anybody that could do what I could do on that job site. And I made sure of it and it was made sure that I had employment up to the last moment. So I took that same dedication and applied it to this trade. That's all I did. I didn't do anything different. Is it my idea of a fun time to take this apart and put it back together?
Speaker 2:
Is that a joyful experience for me? No, it's probably not the most fun thing to do, but I knew that I had to give 110% to whatever it is that I went and did because I uprooted my family and moved them out here with you. It was sink or swim. I had to succeed. So I'm good at it because I knew the drive and purpose behind it and the drive and purpose behind it was to be able to support family and create a good income.
Is that a joyful experience for me? No, it's probably not the most fun thing to do, but I knew that I had to give 110% to whatever it is that I went and did because I uprooted my family and moved them out here with you. It was sink or swim. I had to succeed. So I'm good at it because I knew the drive and purpose behind it and the drive and purpose behind it was to be able to support family and create a good income.
Speaker 1:
It's a great lesson for everybody out there. Keep your focus in mind. Keep yourself on the right track and you'll always get things done to the best of your abilities. Beautiful, Wayne, this has been really, really fantastic. Okay, so I guess if you have any thoughts, anything specific that you would say you'd want to discuss or that you are worried about in terms of the future of Locksmithing?
It's a great lesson for everybody out there. Keep your focus in mind. Keep yourself on the right track and you'll always get things done to the best of your abilities. Beautiful, Wayne, this has been really, really fantastic. Okay, so I guess if you have any thoughts, anything specific that you would say you'd want to discuss or that you are worried about in terms of the future of Locksmithing?
Speaker 1:
Security, Safe technician type work, anything that you are seeing coming that people should be focused on excited about or worried about?
Security, Safe technician type work, anything that you are seeing coming that people should be focused on excited about or worried about?
Speaker 2:
Oh boy, that's a good question. Whether or not we're going to have enough people in the field that actually want to do tradesman work. You know, you go to a high school or college today everybody's graduating in computer science, you know, people skills, health care. There's not very many skilled labor trades tradesmen and there's not very many people filling those jobs.
Oh boy, that's a good question. Whether or not we're going to have enough people in the field that actually want to do tradesman work. You know, you go to a high school or college today everybody's graduating in computer science, you know, people skills, health care. There's not very many skilled labor trades tradesmen and there's not very many people filling those jobs.
Speaker 2:
And it's kind of sad that there aren't more people that are willing to do this kind of work. It provides a very good lifestyle if you know how to actually do your job correctly and know the business behind it. You know, I've more than 10X’d to this business from when we picked it up, So that puts us, you know, just shy of that million dollar mark.
And it's kind of sad that there aren't more people that are willing to do this kind of work. It provides a very good lifestyle if you know how to actually do your job correctly and know the business behind it. You know, I've more than 10X’d to this business from when we picked it up, So that puts us, you know, just shy of that million dollar mark.
Speaker 1:
Right, and this...
Right, and this...
Speaker 2:
And anyone can do that...
And anyone can do that...
Speaker 1:
Right, and this... to me is kind of it's kind of where that whole family based business thing kind of comes in. Like it's easy for a Locksmith because they're working and working and working and doing their job. It's easier for them to teach their kid to do something to take on with them, but it's probably really difficult. There's not a locksmith class in college, you know, like there's no place to just find this.
Right, and this... to me is kind of it's kind of where that whole family based business thing kind of comes in. Like it's easy for a Locksmith because they're working and working and working and doing their job. It's easier for them to teach their kid to do something to take on with them, but it's probably really difficult. There's not a locksmith class in college, you know, like there's no place to just find this.
Speaker 1:
It's it's such a niche need. Like it's a need based scenario. Like and when you need a locksmith, you need a locksmith, but you never, unless you are related to one or locksmith yourself, you're not thinking of locksmiths until you need a locksmith, you know? So it's probably something that needs to be really pushed in and has some some real thoughts behind, like how to recruit people into the trade.
It's it's such a niche need. Like it's a need based scenario. Like and when you need a locksmith, you need a locksmith, but you never, unless you are related to one or locksmith yourself, you're not thinking of locksmiths until you need a locksmith, you know? So it's probably something that needs to be really pushed in and has some some real thoughts behind, like how to recruit people into the trade.
Speaker 1:
If that's the case, you know.
If that's the case, you know.
