New Orleans is one of the flagship cities for Pop-A-Lock. It one of the first markets that was developed in the franchise system and continues to be a leader. I've had the pleasure of working for Pop-A-Lock of New Orleans back in 2002-2004 before transferring to the Las Vegas Pop-A-Lock.
The work crew in New Orleans is very stable, if you used Pop-A-Lock 5 years ago, chances are that you will have the same technician service you if you are in the same area. I've done ride along with a number of technicians and locksmiths in the big easy and the level of knowledge of the city is stunning. I'm not talking just about knowing major areas and major commercial areas, I mean down to in depth knowledge of residential streets and convoluted industrial areas.
The organization of the city is based on well thought out zones that are staffed with overlapping coverage. The CBD, Metarie, Kenner, Gretna, Westwego and even down to Chalmette are densely covered with service people. The filter of time has resulted in a very strong operations strategy with extremely well trained and seasoned veterans working the city.
Seeing this operation from the inside out, I can tell you that 'old fashioned' customer service drives the entire business. If you call and say that you have locked your child in your vehicle, the entire city reorganizes to get you help. Regardless of what they are doing, where they are going, the closest couple of people start immediately heading over to help you, usually more than one is dispatched in case they run into traffic. I've always thought that people simply would not believe the level of dedication by both the management but down to the individual locksmiths to legitimately take care of people.
Every year I have the opportunity to work with the New Orleans Locksmiths to do continuing education. We cover all the fundamentals of Lock Bypass, Life Safety Considerations, Authorization for Entry as well as new locks and techniques that have developed over the past year. The irony is that I usually learn as much from this experience as the locksmiths do, they all have interesting stories of 'exceptions to the rule' and unusual conditions which jobs had to be completed.
New Orleans can cut and program nearly any type of key. They recently invested in the technology to cut laser type keys such as BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Audi and Lexus. This really rounded out complete locksmith service for the area. I know it may sound a bit corny but one of the most irritating things for a locksmith is to have to tell a customer, "Sorry, we can't help you." Particularly in areas like New Orleans, where the individual locksmiths take their work so personal and take the view that their customers are real people with real problems and not just 'somebody calling'.
If you have ever had service from Pop-A-Lock of New Orleans, please feel free to post a comment to back up what I'm saying or just send a comment to me directly. The thank you letters that we get from customers are held in such high regard and are distributed down to the techs. (We have software that records the details of every call we take and the owner can look up any call to see who did it, even if it is several years old).
You can learn more about the #1 New Orleans locksmith by visiting their local website www.locksmithneworleans.com or by visiting the corporate home page for Pop-A-Lock www.popalock.com.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Child Locked in Vehicle letter.
I hope I can pass along locksmith's compassion
Recently, I had the misfortune of accidentally locking my keys in my car, with my 1-and-a-half-year-old son inside. Although I knew my son was OK and I was right there and he could see me, this was an uncomfortable situation for me as a mother.
I would like to thank Kirk, of Pop-A-Lock Locksmith/Lockout Services for his kindness in responding to my frantic call, and for unlocking my vehicle and not charging me when he saw that my toddler was crying in the car. I was so touched by his compassion, and I hope I can pass it on in some way. I hope that anyone who needs a locksmith will give this kind man their business. Times are tough, and I am sure he could use it. Thank you, Kirk!
CHRISTY, Boise
Recently, I had the misfortune of accidentally locking my keys in my car, with my 1-and-a-half-year-old son inside. Although I knew my son was OK and I was right there and he could see me, this was an uncomfortable situation for me as a mother.
I would like to thank Kirk, of Pop-A-Lock Locksmith/Lockout Services for his kindness in responding to my frantic call, and for unlocking my vehicle and not charging me when he saw that my toddler was crying in the car. I was so touched by his compassion, and I hope I can pass it on in some way. I hope that anyone who needs a locksmith will give this kind man their business. Times are tough, and I am sure he could use it. Thank you, Kirk!
