Saint Baldomerus is the patron saint of locksmiths. He worked as a locksmith in Lyon, France and died c. 650 A.D. This oath, or code of ethics, is patterned after the Hippocratic Oath of the medical profession.
I do solemnly vow, to that which I value and hold most dear: That I will honor the Profession of Locksmithing, be just and generous to its members, and help sustain them in their service to humanity; That just as I have learned from those who preceded me, I will instruct those who follow me in the science and the art of Locksmithing; That I will recognize the limits of my knowledge and pursue lifelong learning to better protect people and secure their property; That I will seek the counsel of others when they are more expert so as to fulfill my obligation to those who entrust me with their safety and security; That I will not withdraw from my customers in their time of need; That I will lead my life and practice my art with integrity and honor, using my knowledge and ability wisely; That whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of my customers that is not fitting to be spoken, I will keep in confidence; That I will disclose, to all whom I serve, what they must know to maintain their security, and the means necessary to maintain that security; That into whatever home or business I shall enter, it shall be for the safety and protection of the people and property therein; That I will maintain this sacred trust, holding myself far aloof from wrong, from corruption, from the tempting of others to vice; That above all else I will serve the highest interests of my customers through the practice of my science and my art; That I will be an advocate for people in need and strive for equality in their security; That while I apply my craft for the benefit of my customers in particular, I will always apply discretion in preserving the security of each and every member of the public in general. I now turn to my calling, promising to preserve its finest traditions, with the reward of a long experience in the joy of providing protection, safety, and security. I make this vow freely and upon my honor.
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I can explain this in 1 sentence, 6 Words and 30 text characters. Otherwise known as the 1630 Syndrome.
Locksmiths are their own worst enemies. I hear many of them complaining and whining about lack of work and others taking their business etc. It gets a little exhausting after a while and when I discover they have the 1630 Syndrome, I go crazy! So I promised that I could explain this all in one sentence so here I go. LOCKSMITHS DO NOT ANSWER THE PHONES How can anyone expect to run a service business if you don't answer your phones? I am not talking about an occasional moment. I am talking about never answering their phones! In a recent test of the 1630 Syndrome we conducted numerous calls across the country and discovered the phenomenon. Another portion of this problem is the "I am not available" explanation because it is after hours. When 4:30 in the afternoon rolls around, many of these locksmiths are running for the hills or wherever they disappear. 4:30 in the afternoon in military time is 1630! At a time when the internet is being used to drive telephone calls to scammers and others are using tactics to grab all the calls they can day or night, one has to ask "Where are the real locksmiths? PICK UP YOUR PHONES! You are losing $1630 of work each day or each week if you don't. So the reason why many locksmiths (not every locksmith) fail at business is not only because of the scammers.....they answer day & night! PICK UP YOUR PHONES! Just what the locksmith needs another magazine, right?