Speaker 2:
Fun fact, they used to 100% teach locksmithing courses in prison. So. So think about that for a little while.
Fun fact, they used to 100% teach locksmithing courses in prison. So. So think about that for a little while.
Speaker 1:
Yeah, I’m little confused by that...
Yeah, I’m little confused by that...
Speaker 2:
Considered a trade. It wasn't considered anything any different than a carpenter or a plumber or an electrician. It was just considered another trade. However, they didn't realize that these people were probably learning the same techniques that they could use to probably escape from prison eventually...
Considered a trade. It wasn't considered anything any different than a carpenter or a plumber or an electrician. It was just considered another trade. However, they didn't realize that these people were probably learning the same techniques that they could use to probably escape from prison eventually...
Speaker 1:
And it's it's it's actually in itself the conundrum of the fact that locksmithing is, in a way illegal at times. The idea of like, picking up these things we go to break into stuff is seen as a thing that you don't want people to be able to do, which is why it's, you know, regarded as needing to be safe.
And it's it's it's actually in itself the conundrum of the fact that locksmithing is, in a way illegal at times. The idea of like, picking up these things we go to break into stuff is seen as a thing that you don't want people to be able to do, which is why it's, you know, regarded as needing to be safe.
Speaker 1:
But it's it's almost in its own way. You have to take apart things that need to be thought of as secure. It's like being a person who makes viruses for computers. You have to be the person who knows how to get rid of them to be able to be the person who makes them, you know, like. So it's it's like a balanced scenario.
But it's it's almost in its own way. You have to take apart things that need to be thought of as secure. It's like being a person who makes viruses for computers. You have to be the person who knows how to get rid of them to be able to be the person who makes them, you know, like. So it's it's like a balanced scenario.
Speaker 1:
You never know who is who really, I guess. And that's why you.
You never know who is who really, I guess. And that's why you.
Speaker 2:
Exactly. And I think I think that right there, what you just said that is the problem that most people have with professional information about security bypass being posted out there on public for the public to consume is the whole difference. What separates locksmiths from any other trade or industry. Is the integrity of the locksmith doing the work? Now when you take I have that integrity.
Exactly. And I think I think that right there, what you just said that is the problem that most people have with professional information about security bypass being posted out there on public for the public to consume is the whole difference. What separates locksmiths from any other trade or industry. Is the integrity of the locksmith doing the work? Now when you take I have that integrity.
Speaker 2:
I, I could rob my customers blind, for crying out loud if I wanted to, but there's no way that I would trade what I have for that now. I can't say that everybody else that watches a video or sees a lock picking video or sees a safe opening video or whatever they see has the same level of integrity and intention that I do.
I, I could rob my customers blind, for crying out loud if I wanted to, but there's no way that I would trade what I have for that now. I can't say that everybody else that watches a video or sees a lock picking video or sees a safe opening video or whatever they see has the same level of integrity and intention that I do.
Speaker 2:
That's the whole problem with public information sharing that I see.
That's the whole problem with public information sharing that I see.
Speaker 1:
It all goes back and forth. You know, it's hard to say at which point it's important to stop teaching and at which point, you know, I mean, I know exactly where we should stop. You know, clearly, you shouldn't tell people how to decode the exact codes on anyone's thing. How to use a Lishi is not something that we should be teaching anyone how to do publicly, surely. And that's where things become, you know, paywalled and you have to be part of an organization to know.
It all goes back and forth. You know, it's hard to say at which point it's important to stop teaching and at which point, you know, I mean, I know exactly where we should stop. You know, clearly, you shouldn't tell people how to decode the exact codes on anyone's thing. How to use a Lishi is not something that we should be teaching anyone how to do publicly, surely. And that's where things become, you know, paywalled and you have to be part of an organization to know.
Speaker 1:
Then we're talking to a person who knows. And that's why it's important we all follow the rules and get ALOA certified, something about that as well. Are there other certification schools out there that exist ways to become more secure, more security based as a person to know what you should be doing besides ALOA?
Then we're talking to a person who knows. And that's why it's important we all follow the rules and get ALOA certified, something about that as well. Are there other certification schools out there that exist ways to become more secure, more security based as a person to know what you should be doing besides ALOA?
Speaker 2:
There's a lot of yeah, there's a lot of great systems out there. What my page, Wayneslockshop.com. That's all video based. That's the way that I learn. And when I was coming up, I didn't have there wasn't YouTube, there wasn't any information on there. There was YouTube, but there wasn't any locksmith information on there. I had absolutely no resources.