CHRISTY, Boise
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Locksmiths vs Hackers
Over the past few years there has been an emerging culture of 'locksport' enthusiast. The stereotype that has come out of that is the 'hacker who picks locks better than a locksmith'. There have been a number of articles on this movement in popular internet webzines. One that recently caught my eye was This one: Locksmiths Hate Geeks.
As most rumors do, this has a grain of truth to it. Because of the internet, the fundamentals of lockpicking are more readily available to the general public and people who or interested in subversive topics are likely to be attracted to both 'hacking' and 'lockpicking'. Combine the element of some High IQ filters and add 'competition' to the mix, you end up with a quite interesting group of people who are very proficient at picking (and impressioning too).
Personally, I find the whole topic pretty silly. Being a locksmith has far more to do with being ready to help a customer at a fair price anytime day or night than it has to do with lockpicking. Newsflash to the geeks, comparing locksport to locksmithing is like comparing running fast to playing professional football. Most of you will outgrow the interest. Newsflash to the locksmiths: Hire these geeks, they will probably make good locksmiths.
Geeks usually meet many of the requirements of being a good locksmith: curious, technical in nature, don't want to work in a repetitive mindless job, they like challenges, like learning new things, don't have huge aspirations of owning the corporate world and they are good with numbers and computers.
To be clear, 'hacking' for criminal purposes is against the law and those people should be prosecuted. 'Hacking type' refers to someone with knowledge and skills of finding work arounds for electronic security, they have professional people who work for companies to identify problems in systems and software and serve a valuable purpose like the gentleman described below.
Barry Wels is one of the legends in the 'underground' of lock bypass. I've personally met Barry and exchanged information with him while working on training for a Spanish company we were assisting to get into business. He had some invaluable information on European locks and I shared some feedback on some of the other species of locks that I was encountering down there.
Barry is probably the Diety...or at least a Demi-God of the underground 'locksport' community. I have personally heard people demonize him, particularly for releasing information about 'bump keys' to the public.
The root of the argument is over 'Disclosure'. Disclosure refers to the idea of 'blabbing' about a security flaws when you find them. This is the real division between the geeks and the locksmiths, not 'lockpick envy' as the article above might suggest. The geeks seem to represent Disclosure and locksmiths don't want the information in the wrong hands.
I personally am torn on 'Disclosure', I see validity in both points of view. I don't want anybody disclosing my Pin number on the internet. Yet if Barry and his gang figure out that someone can hack into my bank account or my phone...I want them to identify the problem and make the people responsible for it to FIX IT. The fact is that most companies such as software devs, internet devs and lock companies are often slow to react to 'limited disclosure' efforts. Releasing security flaws to the 'public domain' often causes immediate reactions to fix the problem.
But there is a point when it goes too far. If I found out Barry was coaching individuals who were committing crimes, he should be held accountable. That is the big grey area: If the little teenage girl that is often show bumping open Medeco(r) locks goes out and commits a crime by bumping open some jewelry store lock...is the person who taught her those skills a co-conspirator and going to get in trouble. You would think 'uh, Maybe' but consider: Would a rifle range instructor from the Marine Corps be held responsible for President Kennedy's death?
Even within the 'underground' the term 'responsible disclosure' has begun to circulate more, I don't know if that has been motivated by the hovering possibility of litigation by some manufacturer or if that whole side of the camp is maturing with age, either way it is good to hear that some discretion is gaining popularity.
Back to Barry, Barry is a Genius (yes with a capitol G). Barry has been mischaracterized as a 'hacker' when in fact his real life's work is quite the opposite, he works on real security. His lockpicking and bypass seems to be more of a fascination and passion. Barry also happens to be a world class impressionist.
Barry works for Cryptophone, which their website describes as: GSMK CryptoPhones are the first and only fully trustworthy solution for completely confidential mobile phone calls. That is a pretty big claim, especially for someone who's life is centered around dispelling very similar claims.
