Distributors are a great source for training, sponsoring events ranging from large-scale trade shows to educational weekends to counter days featuring manufacturer representatives. Many also host webinars and post extensive reference information and how-to videos on their websites. Here are some distributors and their current offerings.
American Key Supply
The American Key Supply Trade Show, Locksmith Swap Meet and Luau Lunch will be held at American Key Supply's headquarters and distribution center in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 1, at 10 a.m.
The event will bring locksmith suppliers and customers together and include products and representatives from more than 25 manufacturers. There will be special event pricing, hands-on demonstrations and product giveaways. Training classes will include Introduction to Automotive Locksmithing and Hands-on Lishi Training. Attendees can also buy and sell used tools and supplies at the first-ever Las Vegas locksmith swap meet.
"We are excited to finally hold our very own vendor show here. If you're within driving distance of Las Vegas, I highly encourage you to come see our facility, meet the manufacturers and our AKS staff, get some great deals, learn some cool stuff, and eat some great food!" said Cary Stevens, owner of American Key Supply.
For readers who missed the April 1 event, American Key Supply’s Las Vegas Locksmith University offers an extensive lineup of training classes year-round. The popular Hands-On Lishi training class is scheduled May 2, June 1, July 13, Sept. 14 and Oct. 19.
Other courses on the schedule at American Key Supply headquarters include:
- IM608, G2 Turbo, & VVDI Key Tool, May 5-6
- Mercedes Keymaking, June 2-3
- BMW Keymaking, July 14-15
- Motorcycle Keymaking, Oct. 20-21
For more details, visit www.americankeysupply.com/pages/las-vegas-locksmith-university-lvlu
Banner Solutions
Banner Solutions is a nationwide distributor with multiple locations throughout the U.S.A. offering products from over 262 manufacturers in more than 25 categories. We contacted Travis Howell, Banner Solutions’ content marketing manager, for information on their training.
“Banner Solutions sees training as an essential element for locksmiths working in any area of the trade. We partner with manufacturers and peer instructors to bring education opportunities to our customers,” Howell said.
The 2023 Banner Solutions Training and Trade Expo, held March 23-25 in Houston, included more than 40 classes covering automotive, access control, commercial door hardware, safe servicing and general locksmithing.
Banner also offers manufacturer webinar training on various topics throughout the year and posts an extensive list of whitepapers and YouTube videos.
“Many distributors have developed reputations as industry sources for all the vital technology training locksmiths require and built up their roster of loyal customers in the process. Banner Solutions will continue to offer the extensive training expo in Houston every March and look for other events to be planned in additional locations,” Howell added.
IML Security Supply
IML Security Supply’s Expo series is well-known and well-liked by the locksmith community, for the educational opportunities, the tradeshow and even the food!
Pre-registration is open for the IML Utah Expo, scheduled April 12-14 in Salt Lake City. Locksmiths can sign up for 35 of the most requested training courses in the industry.
Courses include:
- 2GIG EDGE Home Security and Management
- Access Control 101: Hardware and Installation
- Access Control 102: How to Maximize Profits And Win More Bids
- Advanced Breaking and Entering
- Advanced Electronic System Wiring and Basic Troubleshooting
- Advanced Troubleshooting for Low Voltage Locking Devices
- ASSA Inc. Certification
- Basic Low Voltage Electricity For Installers
- Cylindrical And Mortise Locks: Things You Must Know To Install And Service
- Decoding And Lock Pick Opening With Original Lishi
- Electric Circuits, Wiring Diagrams and System Design
- Electric Strike Overview, Maintenance and Install
- Electromechanical Hardware - Retrofit Installation
- Fire Door Inspection: 13 Things You Must Know
- How To Keep Your Door Hardware Code Compliant
- ICT Sales And Technical Training
- Intro Into Automotive Locksmithing
- Lock Picking Tips and Tricks
- Low Energy Automatic Operators and Exit Alarms
- Low Energy/ADA Door Integration and Safety
- Master Keying Solutions
- NGP Fire Door Accessories
- Proxess Access Control Made Simple
- Schlage ALX And ND Mechanical Locks
- SDC LR100 Hands-On Installation and Certification
- Servicing And Troubleshooting Mechanical Safe Locks
- Servicing Hollow Metal Doors and Frames
- Storefront Door Servicing and Repair
- Transponder Keys, Key Machines and Programming
- Von Duprin Mechanical and Electrified Exit Devices
Pre-registration will open later this month for the next IML Expo, June 21 to 23 in Kansas City,
Visit www.imlss.com/events to check for upcoming Expos and training events.