The Society of Professional Locksmiths has done it again. We have released our very own form of a magazine or what is known on the Internet as a "Zine." It is delivered on the Internet, but you can download it, print it and even share it with ours. Have at it all you want...is FREE, FREE, FREE. Even manufacturers, distributors and upstart entrepreneurs who have a product they wish to bring to market can receive a FULL PAGE advertisement for FREE if they agree to 3 very simple and cost effective terms. Yes, yes, I know if it sounds to good to be true....blah blah blah. I hear that all the time from the Chicken Little crowd...but what if it were true (and it is), why would you pass it up? the SOPL is delivering a content rich zine that will host full page ads for those who have new break out products, inventions or services that want to share with the locksmith community and the CONSUMER! A consumer version will also be run on certain occasions and any "trade secrets" will be available through a link that will take the professional locksmiths into a secure area to round out the public information. The NEW Magazine is called The Security Sentinel and it bridges the gap between the professional locksmith and the end users while bringing them all together to learn, get excited and do business. I love learning about all kinds of products but when industry magazines make it so hard to pay the high prices of advertising, many of these products wither and die away. So big or small, we say COME ALL! I received a call warning me of the pitfalls of running a magazine and how others have tried and failed. The costs, the distribution the money and let's not forget how hard it is to do. Well I am here to say that this is a Zine not a magazine, it is not that hard, the cost is low enough and our distribution is the WORLDWIDE WEB. Beat that! When other magazines are increasing the thickness of their paper and doubling the size of their text in order to make you think your getting a lot for your hard earned money....we are not. I believe you find the layout and content of The Security Sentinel to be enjoyable, educational and the best value in town. It's FREE how can it not be the best value? So YEAH! There is another magazine in the industry and it offers a FREE ADVERTISING program. Use it! Become a member of the Society of Professional Locksmiths today and be a part of the future. The Society of Professional Locksmiths provides valued membership benefits. We understand that the hardworking locksmiths need some assistance in the fight to service and the SOPL delivers benefits that can help. Discounts on products or services, customized press releases, no cost training opportunities, credits towards automotive key codes, term life, debt consolidation and even auto insurance referrals designed to support the growing demands of our members. The SOPL even pays our members back with Activity reward Points that are just like cash and redeemable towards educational needs and even recurring membership. The more you participate the more you save!
Last December on 12/10/10 the SOPL announced that the year 2011 would be the year of "UNLEASH THE BEAST". It is now one year later and the SOPL has once again delivered on time all the pledges made to its membership and the locksmith community as a whole.
It has implemented a fully functional Online Live Virtual Classroom with webinars being broadcast across the globe with a completely FREE Locksmith Training Program, Automotive Key Code credits, Financial Needs Analysis Planning, Debt Consolidation, Auto Insurance options and a Social Impact Discounts Program unlike any other in the locksmith industry. The beast has been unleashed for sure and in 2012 East will meet West, and North will meet South for a year where some believe a cataclysmic Myan phenomenon will occur. A time which they believe will mark the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants may undergo a positive physical or spiritual transformation and mark the start of a new era. Others suggest it marks the end of the world or a similar catastrophe. There is no Doom & Gloom within the SOPL and the creative valued added benefits our members and even non-members are receiving in 2011 are the result of the beast being released. Call it a beast of burden, one that was restrained for too long bearing the brunt of the doom & gloomers who held back our industry with failed programs and destructive attitudes that was breaking the backs of those carrying the load - the hardworking Mom & Pop operations and entrepreneurs. Unleash the Beast! It has been set FREE and when all points converge by the end of 2012 we shall see the transformation of this industry and hopefully the end of times for the doom & gloomers of our industry. Think positive, stay positive. There is a beast in all of us. The Society of Professional Locksmiths - "Moves Forward" In early March of 2006 the Society of Professional Locksmiths launched the first Internet Broadcast Network called LockRadio and announced it to the industry on
On March 30th, 2007 the Society of Professional Locksmiths launched the industry's very first complete online Learning Management System with Proficiency Testing, known as the Security Technical Institute (STI). The educational programs offered a "blended" learning environment never before offered to the industry which utilized the power of the Internet to deliver lesson plans ebook courses,professional development assignments powerpoints, and testing along side of live seminars. As it grew in popularity the STI program added live interactive webcasts and live regional seminars with simulcasting across the country in real time creating opportunities for local associations to access instructors and course which normally may have been unavailable or cost prohibitive. Locksmiths in California were attending classes being given in NJ and vice versa, without leaving their homes or business thereby reducing expenses normally associated with traveling to an event. The Society of Professional Locksmiths harnessed the power of the Internet in a positive manner unlike any others within the locksmith industry and did so with peer development without the use of sponsor money or political interference. This successful model set a new standard within the locksmiths industry that is now being followed by other associations, manufacturers and even a trade magazine! The SOPL vision to provide the industry with a light weight, robust depository for the delivery of educational material and is now being emulated industry wide. Unfortunately, some are actually utilizing methods suggested to them in confidence by the SOPL staff when they were openly invited to participate within the STI program. I guess you can't trust everyone in the security industry all the time, but the SOPL is a transparent program which seeks dignified partners and you gotta take the good with the bad. So it looks like the new benchmark of Gold Seal of the locksmith industry is and continues to be the Society of Professional Locksmiths and the creative training opportunities it offers. So as the industry improves using these forward thinking initiatives, and you all are sitting at home saving money on travel, lodging and more, please remember where it all came from..... Lock Radio - You heard it here first! Security Technical Institute- You learned it here first! Society of Professional Locksmiths - You saw it here first! Where do I begin? Let's start with a big thank you to David Segal who recently published a news story in the New York Times called "Picking the Lock of Google's Search". In this well written article he eloquently converges the issue of locksmith scammers, Google's search engine credibility as well as the Yellow Pages "gaming" activities.