To me the most interesting thing about the whole issue is that in his work, Barry embraces the very sword that he swings at various locking devices, they release their source code for review by peers...they dare people (and probably welcome people to try) to 'hack' it. "Here is our claim: It is secure. Here is our data: See if knowing HOW we secure it helps you hack it." No security through obscurity with that. However, I'm sure there are those who would savor a bit of the irony if the technology that secures their secure phone could be hacked and shown on the internet.
Consider this ethical dillema:
I wonder what would happen if Barry himself, discovered a flaw, even post production, of their phone that would trigger a massive recall if 'full disclosure' were made. If only he knew about it, would he 'out' his own product. Any non-disclosure documents/contracts aside...I bet he probably would.
For all the negative comments I've heard about 'those hackers' giving away all the lock secrets, I have to say that the idea of 'disclosure' reeks of integrity. They really have an open architecture approach that can serve a purpose.
The ugly truth is that nothing is truly secure, there will always be a 'bypass' or workaround to some measure. "Social Engineering" will always be a hole for sure.
Yet, the bell is rung, you have to hide things in plain sight it seems. It is true people need better locks on their doors. I personally think that some people in the 'disclosure community' are not really interested in 'helping humanity' by forcing people/manufacturers to improve their security. I think they have found a drum that they can beat and get a bit of attention. But that is their business and it is not for me to judge if it is right or wrong lest judge their motives.
However, I suspect that one of the 'disclosure guys' will one day utter the magic words, "...but if you pay me $$$, no one has to know about the problem." At that point the 'integrity' part is gone and they will join that 'long grey line', it turns into blackmail. I'm sure someone will try it one day, the opportunity is just too obvious for someone NOT to do it.
Security comes down to common sense and budget. Do you want a house that is secure against typical attacks or do want a house that Barry Wels couldn't get into. If you want the latter, you should probably contract Barry to build it for you...it might take 20 years and cost a billion dollars but he could probably do it.
The only Nationwide Trusted Locksmith
A good quality lock that resist 'real world' attacks such as kicking and prying is the Ultimate Lock. It can be fitted with most types of cylinders, the security of the Ultimate lock is not in the keyhole, it's in the construction of the dual locking bolt arrangement and the physics of kick resistance. Check it out at www.theultimatelock.com I have personally installed these devices and have tested them to my satisfaction. We have one on our own training center door.
As most rumors do, this has a grain of truth to it. Because of the internet, the fundamentals of lockpicking are more readily available to the general public and people who or interested in subversive topics are likely to be attracted to both 'hacking' and 'lockpicking'. Combine the element of some High IQ filters and add 'competition' to the mix, you end up with a quite interesting group of people who are very proficient at picking (and impressioning too).
Personally, I find the whole topic pretty silly. Being a locksmith has far more to do with being ready to help a customer at a fair price anytime day or night than it has to do with lockpicking. Newsflash to the geeks, comparing locksport to locksmithing is like comparing running fast to playing professional football. Most of you will outgrow the interest. Newsflash to the locksmiths: Hire these geeks, they will probably make good locksmiths.
Geeks usually meet many of the requirements of being a good locksmith: curious, technical in nature, don't want to work in a repetitive mindless job, they like challenges, like learning new things, don't have huge aspirations of owning the corporate world and they are good with numbers and computers.
To be clear, 'hacking' for criminal purposes is against the law and those people should be prosecuted. 'Hacking type' refers to someone with knowledge and skills of finding work arounds for electronic security, they have professional people who work for companies to identify problems in systems and software and serve a valuable purpose like the gentleman described below.
Barry Wels is one of the legends in the 'underground' of lock bypass. I've personally met Barry and exchanged information with him while working on training for a Spanish company we were assisting to get into business. He had some invaluable information on European locks and I shared some feedback on some of the other species of locks that I was encountering down there.
Barry is probably the Diety...or at least a Demi-God of the underground 'locksport' community. I have personally heard people demonize him, particularly for releasing information about 'bump keys' to the public.
