10 Years Ago
Traditionally, April is the Know Your Distributors issue of Locksmith Ledger. Our April 2014 chart listed far more independent distributors than this year’s chart, due to industry consolidation. Our Distributor Q&A article focused on Access Hardware, still a force today, and US Lock, once a major player but no longer on the scene. An article titled “The Importance of Being Local” looked at the many regional distributor trade shows. An article on residential security highlighted Arrow C Series tubular lever locks and CK Series tubular knob locks, while a second residential-themed feature examined the E-PRO Touch Electronic Lever Lock from LockeyUSA. Tim O’Leary’s article, “The Importance of Site Surveys," stands the test of time, still providing a valuable guide. The article “A New Approach for Stanley Security” examined a new business model for the company, prior to its acquisition by the dormakaba Group.
20 Years Ago
Jerry Levine provided a special report on "everything you ever wanted to know" about electric strikes. A section was dedicated to the unusual Securitron Unlatch. Jerry Levine also contributed an article on HES 4500 electric strikes. Rod Oden started part 1 of a series on CCTV basics. An informative article on servicing a Sentry 5560 fire safe was printed. Tim O'Leary suggested service contracts as a source of recurring income. Dale Bowman introduced locksmiths to the Medeco3 Freedom Program. Tiny fit keys to a Honda Gold Wing cycle. Steve Kaufman interviewed Lou Gildenberg, then president of the Greater Philadelphia Locksmith Association. The article contained interesting questions and answers about joining an association. Jerry Levine explained Chrysler transponder key changes that prevented STRATTEC aftermarket keys from operating some Chrysler models. The transponder game will never end.
Call for Nominations: Legends of the Lock Industry
Nominations are now open for Locksmith Ledger’s new Gale Johnson Legends of the Lock Industry Awards, launched in 2024 in memory of our late editor-in-chief and his lasting impact on the locksmith industry.
The nomination deadline is April 15.
Industry members can nominate themselves or someone else whose contribution to their company or organization deserves recognition. Criteria include: job commitment, leadership, industry involvement, achievements, and contributions and/or innovations to the locksmith market.
Nominees from all industry segments are welcome: commercial locksmiths, institutional locksmiths, industry educators, locksmith distributors and lock and tool manufacturers, among others. Nominees must have at least 15 years of experience in the security industry.
The 2024 Legends of the Year winners will be recognized in our July issue.
Submit your nominations at www.locksmithledger.com/53096360 or by scanning the QR code.
