Legends of the Lock Industry: Barry "Buzz" McMenimon

July 1, 2024

Barry "Buzz" McMenimon, FlyLock Security Solutions

Barry "Buzz" McMenimon boasts a distinguished four-decade tenure in the Locksmith/Security Industry, leaving an indelible mark on its landscape. His father, William McMenimon, laid the foundation for the family legacy by establishing the Flying Locksmiths in 1946, operating initially from the confines of a humble Jeep.

Buzz's journey commenced alongside his father and three brothers, where he adeptly navigated roles spanning locksmithing, dispatching, salesmanship, and ultimately stewardship as a sole proprietor. Leveraging innovative marketing strategies, including eye-catching signage atop service vans, Buzz propelled the company into a phase of exponential growth through a franchising model. Collaborating with his sons, Barry and Brett, Buzz steered The Flying Locksmiths to expand its footprint nationwide, now proudly boasting over ninety franchised locations with continued expansion on the horizon.

In his current capacity as Franchisor, Buzz is steadfast in his commitment to upholding the locksmith profession's reputation as a bastion of professionalism. He insists on uniformed technicians, fair pricing, and impeccable craftsmanship, counteracting the proliferation of unscrupulous operators within the industry. Buzz remains dedicated to elevating the trade's stature in the eyes of consumers, advocating for rigorous training standards and fostering apprenticeships nationwide to nurture aspiring locksmiths

Buzz's credentials include certification as a Certified Master Locksmith (CML) from ALOA and membership in SAVTA. He remains a staunch proponent of ongoing education and knowledge-sharing within the locksmithing community, ensuring the proficiency of over 200 locksmiths under his purview across the country.

The accolades bestowed upon Buzz and The Flying Locksmiths are numerous, including their inclusion in Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchises for seven consecutive years, recognition with the Top New Franchise Award, and accolades such as the Family Business Award for Marketing Excellence and the Franchise Times Top 400 Award. Noteworthy distinctions such as the Best of Boston South Award and their recent feature in Security Magazine as a Top 10 Access Control Provider further underscore their industry leadership and innovation.