The root of the argument is over 'Disclosure'. Disclosure refers to the idea of 'blabbing' about a security flaws when you find them. This is the real division between the geeks and the locksmiths, not 'lockpick envy' as the article above might suggest. The geeks seem to represent Disclosure and locksmiths don't want the information in the wrong hands.
I personally am torn on 'Disclosure', I see validity in both points of view. I don't want anybody disclosing my Pin number on the internet. Yet if Barry and his gang figure out that someone can hack into my bank account or my phone...I want them to identify the problem and make the people responsible for it to FIX IT. The fact is that most companies such as software devs, internet devs and lock companies are often slow to react to 'limited disclosure' efforts. Releasing security flaws to the 'public domain' often causes immediate reactions to fix the problem.
But there is a point when it goes too far. If I found out Barry was coaching individuals who were committing crimes, he should be held accountable. That is the big grey area: If the little teenage girl that is often show bumping open Medeco(r) locks goes out and commits a crime by bumping open some jewelry store lock...is the person who taught her those skills a co-conspirator and going to get in trouble. You would think 'uh, Maybe' but consider: Would a rifle range instructor from the Marine Corps be held responsible for President Kennedy's death?
Even within the 'underground' the term 'responsible disclosure' has begun to circulate more, I don't know if that has been motivated by the hovering possibility of litigation by some manufacturer or if that whole side of the camp is maturing with age, either way it is good to hear that some discretion is gaining popularity.
Back to Barry, Barry is a Genius (yes with a capitol G). Barry has been mischaracterized as a 'hacker' when in fact his real life's work is quite the opposite, he works on real security. His lockpicking and bypass seems to be more of a fascination and passion. Barry also happens to be a world class impressionist.
Barry works for Cryptophone, which their website describes as: GSMK CryptoPhones are the first and only fully trustworthy solution for completely confidential mobile phone calls. That is a pretty big claim, especially for someone who's life is centered around dispelling very similar claims.
To me the most interesting thing about the whole issue is that in his work, Barry embraces the very sword that he swings at various locking devices, they release their source code for review by peers...they dare people (and probably welcome people to try) to 'hack' it. "Here is our claim: It is secure. Here is our data: See if knowing HOW we secure it helps you hack it." No security through obscurity with that. However, I'm sure there are those who would savor a bit of the irony if the technology that secures their secure phone could be hacked and shown on the internet.
Consider this ethical dillema:
I wonder what would happen if Barry himself, discovered a flaw, even post production, of their phone that would trigger a massive recall if 'full disclosure' were made. If only he knew about it, would he 'out' his own product. Any non-disclosure documents/contracts aside...I bet he probably would.
For all the negative comments I've heard about 'those hackers' giving away all the lock secrets, I have to say that the idea of 'disclosure' reeks of integrity. They really have an open architecture approach that can serve a purpose.
The ugly truth is that nothing is truly secure, there will always be a 'bypass' or workaround to some measure. "Social Engineering" will always be a hole for sure.
Yet, the bell is rung, you have to hide things in plain sight it seems. It is true people need better locks on their doors. I personally think that some people in the 'disclosure community' are not really interested in 'helping humanity' by forcing people/manufacturers to improve their security. I think they have found a drum that they can beat and get a bit of attention. But that is their business and it is not for me to judge if it is right or wrong lest judge their motives.
However, I suspect that one of the 'disclosure guys' will one day utter the magic words, "...but if you pay me $$$, no one has to know about the problem." At that point the 'integrity' part is gone and they will join that 'long grey line', it turns into blackmail. I'm sure someone will try it one day, the opportunity is just too obvious for someone NOT to do it.
Security comes down to common sense and budget. Do you want a house that is secure against typical attacks or do want a house that Barry Wels couldn't get into. If you want the latter, you should probably contract Barry to build it for you...it might take 20 years and cost a billion dollars but he could probably do it.
