We caught up with Cameron Goodge of Lockstrong Locksmiths, who told us that everything about locksmithing is ‘Tidy’ – he really loves the trade. Above all, it’s great working in Monmouthshire where there’s rolling hills, fresh air and breathtaking scenery; there’s always plenty to do!
Eager to Take Part in an Interview
I really like to read the real-life locksmith stories in The Locksmith Journal, I flick straight to them, and it makes me smile when I see someone I know featured, like Gary Taylorson of Surelock Homes and, more recently, Danny Gardiner of First Entry Locksmiths. I like to keep up to date with what is going on, see what new products are available, and it’s great to have a read while having lunch in my van or waiting for customers. It’s great to take part myself, I can’t wait to show my customers and maybe make some social media posts out of it.
Before Locksmithing
I used to work in retail as a store manager but really wanted to be my own boss because I really didn’t like being managed by someone. I also was a carpenter’s assistant for a while, then I received a tax rebate and a grant from the Prince’s Trust (now called the King’s Trust) which enabled me to start my own business. I chose locksmithing because I enjoyed lock picking as a hobby in my spare time and, if you can turn a hobby into a job, then it feels less like work (apparently). The Prince’s Trust was great, they helped me with things like my business plan, selling my services and networking. The grant helped me to pay for my initial training and start-up gear.
Learning the Trade
The locksmithing course gave me the basics but I found that I picked-up more knowledge by doing the job. I’ve been a locksmith for five years now and every year that goes by I get busier and busier. I do everything myself, I’m completely independent in my business doing all my own accounts and marketing. I’m proud of my 90+ five-star reviews on Google and I’m top of the listing in my area which is great.
Life in Abergavenny
I live in Abergavenny a small market town which is lovely, I moved here 8 years ago from Swindon. Townsfolk are very traditional; they look for reputable tradespeople via recommendations and online reviews. My customers tell me that they quickly scroll past Google sponsored adverts so no point paying for those.
Love & Hate
I love working for myself – every day is different – but it’s daunting to start with. I am lucky to have nice customers. I really like APECS products, the personal service they offer is great as well as a high-quality product at a great price. They gave me some great freebies such as a big display case to help with upselling cylinder products from one to three stars and free leaflets. I also find Mul-T-Lock cylinders very reliable. I find the Ultra Pick tool from Eight Ball Engineering and dedicated 3-star picks from GJ Locks very useful.
A real bugbear of mine is when supplier deliveries don’t arrive on time and the ‘49er’ companies who massively inflate their invoices taking advantage of vulnerable customers.
Advice to New Locksmiths
When looking for a locksmith course don’t find one on Google sponsored adverts, join locksmithing groups on Facebook and find a reputable course recommended by other locksmiths. Build relationships with other locksmiths so you can pass work to each other and help each other. Look at the area you’re planning to operate in and see how much competition there is before you start because some areas are swamped. If there’s a lot of competition you could offer a different service for example auto locksmithing.
Planning Ahead
My plans looking ahead are to expand into different area geographically and look at offering additional services such as cutting car keys. I plan to gradually build my business over time and maybe take on some warrant work.
www.lockstronglocksmiths.co.uk/
07591 474236
lockstronglocksmiths@gmail.com
More information
Lockstrong Locksmiths is an Abergavenny based mobile locksmith serving Monmouthshire and surrounding counties, specialising in domestic and commercial locks. They offer no call out charge and no VAT to pay which means customers always getting the best price.
The following services are offered: specialists in non-destructive entry, emergency lockouts, lock changes and upgrades, security consultations, double glazing door and window repairs.