Secondly, a huge thank you needs to be given to Society of Professional Locksmith (SOPL) member Mike Bronzell from Chicago IL., owner of All Hour Locksmiths who is a tenacious consumer advocate. He first uncovered the scam in its early stages and was the driving force in alerting the locksmith industry, attorney generals and national news media. Mike suffered a lot of harassment, including a frivolous federal lawsuit intended to intimidate him into silence, but Mike eventually was dismissed from the lawsuit by a Federal Judge. To this day, Mike asserts that these activities are possibly criminal in nature and organized from a central source, even though it appears to be many independent operations. Where better then the NY Times to publish such a story! It is located in the media capitol of the world and not far from the origins of a few of the busted scammers. The NY Times carries a lot of weight in its ability to be heard, but I have to say...what took so long? This "gaming" manipulation is not new and several other service industry's have also been victimized before...so again what took so long when other local news sources across the country were conducting stings. The fact is that the consumers were being taken advantage of by non documented foreign nationals "posing" as locksmiths who are directly linked to Google's Search. There is some strange belief by the locksmiths that they need these advertising resources to survive in the marketplace. As much as I would disagree with that idea, I will concede that Smart Phones and web access cell phones are everywhere and is making the Internet the new battle ground which makes Google a hot issue. The SOPL was the first to advocate for a class action lawsuit and to provide a variety of Internet Radio broadcasts and interviews about the issue as far back as 2006. Gaming has been going on as far as I can remember and nobody cared or would do anything. So this is all old news to the locksmith industry but finally the New York Times has pulled the trigger. Connecting the dots to bring this gaming to an end now only needs a good Attorney to bring a class action lawsuit. So where is he or she? Please step forward. The only person I have seen trying to knock on the door of Google and Super Media etc. is a guy called "Locksmith Charley" or Charles Herbert Eastwood. Although he may be spinning his wheels and possibly be eccentric....he is at least doing something in Maricopa County, Arizona where an injunction has been won. But then again Maricopa County has a reputation for eccentric Sheriffs too! The point is, who is going to file the class action lawsuits to support locksmiths like Bob Strom owner of Ballard Lock & Key from the gaming and identity theft which has occurred? Recently there was a second effort to pass a locksmith licensing regulation in New York and many locksmiths were never consulted. This bill failed to pass because the NY Assembly learned of the true issues regarding these scammers and it had nothing to do with needing to regulate the hard working locksmiths who are honest. I only hope the presentation of Mr. Segal's article is not intended to create the same hysteria and misinformation that has been done elsewhere to try and steer another wasteful and misguided piece of legislation into the NY Assembly which will harm the locksmiths even further. I believe the article is intended to demonstrate the fact that Google and the Yellow Pages are not the trusted resources the consumers believe. So what is the secret weapon? Click Here to read an earlier blog entry made on 12/10/10. The locksmiths secret weapon is to create their own secure network or lead generator for other trusted locksmiths. It is that simple. The 1-800-UNLOCKS is unique since it directs calls from the consumer directly to their local locksmith that have already been vetted and for the most part are known among each other. Yes, I know this all sounds like I am advertisement for them...but it is more of an observation so please listen...you will understand. The one thing we all can agree upon is that those who appear to have mastered the gaming of Google are pretty smart and I am sure there is envy in many locksmith's eyes, because if they could get themselves in those search positions they would! So as Bob Sieveking once said...they are eating our lunch! So what are you going to do about it? I say emulate it! If you can't beat em', join em' but do it better and ethically by utilizing the 1-800-UNLOCKS network and create your own lead generation without any nonsense in gaming any systems. For the first time in a long time locksmiths like Bob Strom can fight