The only Nationwide Trusted Locksmith
A good quality lock that resist 'real world' attacks such as kicking and prying is the Ultimate Lock. It can be fitted with most types of cylinders, the security of the Ultimate lock is not in the keyhole, it's in the construction of the dual locking bolt arrangement and the physics of kick resistance. Check it out at www.theultimatelock.com I have personally installed these devices and have tested them to my satisfaction. We have one on our own training center door.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
What does 'chip key' mean? How do I know if I have a 'chip key'?
A 'chip key' usually refers to one of two types of keys that have an electronic component to them. The first has a visible chip located on the key and is normally on a General Motors vehicle. This is called a Passkey system or VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System). These appeared in 1986 on the Corvette and certain Cadillac models. The second type refers to a key with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) located in the head of the key, these type are not normally visible unless the bow or head of the key is transparent.
Both of these systems add a layer of security to the vehicle by having the vehicle check the value of the electronic component on the key before allowing the vehicle to be started. Some systems prevent the vehicle from attempting to crank while others prevent the fuel system from working.
If you have the first type, VATS it is obvious because you can see the chip on the key. The other type is more difficult to determine because the RFID is embedded in the plastic head. The only real way to know for sure is to use an electronic device designed to detect the chip. You could destroy the key to see it but that would likely ruin the key and would be costly to replace.
One thing is for certain, you should always have at least three of these keys. Why three and not just two? In many vehicle systems you can program in a new key yourself but have to have at least 2 working master keys for the system to do it. If you get down to 1 working key then you will have to contact a service person such as a locksmith or automotive security specialist to program they key as special diagnostic equipment is needed to complete the task.
Does this really stop thieves? This is a percentage question, from an insurance carriers perspective the 'chip keys' or transponders have have eliminated a great deal of vehicle theft. But no security system can stop a well prepared thief, especially if they own a helicopter and just fly off with the car. Interestingly enough though, even if a vehicle is taken by force such as with a tow truck or helicopter the thief still has to 'restore driveaility' at some point by making the keys or bypassing the security system. Yes, they can do it but it is certainly a deterrent and adds real cost to their thieving operation.
If all keys are lost for a vehicle that has a chip on the key, you usually have two options: The dealer or a locksmith. Because the keys have to be programmed you cannot normally go to a dealer and pick up a key that will work the vehicle. You will usually have to have the vehicle TOWED to the dealer for them to service it. Most locksmiths however will come to the vehicle with all of the necessary machines, transponder key blanks and equipment to cut a key on-site to get you on your way immediately.
If you ever find yourself in need of extra keys, replacement keys or replacement remotes/key fobs such as found on newer vehicles make sure you call a bona fide locksmith. Look for a Pop-A-Lock(r) provider or an ALOA (Associated Locksmiths of America) locksmith. Always ask for the EXACT FINAL PRICE that you will have to pay including service charges, labor or any other 'fees'.
For a list of Pop-A-Lock locations and phone numbers please visit www.popalock.com or visit www.findalocksmith.com for an ALOA member in your area.
www.popalock.com
www.findalocksmith.com
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Virginia Locksmith Wars
The State of Virginia passed a very solid locksmith law. One of the best features of the law is that it was to be enforced by the Department of Criminal Justice...yea, people with badges.
Now as a result of who knows what, they are taking a vote to put it under a much less 'enforcement oriented' contractors type board.
This will hurt the locksmiths a little, but will mostly hurt the people of Virginia. This locksmith scamming stuff is completely out of hand and the states need laws with Teeth to fight these con men.
Below is a list of Congresspersons and Senators, if you are a Virginia resident and are concerned about this situation please call one of these guys and at least express your opinion for Teeth in the law!
Residents of Virginia are represented in Congress by 2 Senators and 11 Representatives.
