A chance conversation, a retired locksmith, and a passion for security helped Zach Schram build Lock County LLC from the ground up.
The Locksmith Journal is delighted to cross the Atlantic and speak with a locksmith from the United States to discover whether life in the trade is really that different from here in the UK. While the tools, locks and customer expectations may vary, many of the challenges and rewards of locksmithing remain remarkably similar.
When a car accident unexpectedly changed the direction of his life, Wisconsin-based locksmith Zach could never have imagined it would lead him into the security industry. What began as a search for a new opportunity eventually became a thriving mobile locksmith business serving Rock County and the surrounding areas. Today, as the owner of Lock County LLC, he provides residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services, but his journey into the trade was anything but conventional.
The Road into Locksmithing
I got started in locksmithing after a car accident. The insurance payout gave me enough money to buy a midsize truck, and I knew I wanted to use that opportunity to create something for myself. At the time, I was researching all kinds of businesses. I looked into power washing, landscaping and other service trades before discovering locksmithing.
The more I learned, the more fascinated I became. There was something about the history of the craft, the technical skill involved and the problem-solving aspect that immediately grabbed my attention.
I completed an online locksmith training programme and later enrolled in a 40-hour residential and commercial certification course. Just before attending that course, a conversation with my barber changed everything. She mentioned a local locksmith who was considering retirement and handed me one of his promotional pens, suggesting I contact him (Jim) after finishing my training.
What started as a phone call turned into an apprenticeship and eventually a friendship. While the formal training gave me a solid foundation, Jim became my greatest teacher. There are things you can learn in a classroom and things you can only learn from years in the field.
A One-Man, One-Truck Operation
Today I operate Lock County LLC, a mobile locksmith service based in Rock County, Wisconsin, serving the surrounding areas with residential, commercial and automotive work.
Some people see being a solo operator as a limitation. I see it as one of my greatest strengths. When customers call my business, they speak directly with the locksmith who will be arriving at their property. There are no call centres, dispatchers or layers of administration between the customer and the technician.
That direct relationship allows me to provide a level of service that is increasingly rare. I can take the time to genuinely listen to customers, understand their concerns and explain their options clearly. Security decisions can be confusing for homeowners and business owners, and my goal is to help them understand exactly what they are buying and why it matters.
Being small allows me to remain responsive, flexible and personal. That is something I never want to lose as the company grows.
The Challenge of Patience
Like many locksmiths who start their own businesses, the biggest challenge has not been learning the trade. It has been learning patience.
Building a business from scratch takes time. There are days when the phone does not ring as much as you would like and weeks when growth feels slower than expected. It is easy to get discouraged when you are investing time, money and effort without seeing immediate results.
I have learned that success in this industry comes from consistency. You have to trust the process, continue showing up every day and keep doing the right things even when the results are not immediate.
What Customers Want Now
One of the biggest trends I am seeing is growing customer interest in residential surveillance systems. Homeowners are becoming increasingly security-conscious and are looking beyond traditional locks. Cameras, video doorbells and integrated security systems are generating strong demand.
People want layered security. A strong lock is still important, but many homeowners also want visibility and control over who is approaching their property.
The Future of Mechanical Locks
There is a lot of discussion in the industry about smart locks and whether they will eventually replace traditional hardware. I do not see that happening.
Smart locks have their place and can offer convenience and remote access. However, mechanical locks remain the foundation of reliable security. Many customers still prefer traditional systems, especially in higher-security situations where reliability is critical.
The most effective approach is often a hybrid one: smart technology for convenience, backed by high-quality mechanical hardware at the core.
Choosing Products You Can Trust
One principle I follow is simple: if I would not trust a product on my own property, I will not install it for a customer. I only use products I have personally tested and that come with strong warranties. Marketing claims do not mean much if a product cannot perform in real-world conditions. I also stand behind every installation with my own guarantee.
For locksmiths evaluating lock brands, my advice is to focus on proven performance rather than chasing trends. Look for LSDA-certified products that strike a balance between quality and affordability, and pay attention to how products perform over time in the field.
Step-by-Step Growth
The future of Lock County LLC is exciting. I have developed clear growth phases and I am committed to following them methodically rather than trying to expand too quickly.
Right now, my focus is on reinvesting into the business. I am building inventory, purchasing additional equipment and adding tools that will increase my capabilities, including more key programmers and a backup key machine. I am also working toward branding my van more extensively to strengthen visibility in the communities I serve.
Every decision is aimed at building a stronger, more capable operation while preserving the personal service that customers value. Growth is important, but not at the expense of the customer experience.
LockCountyLLC@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/p/Lock-County-LLC-61578640660562/
More information
Lock County LLC is a mobile locksmith company based in Rock County, Wisconsin, serving surrounding communities with residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services. Founded and operated by Zach, the business combines personalised customer service with professional locksmith expertise. Operating as a one-man, one-truck service, Lock County LLC focuses on responsive service, trusted security solutions and honest customer advice while continuing to invest in growth and advanced locksmith capabilities.