Prepared for Anything, Every Single Day
Kevin Martin took an unexpected route into locksmithing, swapping a career in vehicle leasing logistics for life as the owner of KWM Locksmiths. Nearly four years on, he has built a business based on preparation, honesty and first-time fixes, serving customers across Scotland with a van stocked for almost every eventuality.
My Life Before Locksmithing
People often ask me how I ended up becoming a locksmith because it wasn’t something I’d planned from an early age. Before locksmithing I was a driver, collecting and delivering lease cars before they went to auction or wherever they needed to go. One day a locksmith happened to be doing the same driving job and we got chatting. He told me about the trade, the training courses and what was involved. That conversation completely changed the direction of my career.
I started with a beginner’s locksmith course in Stirling before travelling south to train with Mark Ward from Bump Keys 4U, who is well known within the industry for his bump key training. From there I just kept building my skills, learning new techniques and gaining experience.
I’m coming up to four years in the trade now and it’s coming up to my first full year working as a full-time locksmith. I actually kept my driving job for around three years while I built the business. Leaving wasn’t an easy decision because I genuinely enjoyed that job, but locksmithing was growing, it was paying better and eventually it was obvious it was the right move.
No Two Days Are Ever the Same
One of the things I love most about locksmithing is that every day is different. I work on my own, so every job, every customer and every challenge is down to me. One day I’ll be opening a garage door after someone has lost their keys. The next I’ll be replacing failed uPVC mechanisms, fitting thumbturn euro cylinders or repairing doors that have completely seized up.
If I had to choose a favourite job, it’s probably getting someone back into their house after they’ve lost their keys. There’s something really satisfying about solving what feels like a disaster for the customer and seeing the relief on their face.
That’s what keeps the job interesting – you never really know what the next call will be.
If I Need It Once, It’s Worth Carrying
One thing people notice when they look inside my van is just how much stock I carry. I like to be prepared for all eventualities. There are products and tools I’ve carried around for years without using them, and sometimes I wonder why I bought them. Then one day that exact job comes in and suddenly that tool earns its place.
I’m exactly the same with specialist opening equipment. I might not touch certain mortice tools for four years, but eventually a job comes along where they’re exactly what’s needed. I’d much rather carry too much than arrive at a customer’s property and realise I need to come back another day. My aim is always to complete the work on the first visit wherever possible. For me, that’s better customer service and a better way to run a business.
The Industry Has Its Challenges
Like most genuine locksmiths, I’ve seen the damage caused by companies advertising unrealistic prices. When I first entered the trade, I didn’t really understand the difference between genuine local locksmiths and the national call-centre operations advertising £39 or £49 jobs.
Those prices attract customers, but far too often people end up paying several hundred pounds once the work has been carried out. That makes life harder for independent locksmiths because customers become suspicious of everyone. The good side of the industry, though, is the locksmith community itself.
I’ve made some good friends through locksmithing and we help each other out whenever we can. That’s something I really value. When I first started, I think some people saw me as competition. I joke that I felt like a bit of a smelly fart at times. But once people get to know you and realise you’re genuine, things change.
Scotland Is My Patch
Although I’m based in Airdrie, my work regularly takes me across Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Edinburgh, and sometimes much further. I’ve travelled as far north as Mallaig and I can easily cover between 500 and 1,000 miles every week.
People often ask if I’m available 24 hours a day, but the answer is no. That surprises some customers, but it’s a deliberate decision. When I finish work, my phone goes onto silent. Everyone needs some balance, and I think being honest about the hours I work is healthier than pretending to be available all day and night.
The Working Day Doesn’t End at the Last Job
People only see the part where I turn up, repair the lock and drive away. They don’t always see what comes afterwards. Once I get home, the day isn’t finished. There are invoices to do, stock to organise, paperwork to catch up on and preparing everything for the following morning. By the time I eventually sit down it’s often around 11 o’clock at night, which usually leaves me about an hour before bed and then it all starts again the next day. The funny thing is, I genuinely enjoy it. Running your own business is hard work, but knowing it’s all for your own future makes the long days worthwhile.
Adding Personality to the Business
One thing I think helps my business stand out is that people get to know me. I run my own Facebook and Instagram pages and I like showing a bit of personality rather than making every post look the same, and customers seem to enjoy that.
The website is something I leave to the professionals, but social media gives people a chance to see the person behind the business. I think people buy from people, especially in a trade like locksmithing where trust is everything.
Life Beyond Locks
Outside work, I’m a huge dog lover. I have three pugs: Buster, who’s 10, plus Louis and Rolo, who are both rescue dogs that I ended up taking in. People sometimes ask why I don’t take them out in the van with me, but they’d be far too much of a distraction, and they’re much happier at home. Although they do have one weakness. If there’s a Chinese takeaway in the house, they’ll do almost anything for a prawn cracker.
Looking Back
When someone first approached me about appearing in a locksmith magazine, I honestly thought it might be a scam. These days I’m glad I said yes.
I’ve always believed you don’t get anything for free in business. You have to work hard, earn your reputation and keep improving. That’s exactly how I’ve approached locksmithing from day one. I took a chance on a completely different career, and it’s turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
www.kwm-locksmiths.com
Instagram: kwm.locksmiths
More info
KWM Locksmiths is owned and operated by Kevin Martin and provides locksmith services across Lanarkshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh and throughout Scotland. Specialising in emergency lockouts, UPVC door and lock repairs, lock replacements, garage door locks and security upgrades, the business is built around fast response times, carrying extensive stock to maximise first-visit completion rates and delivering honest, customer-focused service.