Member Name DC Phone DC FAX
Senator James Webb (D- VA) 202-224-4024 202-228-6363
Senator Mark Warner (D- VA) 202-224-2023 202-224-6295
Representative Robert J. Wittman (R - 01) 202-225-4261 202-225-4382
Representative Glenn Nye, III (D - 02) 202-225-4215 202-225-4218
Representative Robert C. Scott (D - 03) 202-225-8351 202-225-8354
Representative J. Randy Forbes (R - 04) 202-225-6365 202-226-1170
Representative Tom Perriello (D - 05) 202-225-4711 202-225-5681
Representative Bob Goodlatte (R - 06) 202-225-5431 202-225-9681
Representative Eric I. Cantor (R - 07) 202-225-2815 202-225-0011
Representative James P. Moran (D - 08) 202-225-4376 202-225-0017
Representative Rick Boucher (D - 09) 202-225-3861 202-225-0442
Representative Frank R. Wolf (R - 10) 202-225-5136 202-225-0437
Representative Gerry Connolly (D - 11) 202-225-1492 202-225-3071
Now as a result of who knows what, they are taking a vote to put it under a much less 'enforcement oriented' contractors type board.
This will hurt the locksmiths a little, but will mostly hurt the people of Virginia. This locksmith scamming stuff is completely out of hand and the states need laws with Teeth to fight these con men.
Below is a list of Congresspersons and Senators, if you are a Virginia resident and are concerned about this situation please call one of these guys and at least express your opinion for Teeth in the law!
Residents of Virginia are represented in Congress by 2 Senators and 11 Representatives.
Member Name DC Phone DC FAX
Senator James Webb (D- VA) 202-224-4024 202-228-6363
Senator Mark Warner (D- VA) 202-224-2023 202-224-6295
Representative Robert J. Wittman (R - 01) 202-225-4261 202-225-4382
Representative Glenn Nye, III (D - 02) 202-225-4215 202-225-4218
Representative Robert C. Scott (D - 03) 202-225-8351 202-225-8354
Representative J. Randy Forbes (R - 04) 202-225-6365 202-226-1170
Representative Tom Perriello (D - 05) 202-225-4711 202-225-5681
Representative Bob Goodlatte (R - 06) 202-225-5431 202-225-9681
Representative Eric I. Cantor (R - 07) 202-225-2815 202-225-0011
Representative James P. Moran (D - 08) 202-225-4376 202-225-0017
Representative Rick Boucher (D - 09) 202-225-3861 202-225-0442
Representative Frank R. Wolf (R - 10) 202-225-5136 202-225-0437
Representative Gerry Connolly (D - 11) 202-225-1492 202-225-3071
Monday, January 26, 2009
Locksmith Weekend Training in Brownsville, Tx
Typical Pop-A-Lock Weekend
1. Drove from Louisiana down to Brownsville, tx to do some training with the local franchise guys down there. I packed up a bunch of training locks and materials, tools and machines into my little Scion and headed out on I-10.
2. I stopped in Houston to visit with the local franchisee. He has been very happy with the locksmiths on staff down there and particularly one who has really taken the ball and run with it. I believe he and his nephew post here as well.
3. I got into Brownsville around 1am and checked into the hotel. They had karaoke night going on and the place was packed. A young Hispanic girl was belting out a cool version of Kid Rock's "all summer long" while I was checking in.
4. I met up with Brian, Raymond and Roger. They have all been with Pop-A-Lock since they started in Brownsville back in 1997. They were early so we got started a little early on the class. They have been doing straight teching no locksmiting but are licensed non-the-less.
5. We covered a lot of material, working from a general Res/Comm curriculum focusing on the hands-on practice, especially on dis-assembly when no key is present.