back. In a collective manner, locksmiths participating in the 1-800-UNLOCKS system can ensure the consumer is not victimized. Locksmiths own their territory and the bigger the overall network grows the better the organic web search results become. As I see it when you get a call you have generated, you have two options....cover it yourself or refer it. 1-800-UNLOCKS is not a scammer operation. Period. I have personally taken on a territory in NY after realizing this is the secret weapon to combat these issues. Other professionals are also participating to creating a chain in the NY/NJ metro area which will create such an environment. As the network expands, territories will connect filling gaps and creating greater "lead gen" referrals from network providers while squeezing out those undocumented foreign nationals posing as locksmiths. I strongly suggest other locksmiths do the same and beat em' at their own game or gaming! Additional News Media Resource CLICK HERE Being in the locksmith business is kinda like sitting on an inner tube in the middle of the ocean watching the swells roll up and down. One moment your floating along in the trough, then rising up to the crest and back down into the trough again. A roller coaster adventure of sorts with anticipation and disappointments. Some days as a locksmith it is a feast, while other days can be famine. You know the routine, up, down, up...down again with jobs, getting paid etc.
As a professional sitting in that inner tube, you try to take advantage of seeing the horizon as you reach the crest of the swells, since their presence sometimes indicate a storm off into the distance. Knowing how to navigate and to spot trends can prepare oneself for what may come next. A few years back the locksmith industry found themselves in the inner tube when it came to the serviceability of automobiles utilizing transponder technology. A big outcry could be heard from sea to sea of how stranded motorists could not be serviced "after hours" and were stranded because of the dealers grip on the service information, equipment, & keys. So much was this concern for the "consumer" that a piece of legislation known as the Automotive Right to Repair Act was drafted, that was intended to support the vehicle owner and give them options such as choosing a local locksmith instead of a dealer for service. The impact of this potential legislation forced others to resolve the problems or face legislative compliance. The National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) Vehicle Security Committee (VSC) was born which comprised of a collection of locksmiths, organizations and automotive manufacturer reps. There was even a guy on it that was claiming to be the Executive Director of Communications for an organization that didn't even exist who was demanding that the locksmith could only use the products he represented. But that's another story! Things eventually evolved which included the Associated Locksmiths of America (ALOA) as being the "clearing house" or gateway for the locksmiths and others. In order for a locksmith to receive access to service information and key codes for automobile, they must be cleared by ALOA and pay some handsome fees to each manufacturers website. Please remember, the focus was supposed to be about consumer roadside assistance after hours, however, it was being intentionally molested by some who had other interests....in other words...follow the money. I will spare you the underhanded activities surrounding what occurred during all these activities, but I can say that those who screwed with the original intent of the issue and introduced the demand for key codes spent no time looking at the horizon even when they were warned repeatedly of the oncoming storm they were floating the industry into. Now today here comes OPENLANE, a company that runs the re-marketing programs for the OEM's, independent finance companies, regional banks and rental car companies. Their subsidiary known as Recovery Database Network are partnering with a company called KeyCode Pro to provide repossession subscribers the ability to order a key code within their software environment, providing a key code by VIN with the click of a button 24/7. What's the big deal you ask? Well, let's consider a few things. Click the links! OpenLane is a leading online auction company in North America for automotive dealers. Now the repo dealer will handle all phases of the vehicles recovered and essentially act as the service provider, storage facility and transportation. A sort of cradle to grave initiative - One Stop Recovery & Remarketing. Did I also mention, the repo agents