There's a lot of yeah, there's a lot of great systems out there. What my page, Wayneslockshop.com. That's all video based. That's the way that I learn. And when I was coming up, I didn't have there wasn't YouTube, there wasn't any information on there. There was YouTube, but there wasn't any locksmith information on there. I had absolutely no resources.
Speaker 2:
And the only way that you could gain information or knowledge is you had to wait for a trade show and then you had to save up enough money to go to a trade show and go to that trade show. And I'll learn from that trade show. Well, here's the problem with that. It took me six years to be able to save up enough money to be able to even go attend one of those things.
And the only way that you could gain information or knowledge is you had to wait for a trade show and then you had to save up enough money to go to a trade show and go to that trade show. And I'll learn from that trade show. Well, here's the problem with that. It took me six years to be able to save up enough money to be able to even go attend one of those things.
Speaker 2:
So I was providing not the best service for my clients and I wasn't as prepared as I should have been because I didn't have access to that information because of financial burdens. So the element of taking that out in the drive behind doing what I do with my videos is to teach people and to give them that knowledge.
So I was providing not the best service for my clients and I wasn't as prepared as I should have been because I didn't have access to that information because of financial burdens. So the element of taking that out in the drive behind doing what I do with my videos is to teach people and to give them that knowledge.
Speaker 2:
I want somebody to say, I've never done a continuous hinge before, but I can watch one of Wayne's videos and I will do my research and I will put in the work the night before, and then I will educate myself on how to do that professionally and properly, and then I will go execute that job. I'm not afraid of it and I will do it professionally.
I want somebody to say, I've never done a continuous hinge before, but I can watch one of Wayne's videos and I will do my research and I will put in the work the night before, and then I will educate myself on how to do that professionally and properly, and then I will go execute that job. I'm not afraid of it and I will do it professionally.
Speaker 2:
That's the whole goal Between the video concept of my website. That's just one opportunity, there’s (wayneslockshop.com) You can go there, fill out an application, a ALOA offers the Great education. (ALOA.org) is a great way to get there. They offer webinars. They have code of ethics classes, they have fire door safety classes. They do a lot of things that I don't do.
That's the whole goal Between the video concept of my website. That's just one opportunity, there’s (wayneslockshop.com) You can go there, fill out an application, a ALOA offers the Great education. (ALOA.org) is a great way to get there. They offer webinars. They have code of ethics classes, they have fire door safety classes. They do a lot of things that I don't do.
Speaker 2:
And then there's specialty sites like if you're going to do safe and vault work. I just interviewed Dave McComie, probably the best safecracker of or one of the best of all.
And then there's specialty sites like if you're going to do safe and vault work. I just interviewed Dave McComie, probably the best safecracker of or one of the best of all.
Speaker 1:
Time, your mentor.
Time, your mentor.
Speaker 2:
There in that Mount Rushmore top, right? Right now for sure. And he's got a site called (NSO.com) or (DaveMcComie.com). That's where I would recommend people go for Safe and Vault education. Follow the people who are the best at what they do and learn from them.
There in that Mount Rushmore top, right? Right now for sure. And he's got a site called (NSO.com) or (DaveMcComie.com). That's where I would recommend people go for Safe and Vault education. Follow the people who are the best at what they do and learn from them.
Speaker 1:
All right. I think we should start our own Mount Rushmore of locksmiths. Maybe. You know, that's a good it's a good name to have up there. Your face could be on there as well. It's really cool and humbling.
All right. I think we should start our own Mount Rushmore of locksmiths. Maybe. You know, that's a good it's a good name to have up there. Your face could be on there as well. It's really cool and humbling.
Speaker 2:
Anything.
Anything.
Speaker 1:
Anything that you want to push or plug at this time, anything that you want to put out there for the world.
Anything that you want to push or plug at this time, anything that you want to put out there for the world.
Speaker 2:
(WaynesLockShop.com). Check it out. Fill out an application, enjoy a seven day free trial. I can extend our half off lifetime membership opportunity. It's $285. If you mention watching this video and mention UHS, shoot me. Put that in the application that you watch this cast and we'll give you a half off of that lifetime membership. Think about that $285, one time payment can buy you a whole lifetime of education.