6. The topics were:
a. Texas Law, Technical Integrity and Fair Business practices. (gleaned from Aloa's code of ethics and the North Carolina materials alluding to the same.
b. ADA and Life Safety
c. Verification of Authorization
d. Key Blank Identification
e. Codes and Code Machines
f. Hand Filing and fundamentals of impressioning
g. Professional Opening techniques and picking refresher, picking, Pickgun, Adams Rite Bypass, F-Series bypass tool from Laser security products, Bumping, loiding, other miscellaneous bypass methods.
h. Service of KW Classic, KW Titan/Ultra Max, KW Smart Key, SC A series, Sc F series, Weiser, Weslock, Mortise, Rim, AL series, L series schlage mortise case locks, 1850 and 4700 series Adams Rite, touch pad type exit devices and a discussion of 'removal of deadbolts with no visible screws'.
i. Installation techniques and tools.
j. Dispatch methodologies and technology
k. Integration of LON network providers to daily operations.
7. We finished up very late. All the guys were very interested in the material and showed a lot of motivation during the class. I could tell that Brian was the type with a natural interest in the industry and was very eager to know more and wants more and deeper training.
When we field stripped the AL series schlage down from thumb turn to keyway they get to see EXACTLY how the lock works and always seems to be a highlight of a class.
8. We ate at a little hole in the wall type BBQ place called 'Fat Daddy's', a most appropriate name as I'm sure I would gain 50lbs if I lived nearby. I didn't think there was any way I would be able to finish the giant pile of meat they put on that plate but I got it done! If ever down in Brownsville area it's worth a lunch stop for sure.
9. After class, we spent some time talking shop and future goals of the location. I learn as much from a class as the students do, especially when working with veteran techs. I always get a new perspective on things and pick up tips, tricks and thought processes that I didn't have before.
10. I got back to hotel, caught up on the forums and email and shut it down for the night.
11. I got on the road this morning about 6am. It's about 615 miles and I really don't like to speed so I'll be home mid-afternoon. I've got some heavy weeks coming up, always seems like the first of the year brings new projects, efforts and 'wrap ups' from the previous year. One of the main missions right now is working with the investigators and the attorney's against the scammers. We've got a big technical project in the works and the national accounts program is a source of constant focus/distraction and coordination and work!
1. Drove from Louisiana down to Brownsville, tx to do some training with the local franchise guys down there. I packed up a bunch of training locks and materials, tools and machines into my little Scion and headed out on I-10.
2. I stopped in Houston to visit with the local franchisee. He has been very happy with the locksmiths on staff down there and particularly one who has really taken the ball and run with it. I believe he and his nephew post here as well.
3. I got into Brownsville around 1am and checked into the hotel. They had karaoke night going on and the place was packed. A young Hispanic girl was belting out a cool version of Kid Rock's "all summer long" while I was checking in.
4. I met up with Brian, Raymond and Roger. They have all been with Pop-A-Lock since they started in Brownsville back in 1997. They were early so we got started a little early on the class. They have been doing straight teching no locksmiting but are licensed non-the-less.
5. We covered a lot of material, working from a general Res/Comm curriculum focusing on the hands-on practice, especially on dis-assembly when no key is present.
6. The topics were:
a. Texas Law, Technical Integrity and Fair Business practices. (gleaned from Aloa's code of ethics and the North Carolina materials alluding to the same.
b. ADA and Life Safety
c. Verification of Authorization
d. Key Blank Identification
e. Codes and Code Machines
f. Hand Filing and fundamentals of impressioning
g. Professional Opening techniques and picking refresher, picking, Pickgun, Adams Rite Bypass, F-Series bypass tool from Laser security products, Bumping, loiding, other miscellaneous bypass methods.
h. Service of KW Classic, KW Titan/Ultra Max, KW Smart Key, SC A series, Sc F series, Weiser, Weslock, Mortise, Rim, AL series, L series schlage mortise case locks, 1850 and 4700 series Adams Rite, touch pad type exit devices and a discussion of 'removal of deadbolts with no visible screws'.
i. Installation techniques and tools.
j. Dispatch methodologies and technology
k. Integration of LON network providers to daily operations.
7. We finished up very late. All the guys were very interested in the material and showed a lot of motivation during the class. I could tell that Brian was the type with a natural interest in the industry and was very eager to know more and wants more and deeper training.
When we field stripped the AL series schlage down from thumb turn to keyway they get to see EXACTLY how the lock works and always seems to be a highlight of a class.