act as the automotive locksmith? Recovery Industry Services Company has already established their Locksmith Training School and others also exist but now there is a coordinated agenda. Years ago I wrote an article talking about the future of the automotive locksmiths which described the convergence of such things now occurring. The idea of the wholesale use of automotive key codes by those who meddled with it during the VSC & NASTF is about to come full circle and we will see the tsunami which others ignored and were warned about. KeyCode Pro is also about to release a website as well which will also service the locksmiths. So with a simple Internet connection, a VIN number and a password, the user will receive a key code via email 24/7 from an interactive website at a cost far below the ALOA/NASTF gateway. So how will this affect current independent key code services? Considering most have their own "connections", it would appear to be minimal, however the convergence and consolidation under OPENLANES software suite my draw a large volume of users away. I don't think the local well rounded locksmiths who are truly servicing the consumer on a roadside call will suffer but the locksmiths who put their eggs in one basket with the dealers, auctions etc. and those who opened Pandora's key code box and colluded with each other during the NASTF VSC, most certainly will be affected. For those "automotive guys" who once would obnoxiously say..."I'm NOT a Locksmith" as if it were a bad thing to really know about locksmithing.....what are ya gonna do now? So it looks like the chickens have come home to roost with this interesting turn of events and once again the locksmiths will have to decide to "swim, sink - live or die" as they ride the waves. I am not a Buddhist, and I hope others can help clarify what I am about to say. I recall watching a documentary about Siddhartha Gautama and recall the idea that the path to enlightenment was simply a matter of "standing still" to see the world around you and to admire what it had to offer and to be in awe and wonder of every little thing you see around you. There are times in life when you find yourself "standing still." A moment of truth, a time of focus and admiration. In todays world some would say these times are rare. In Oceanside California however, the time is now for a Eagle Young Marine named Luke Austin Smith and a time for all those reading this. This American Patriot, age 8 years did something which caused others to stand still and pay attention when he spotted a tattered American Flag. He was strong in character and bold in action to approach his elected officials to take action to replace the flag and show the proper respect towards the values it represents. A small gesture some may say...but it is really much more. The American Flag is a powerful symbol with iconic meaning which deserves proper etiquette and it is often abused and dismissed. At a time when all we see appears to be doom & gloom on the television, and newspapers about chaos in the world......here comes a young man who takes the time to bring a sense of enlightenment and reality to others. That reality, is a central symbol which, we living in the United States find ourself wrapped in by way of history and our future. I stood still the day I spotted a Fox News broadcast with Eagle Young Marine Luke Austin Smith, a tough, tight lipped patriot that reminded me of many of my childhood friends who grew up under the admiration of the veterans who taught value and respect of the "colors." The days when the streets would be lined with this flag seem few and far between now, while people argue over reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in schools, and corporate chain stores won't allow veterans to sell Poppies to raise money for good causes and the list goes on. Yet this 8 year old stands still one day and is enlightened enough to stop a world so busy that they didn't see it and he is credited with restoring its honor. The Society of Professional Locksmiths is honored to create the Luke Austin Smith Young Americans Scholarship for boys & girls ages 8-18. I realize this is not a trip to Harvard, but it is in his name from this day on and we look forward to introducing many young Americans into this craft. I hereby decree on this date 5/25/11 - Luke Austin Smith entered our Guild, having been found worthy by demonstrating Honor, Integrity, Pride and Professionalism. Having been initiated into the Society of Professional Locksmiths and the Ancient Order of the Locks. I command all to Honor, respect and provide privilege to thee who holds the Secrets of the Keys.
