You wouldn’t expect a former globe-trotting kitesurfer to end up in the heart of Torquay as a locksmith, but that’s exactly what happened to Casey Metcalfe. After a decade of exploring the world’s wildest winds – from Peru to Sri Lanka – Casey has now anchored her passion for into a career as a professional locksmith with Lockfit.
Surfboards, Snack Boxes & Second Winds
For about ten years, my husband Scott and I travelled the world. We ran a kite surfing school in Peru, lived out of backpacks in Mexico, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Egypt – moving with the wind every six months. We were adventurers at heart, but when we returned from our travels, the pandemic hit which halted us a while. I applied for a job working with a wind-surfing school in Exmouth, but soon after I found out I was pregnant which changed everything. Wind surfing and family life didn’t really mix well, but I’m so glad that we found Exmouth where we’ve now settled. Scott and I worked together on several businesses, including a snack box business with 600 honesty-box locations across Devon, and raised money for the charity Raise a Wish Foundation.
The business kept us busy, but I was craving more – something that challenges me mentally and something I can grow in. I needed a trade.
Convincing Me One Lock at a Time
Scott had already been thinking ahead. Snackaid wasn’t forever, and he spent months researching different trades. He kept coming back to locksmithing, found Lockfit, and started training with them. He was so passionate, buzzing every time he picked a lock or solved a tricky door. He’d rope me in to help, and gradually, he convinced me that I could do it too. He was right. I sold the snackbox business in March and never looked back.
Training on the Job – and at Home
I’m lucky that my first year of training was hands-on. I followed Scott to every job, watched every move, and picked up things that no classroom can teach. I eventually did the official Lockfit and UKLA course – how to pick, bump, drill, align, and gain entry. But honestly, Scott taught me all the real-world stuff – how to calm a nervous customer, what tools to avoid, how to spot a hidden hook bolt.
There were other women on the course, which made me feel more at ease. It reminded me that this isn’t just a trade for blokes, it’s for anyone willing to work hard and learn. I tell you what, I’ve gone from being terrified of power tools to feeling comfortable with an angle grinder in my hand. That was a big one for me, I used to hate it, but now it feels like just another piece of kit.
We’re a Lockfit Family
We both run our own Lockfit franchises – Scott in Exeter, me in Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Totnes, Kingsteignton, Teignmouth & Newton Abbot. We help each other out, share advice, and lean on the support network that Lockfit offers. There’s a brilliant WhatsApp group where we troubleshoot together, whether it’s a stubborn mechanism or an awkward UPVC door, there’s always someone to turn to.
The flexibility means everything. I don’t do evenings or weekends, so I can be there for our three-year-old daughter. Scott covers those hours, and it works perfectly for our family.
Locksmithing work is very rewarding, people are so grateful especially in lockout situations. You’re turning their stressful moment into relief and that feels good.
Lockfit Torquay – My Own Patch
With the Lockfit franchise, you get your own set of postcodes. I cover Torbay, Newton Abbot and Brixham. Scott has Lockfit Exeter. We help each other out when needed, but it’s our own thing, which I love. I don’t do weekends or evenings – that’s important to me so I can be there for our daughter. Scott picks up those jobs instead.
I’m still new, but I’ve already got the bug. Every job feels like a puzzle. Doors that won’t latch. Handles stuck. Lockouts where people are in tears – then the relief on their face when I get them back inside. It’s so rewarding. You’re not just fixing a problem; you’re helping someone in a moment of panic. They’re always grateful.
Awkward Moments and Real Rewards
There’s never a dull day. Once, Scott and I were called to a bedroom door that wouldn’t open. We finally got in and, suffice to say, we had the shock of our lives. You just never know what’s on the other side of a locked door!
But most jobs are about helping people. One woman had been locked out for hours with her shopping defrosting in the car. Another was in tears thinking she’d have to replace the whole door. Getting them back in quickly, non-destructively, it’s a great feeling.
Sometimes people stand over you while you work, which can make you nervous, especially early on. If that happens, I just politely ask for some space. Most people are just curious, probably wondering if they could also become a locksmith!
Finding a Forever Trade
This isn’t just a stopgap for us. We’ve tried all sorts of careers and locksmithing is the one we want to stick with. It’s flexible, challenging, and feels like something we can grow with long-term.
We’ve got support too. Lockfit has a great network. We’ve got a WhatsApp group where we all help each other out – post a photo, ask a question, and someone replies straight away. Kevin, our franchise manager, is brilliant. You never feel like you’re on your own.
And my daughter – she’s three – already wants to be a locksmith. She pretends she’s on the phone taking jobs and plays “Lockfit” at home. It melts my heart. We even went to pick a lock together the other day (don’t worry – it was a training padlock!).
What’s Next? Keep Learning, Keep Going
Right now, my focus is on learning as much as I can. Every single job is a chance to improve. I say yes to everything – I figure it out, I practise, I get better. I’m not afraid to ask questions, and I don’t give up easily. If you’re persistent, there’s always a way.
This is the first time in years I’ve felt truly challenged, in a good way. My brain is switched on, I’m learning every day, and I feel proud of what I’m doing.
From riding the wind across the world to unlocking doors in Devon, I know that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
www.lockfit.co.uk/torquay-locksmith
07862 323752
casey.metcalfe@lockfit.co.uk
Lockfit Torquay covering: Paignton, Brixham, Totnes, Kingsteignton, Teignmouth & Newton Abbot.