8. We ate at a little hole in the wall type BBQ place called 'Fat Daddy's', a most appropriate name as I'm sure I would gain 50lbs if I lived nearby. I didn't think there was any way I would be able to finish the giant pile of meat they put on that plate but I got it done! If ever down in Brownsville area it's worth a lunch stop for sure.
9. After class, we spent some time talking shop and future goals of the location. I learn as much from a class as the students do, especially when working with veteran techs. I always get a new perspective on things and pick up tips, tricks and thought processes that I didn't have before.
10. I got back to hotel, caught up on the forums and email and shut it down for the night.
11. I got on the road this morning about 6am. It's about 615 miles and I really don't like to speed so I'll be home mid-afternoon. I've got some heavy weeks coming up, always seems like the first of the year brings new projects, efforts and 'wrap ups' from the previous year. One of the main missions right now is working with the investigators and the attorney's against the scammers. We've got a big technical project in the works and the national accounts program is a source of constant focus/distraction and coordination and work!
Most Valuable Locksmith of the Year: Mike Esposito
Subject: US Lock/Pop-A-Lock Most Valuable Locksmith Award
The franchisor has not historically implemented a system-wide employee of the year award, this is done locally within each market. However, in recognition of truly distinguishing service, this year SFA has identified a franchise employee who has contributed a great deal of personal time, effort and energy in order to improve the Pop-A-Lock system as a whole.
Mike Esposito, Orlando employee number ORL-034 has exemplified the spirit of what our locksmith division seeks to be, a unified force that shares experience and best practices to the benefit of all. Mike's dedication to servicing the franchise customers, contributions to the technical body of knowledge for the entire system, his willingness to assist his fellow locksmiths, the respect that he has garnered for Pop-A-Lock from outside locksmiths and his contributions towards the National/Multi-Regional accounts program has distinguished him from his peers.
Particularly, Mike has contributed several dozen comments and technical feedback articles both to the Times program directly as well as through separate email contact with corporate. This detailed feedback from 'real world' situations has often confirmed or corrected issues in the technical material and is invaluable for shaping our technical practices. If 1% of our locksmiths provided the same amount of accurate data back to corporate for inclusion and distribution, we would have an untouchable level of reference material at our disposal.
In recognition of his efforts and support of the Pop-A-Lock system, he is being awarded with both a certificate of recognition from Pop-A-Lock and a generous gift certificate from our corporate sustaining partner US Lock and a full set of High-Security Picks.
Robert J Reynolds CPL, CPS
Director of Operations
The franchisor has not historically implemented a system-wide employee of the year award, this is done locally within each market. However, in recognition of truly distinguishing service, this year SFA has identified a franchise employee who has contributed a great deal of personal time, effort and energy in order to improve the Pop-A-Lock system as a whole.
Mike Esposito, Orlando employee number ORL-034 has exemplified the spirit of what our locksmith division seeks to be, a unified force that shares experience and best practices to the benefit of all. Mike's dedication to servicing the franchise customers, contributions to the technical body of knowledge for the entire system, his willingness to assist his fellow locksmiths, the respect that he has garnered for Pop-A-Lock from outside locksmiths and his contributions towards the National/Multi-Regional accounts program has distinguished him from his peers.
Particularly, Mike has contributed several dozen comments and technical feedback articles both to the Times program directly as well as through separate email contact with corporate. This detailed feedback from 'real world' situations has often confirmed or corrected issues in the technical material and is invaluable for shaping our technical practices. If 1% of our locksmiths provided the same amount of accurate data back to corporate for inclusion and distribution, we would have an untouchable level of reference material at our disposal.
In recognition of his efforts and support of the Pop-A-Lock system, he is being awarded with both a certificate of recognition from Pop-A-Lock and a generous gift certificate from our corporate sustaining partner US Lock and a full set of High-Security Picks.
Robert J Reynolds CPL, CPS
Director of Operations
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