(WaynesLockShop.com). Check it out. Fill out an application, enjoy a seven day free trial. I can extend our half off lifetime membership opportunity. It's $285. If you mention watching this video and mention UHS, shoot me. Put that in the application that you watch this cast and we'll give you a half off of that lifetime membership. Think about that $285, one time payment can buy you a whole lifetime of education.
Speaker 2:
That's what you get in one class. You’re not going to get that anywhere else..
That's what you get in one class. You’re not going to get that anywhere else..
Speaker 1:
That sounds pretty amazing... oof..
That sounds pretty amazing... oof..
Speaker 2:
You know, so, check it out. Jump on it. Act with integrity out there. Treat every customer as though it were a family member or a friend, and watch your business grow and flourish, that’s the best advice that i can give at this time.
You know, so, check it out. Jump on it. Act with integrity out there. Treat every customer as though it were a family member or a friend, and watch your business grow and flourish, that’s the best advice that i can give at this time.
Speaker 1:
You know. you beat me to something real quick. I actually have something coming up right now called “The Keys to Success”, which is actually going to be something where I want to hear from you, just some kind of a phrase or a thought, some that we're going to just put on screen right about like here in the middle. And it's going to say Wayne's key to success.
You know. you beat me to something real quick. I actually have something coming up right now called “The Keys to Success”, which is actually going to be something where I want to hear from you, just some kind of a phrase or a thought, some that we're going to just put on screen right about like here in the middle. And it's going to say Wayne's key to success.
Speaker 1:
And if you want to go and just share what you want to say, your little catchphrase or statement motto, what do you want to do?
And if you want to go and just share what you want to say, your little catchphrase or statement motto, what do you want to do?
Speaker 2:
I would say just that if you treat people like family or friends and watch your business grow, (lovely). That's it. That's the key to success. And that's funny. I actually wrote I probably wrote three articles for ALOA about six years ago, and it was called “The Keys to Success for Social Media Marketing”. So we think alike, that’s cool.
I would say just that if you treat people like family or friends and watch your business grow, (lovely). That's it. That's the key to success. And that's funny. I actually wrote I probably wrote three articles for ALOA about six years ago, and it was called “The Keys to Success for Social Media Marketing”. So we think alike, that’s cool.
Speaker 1:
Well, good man. I really do appreciate you being on here. This is really been a fantastic episode... you’re like an overflowing well of knowledge and thought and just like thoughtful ways of being a business person, if not just a professional, if not just being a person. You seem to think so far beyond most people when it comes to just, you know, not only marketing, but how to present yourself and how to have a discussion.
Well, good man. I really do appreciate you being on here. This is really been a fantastic episode... you’re like an overflowing well of knowledge and thought and just like thoughtful ways of being a business person, if not just a professional, if not just being a person. You seem to think so far beyond most people when it comes to just, you know, not only marketing, but how to present yourself and how to have a discussion.
Speaker 1:
You are on top of this whole idea of of networking and setting up things so that you're always being thought of and talked about and you seem to really be ahead of yourself. I see you as being a real pinnacle of success and thank you for being on our show man. Thank you so much.
You are on top of this whole idea of of networking and setting up things so that you're always being thought of and talked about and you seem to really be ahead of yourself. I see you as being a real pinnacle of success and thank you for being on our show man. Thank you so much.
Speaker 2:
Absolutely. Thank you for having me. I appreciate it. It's an honor to be here and thank you for your kind words. We're only getting started.
Absolutely. Thank you for having me. I appreciate it. It's an honor to be here and thank you for your kind words. We're only getting started.
Speaker 1:
All right. Well, once again, guys, check out Wayne at (WaynesLockShop.com). Thank you very much, man. We'll see you soon. Have a great day. We'll Check you guys out here soon. Once again here soon on Louie’s Locksmith Lounge., I mean “Locksmith Lounge with Louie”. And to say that one of these times. Welcome back again. Next time, guys, we'll see you later.
All right. Well, once again, guys, check out Wayne at (WaynesLockShop.com). Thank you very much, man. We'll see you soon. Have a great day. We'll Check you guys out here soon. Once again here soon on Louie’s Locksmith Lounge., I mean “Locksmith Lounge with Louie”. And to say that one of these times. Welcome back again. Next time, guys, we'll see you later.
Speaker 1:
Peace. Have a good day.
Peace. Have a good day.