KDL Hardware Supply
Seattle-based KDL Hardware Supply will hold its spring trade show May 17-19 at the Tukwilla Community Center, Tukwilla, Wash. Enroll online at www.kdlhardware.com. Classes include:
- Alarm Lock Trilogy Locks: T2 to AirAccess
- Detex Door Alarms & Operators
- dormakaba Access Solutions
- Fire Door Inspection
- Fire, ADA and Accessibility Codes
- Fundamental Locksmith Skills
- Ilco and Advanced Diagnostics Key Machines
- LCN and Von Duprin door closers
- Lock Impressioning
- Lock Picking
- Masterkeying
- Norton Automatic Door Operators
- STRATTEC 2023 Automotive Update
AKG Academy
AKG Academy (presented by Automotive Keys Group) plans a series of quarterly training events where locksmiths can network with other locksmiths, meet with the company's sales staff, and most importantly, learn from industry-leading instructors.
The first installment, held in March, included the following classes: Intro to Domestic J2534 with GM Techline Connect, Ford IDS/FJDS/FDRS, FCA WiTech2 and Masterkeying. Professional Lock Picking and Euro Immo Systems Through the Years. Stay tuned for a similar lineup in the second quarter of 2023.
These are just a few of the opportunities out there through your distributor partners. Check with your local distributors to see if they offer in-house training sessions and online reference libraries.
Choosing the Right Distributors
We all are aware of the change in the security supply-chain landscape due to advancements in online technologies, direct marketing, and the need for streamlined procurement and account management when bidding jobs and ordering routine and special orders.
For many locksmiths it has become more convenient and profitable to use the distributor as the bridge between them and the manufacturers for specifying ordering, technical support and resolving hardware issues that are usually time-sensitive and may require navigating through manufacturers’ warranty procedures.
My own career spans from the pre-internet era to today, and I value distributors as partners and my representatives with the security industry beltway. Their buying power and technical expertise provide me access and leverage to compete. Their resources and training enable me and my squad to remain relevant and competitive in a rapidly evolving business environment.
We recommend opening accounts and doing business with at least three distributors — the local guy, at least one of the big distributor chains that has nationwide coverage and a distributor that specializes in your top business sector. It’s never wise to “put all your eggs in one basket.” Instead, spread the risk in case the lockset or tool you want is unavailable from one of your sources.
Some additional factors to consider:
Price: Pricing is important, but it isn’t always the most important consideration. In addition to competitive pricing, you want a distributor who will stand behind the products. Check prices from multiple distributors and see whether your favorite offers volume discounts, particularly for large orders. For smaller orders, factor in shipping costs.
Location: If a distributor or distributor branch is nearby, it can be a huge help to be able to stop by and pick up a part on short notice. Even overnight shipping can take too long if you have to have one more lock cylinder to finish up a job today.
Technical Support: Knowledgeable, helpful distributor personnel can make your job so much easier. This can include expert advice on new products and recommendations when the product you want is unavailable.
Online vs. In-Person Ordering: This comes down to personal preference. Do you work well into the night and place orders outside regular business hours? If so, 24-hour online ordering via website or app is essential. Would you rather speak with a distributor sales rep? Then the ability to reach your sales rep via telephone, email or text might be more important.
Problem Resolution: Clear communication when there’s a problem is vital! Unfortunately, in this time of supply-chain interruptions and transit delays, there will be the occasional bump in the road. The differentiator here is service. What steps is your distributor partner taking to correct the problem?
Tim O'Leary
Tim O'Leary is a security consultant, trainer and technician who has also been writing articles on all areas of locksmithing & physical security for many years.