In a recent discussion the topic of locksmith licensing had arisen and it soon became an interesting exchange of viewpoints. What struck me the most about it was the rapid decline of reasoning and logic presented by those supporting it. The locksmith industry has for many, many years operated above board and exhibited a level of individual ethics without the need for over reaching regulations. Today however, there are individuals who feel compelled to dismiss a key consideration when presenting their arguments in favor of regulation.
In every "debate" with the minority of locksmiths who advocate for licensing, there seems to be a sense of sudden silence when you challenge their positions with relevant questions. You can hear the sound of crickets when you ask them to answer you and they suddenly disappear from the limelight. To engage in a proper debate, one cannot run and hide when logic prevails and points are clearly proven by the opposing opinion. I have learned the skill sets of locksmithing from many mentors. I would include nationally recognized names like Bill Reed, Hank Spicer, Frank Agius, Jerry McNickle, Joe Bucha, Len White, and a host of others who have either dedicated time to teach, written manuals or those who have contributed technical "how to" articles in trade magazines, tools, inventions and more. In this discussion of licensing, I was told that I "just don't get it" when I did not agree with the reasoning being presented as to why locksmiths need regulation. This viewpoint was intriguing to me since I believe I am very open minded and willing to be enlightened about a subject I may not understand. My willingness to debate the issue is not intended to inflame or insult anyone, but they must understand that they do not have the exclusive right to say the things they do without someone engaging their position. The argument being presented was that in order for the locksmith to be a professional, they must be licensed. In order for the locksmith to be viewed as a professional they must be licensed, and that any misdemeanor, criminal infraction, or felony is cause for someone to not be allowed to practice the skills of locksmithing. Using logic, I asked the following questions - Am I a Professional? Were the individuals I mentioned above professionals? The answer is YES, and none of these individuals mentioned above or myself were regulated and they have served the locksmith industry well with their accomplishments and contributions. Using logic, the argument that in order to be considered a professional is predicated upon being licensed is not accurate. The very same persons who say your not a professional if your not licensed have gained their knowledge from those who were never regulated and now want to regulate others behind them....so who is kidding who here? Crimes and misdemeanors! Oh my! The folly that follows these arguments is more of a crime then someones indiscretion or an inept police officer or corrupt court. Proponents of locksmith licensing often appear to be a revival of the Salem Witch Hunts, who seem to want to use any excuse as minor as spitting on the street to restrict someone form seeking a career path in locksmithing. Can I say "craft" in the same sentence as Salem Witch Hunts? A person suffering from alcoholism, may find themselves with infractions that certainly are a result of poor judgement. However, alcoholism is a proven disease. It is one which an individuals does not select at birth. Such a person may find themselves hit with a felony DWI. Does this mean they should be banished from installing door hardware? No, and it is silly and ignorant to think it in my opinion. However, there are advocates for licensing that believe alcoholism is a crime, not a disease and resort to claiming "you just don't get it!", if you think otherwise. We stand at the edge of the slippery slope when this type of "unregulated" thought process by a minority group within a trade is allowed to impose its will upon others. The fact is, in a recent poll conducted by the SOPL that only 12% of the locksmiths are in favor of licensing, while 88% oppose it. I think I get it, I really do. I also think I get it when I hear the sounds of crickets when reasonable questions are asked and not answered. If individuals or groups claiming to be the "voice of the industry" climb up on their soap boxes pointing out splinters in other peoples eyes, they should take some time to examine the planks in theirs. Locksmith Jarlon Reames of Memphis TN, once told me that licensing is more about others trying to impose "rules" to protect themselves because of their unwillingness to adapt to change, evolve or do what is needed to compete in the marketplace. The slippery slope is a fast ride downhill for everyone and there are no brakes. This blog entry is not intended to inflame anyone, and it is not representative of all members of the SOPL. We are a diverse group with many opinions. The purpose of this posting is to simply get others to "think" before they light a match. |
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