TWENTY YEARS AGO
Milt Wolferseder explained the Mosler insulated record container safes. Ledger reported on the sale of Precision Safe Products to Ilco Unican in February of 1991. U.S. Lock opened a new distribution facility in Louisville, Ky. Pam Anderson provided the Wang computer "W" code series and the "BJ" code series for Chicago locks. T.C. Mickley reported on the A1 Quickpull tool for removing Kwikset Key-in-knob cylinders. A fast and effective way, but cylinder replacement was recommended after using the tool. Jerry Levine compiled a listing of tools available for automotive locksmithing. Almost every tool on his list remains an important tool for every current locksmith tool box. David Parrott, Aero Lock, suggested tryout keys as a quick, positive way to fit vehicle keys- or as an alternative for opening locked cars. Locksmith Ledger included complete drawings of the GM square column ignition system to show how to service these columns first introduced on the Corsica and Beretta models. Steve Young discovered a new GM latch system and showed how to manipulate the latches to the unlocked position in case of a lockout. Harrison Electronics provided hints on tools and procedures required for the installation of auto alarm systems. Hank Spicer showed his invention for simplifying the removal of GM glove box locks. T.C. Mickley also reported on a new, improved DoorScope by Burton Products. Where are they now? Gayle Pasternak interviewed Sal Schillizzi, a famous New York locksmith who had his own radio show featuring security topics.
TEN YEARS AGO
Jerry Levine reported on the changed lock system being used by the 2000+ Pontiac Bonneville. This lock system by Ortec requires new servicing techniques. Richard Formica serviced the locks on a Ford Sport Trac. Jerry Levine offered a short course on "Picking Made Easy." Tiny serviced the locks on a 1999 Kia Sportage. This one is not easy to work on. Jerry Levine showed how to do some body work on metal doors to eliminate old, unwanted holes. Jerry Levine reported that Assa Abloy purchased HID and Rofu in February 2001. James Glazier suggested Forensic Locksmithing as an interesting career, especially in the rhelm of auto theft. Timothy O’Leary explained when and where to install exit devices. Donald LaGasse offered business guidance on anger management. Hubert Curry explained some key machine modifications necessary when duplicating Peaks keys. Jerry Levine explained how Ford had changed their transponder key systems for 2001. Milt Wolferseder provided a history of round door safe locks as he described the virtues of a Mosler round door safe actually designed by famous industrial designer. Locksmith Ledger announced in the February, 2001 issue the sales of both Ilco Security Systems to Kaba Holdings and of Locksmith Ledger to Cygnus Business Media.
Obituary: Stone & Berg’s Rick Brown
Longtime locksmith industry supporter and general manager of Stone and Berg Duane C. "Rick" Brown, Jr., 61, of Oxford, passed away Dec. 24 after being stricken ill at home.
Brown spent the last 25 years as general manager for Stone & Berg Company, Worcester, Mass. He was a member of the New England Locksmith Association and the Security Hardware Distributors Association and an associate member of the Associated Locksmiths of America.
Brown was born August 25th 1950 in Milo, Maine. He grew up in Maine and moved to Worcester. In 1970, Rick married Dolores M. (Cross) Brown, and they have lived in Oxford for the past 38 years. In addition to his wife Dolores, he is survived by two sons, Paul A. Brown, his wife Crystal, and their two children Dylan and Kelsy all of Charlton, and Kyle C Brown of Oxford; his mother, Mary (Byther) Thorpe of Worcester; 13 brothers and sisters; his stepmother, Joan Brown in Maine; many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.
Brown was an avid sports enthusiast who ane enjoyed coaching his two sons in the Oxford Little League and continued coaching for many more years. He was also a member of the Lincoln Square Boys Club and honored as Boy of the Year.
Services were held Dec. 29. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oak Hill Bible Church Children's Ministry, Sacarrappa Road, P. O. Box 277, Oxford, MA 01540.
CUSTOMER QUESTIONNAIRE
Here is an idea from a Palatine, Illinois locksmith which was published 20 years ago in Locksmith Ledger but is just a valid today. They left a questionnaire with their customers. As the questionnaires were returned, they were put in a three ring binder on their front counter for prospective customers to see. Perhaps you have a few questions which could be added or subtracted from this list.
The top of the form reads:
Your business is greatly appreciated. In order to serve you and others and provide FAST, PROFESSIONAL and EFFICIENT service; Please complete, fold, seal and return this form with our service repairman.
Yes No
1) Was the serviceman prompt and on time? ___ ___
2) Was the serviceman courteous? ___ ___
3) Was work fully completed to your satisfaction? ___ ___
4) Did serviceman explain and show you his
quality of work? ___ ___
5) Did serviceman lubricate your locks? ___ ___
6) Did serviceman leave old parts with you? ___ ___
7) Did serviceman clean up after himself? ___ ___
8) Did serviceman have a professional attitude? ___ ___
9) Did serrviceman explain your lock functions
and show you hwo the lock worked? ___ ___
10) Are more parts needed for return work? ___ ___
11) Is there any more wook needing to be done? ___ ___
12) Would you call us again for service? ___ ___
13) Would you recommend us to your friends
or business associates? ___ ___
