Inside a Locksmith Business: Unlocking the Truth About Job Difficulty (Part 3)

Welcome to the third part of The "Inside a Locksmith Business" series, where we deep dive into the world of lock and key services! In this video, we sit down with PJ and the team at Country Lock and Key to discuss a crucial aspect of their business - job difficulty.
Unlocking the Truth About Job Difficulty (Part 3) takes you behind the scenes of a locksmith business and sheds light on how the team navigates the challenges posed by different job difficulties. We explore the importance of technician skills and how they play a critical role in ensuring the job is done right the first time!
If you're interested in learning more about the locksmith business and the challenges that come with it, this series is for you! Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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ABOUT US:
Locksmithing is what PJ knows, he grew up watching his dad locksmith. PJ started his locksmith training at age 6 by learning how to cut a key! PJ, President of CLK Supplies shows locksmith tips, does locksmith training videos as a sort of locksmith school, interviews locksmiths goes over locksmith equipment, key cutting machines, and more. If you are interested in locksmithing, want to know how to use locksmith tools, or would like to learn a few new locksmith tricks you are in the right place. Welcome!

[@peterzenner2020]

I'm getting the idea that Exit Devices and Concealed Rod/Surface Rods are something locksmiths need to be prepared to see, evaluate, and repair.

[@samkelly697]

Measuring job difficulty and pricing is incredibly hard to do when you’re just starting out so I appreciate these videos. #lockboss

[@bstrickler]

Time management has definitely been quite a learning experience for me. Especially when you first evaluate an idea of the issue (without disassembly), and then things just go haywire, because you're having to fix a previous locksmiths work. Always something new when you're a #lockboss !

[@michaelhusted5701]

I have always found it interesting to compare a self assessment with a skilled assessment. A person who feels that they are an expert in everything isn't always delusional. People who don't quit when things are difficult but patiently work it out will often appear more capable than an experienced worker that quits easily when things get tough. Those are the difficult subtlties that are harder to quantify. Love this series, if gives you a lot to think about. #Lockboss

[@MariaRodriguez-vc4rt]

Glad a series like this exists. It shows how far a locksmith/mobile locksmith business can go with the right considerations & communication. Excited to see how it can elevate what I’m trying to start #lockboss

[@bradleybenson13]

I like the brainstorming between everyone trying to better their craft and business #lockboss

[@lockmechanic]

The phrase that comes to my mind after watching this video is "Managing expectations." Definitely something that isn't easy to do, but necessary for any business striving to be successful... #Lockboss

[@dmklocksmithing]

There is alot of moving parts to a business with multiple techs and dispatch. I love the problem solving and work being done to streamline the operation. Keep up the great work! #lockboss

[@backpocketlocksmith4669]

P.J. showing how to walk the walk, not just talk the talk of being a #Lockboss. Keep em coming CLK SUPPLIES

[@carllewis2207]

This is what makes me happy to just be a one man show. #Lockboss

[@jeffhudgins9142]

So happy to be a one man shop. Had employee for 15 years. Glad to be by myself again! #Lockboss

[@LuckyStrike01]

Good communication and never asking someone to do something that you haven’t done or wouldn’t do yourself I’ve found is a great attribute for a manager. That and being able to make good decisions on the fly. With a good team when things go astray you barely notice. Great info. #LockBoss

[@theworkinglocksmiths]

Great Video! Communication is the key and you are showing us a great example of how a boss should treat and show great communication....even though it is your father business. Good Job PJ

[@Ghost_Os]

Hi there! I watch your channel and enjoy. Small question for you; are you aware KZbin has some of your videos designated as 'content made for kids'? It disables the ability to save videos to a playlist, disables comments, and, I believe, also disables the bell for notifications. I wasn't sure if you chose the designation as the creator, or if it was a KZbin thing. Anyway, I enjoy your content 🍷

[@theworkinglocksmiths]

@@Ghost_Os Hi, thanks for letting me know that....I will make sure to not set the videos for kids! More Videos coming soon. Thanks, Craig

[@John-zb3qr]

Managing customer expectations can sometimes be the hardest part of the job. When I started my boss drilled into me the idea of under promising and over delivering. #lockboss

[@bobbykendrick2426]

Great video. Glad to see everyone working together. Maybe for the new techs just starting out maybe a little certificate showing what level they work up to. #Lockboss

[@johnfalk6955]

It's great to see you working on your Measurable Ratings and Experience for your Technicians. I can see them working to be a Better #LOCKBOSS.

[@breached7288]

It's amazing what you try doing to help these businesses. Not many people seem to care anymore about others success. Your show has inspired and educated me greatly. Ty you all for all your hard work and dedication. #lockboss

[@randydowns7554]

Good discussion for multiple personnel shops. #LOCKBOSS I'm one man operation. Saves a lot of grief

[@aaronmamer4535]

As a guy who just started his own business finding your channel has been a blessing giving me some tips and tricks! Can’t wait to watch some of your older vids too! #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Aaron, thanks for being here! -PJ

[@tumblersfalllocksport218]

I appreciate this series. I'm a one man operation now, but who knows what the future holds #lockboss

[@securelk5751]

I think this is a great idea. It is alway good to have a a standard training guide and scale to make sure the newer people learn everything correctly and nothing is overlooked. I work by myself, but one thing I do every now and then is just make a list of the type of jobs I feel comfortable doing. I think taking a few minutes to think through the job helps you think of areas that you could improve on.#Lockboss

[@IceMan0003]

Learning is a never ending process especially for #Lockboss

[@riplikable]

Great job by Hayley on the documents you are reviewing. Job complexity is very challenging to determine in advance. Even residential rekeys can get difficult if they have 4 different brands of deadbolt, custom doors, and some profile/mortise locks thrown in for fun. #Lockboss

[@kookita9]

This is great information for lock shops and locksmiths. I don’t go out on the road much, I’m the one in the shop doing estimates and scheduling. I don’t have it written out, but this is what I do. I have to look at my techs, their skill sets, training time, knowledge, who I have to handle other jobs… it’s crazy sometimes. But that’s how we roll #lockboss

[@zach2763]

It's interesting to watch the development and adaptation to a streamlined system. I like the long form storytelling here in this series. #Lockboss

[@philherman5209]

You all did a great job working together to find a solution to a complex problem. Also, it was seeing the Westcoaster featured in the video; we need a tour. #Lockboss

[@steveschmidt7140]

I'm working on this all the time, #lockboss

[@keithmoore1802]

It is nice to include the levels that will help the newbies #LOCKBOSS

[@kevinbacon9660]

Again, thank you to ALL the #lockboss folks involved with putting this series together. While I am a one-man-band and don’t have the same challenges as bigger companies, you all teach me new ways to help my skill level and client services. I’ve got to get my skill rating up!

[@TheDavila10458]

Wow how much I enjoyed this meeting of the minds you guys had on this video. Keep these videos coming. Learned so much lots of understanding of the difficulties you you deal with. And and awesome amount of thought and creative ideas you implement to to fair the the techs and the customers. #lockboss

[@Dayman0war]

As a newbie, I'm thankful for these videos. It's nice to see the inner workings of a locksmith business, but its also the reason i want to fly solo. #lockboss

[@Ghost_Os]

This sole proprietor #lockboss has brainstorming sessions like this by himself. Surprisingly effective 😂

[@brianogram5194]

I love that you are doing this series, thanks PJ and everyone involved! #Lockboss

[@jmr]

@PJ Should lend Julio to the Lockfather. We all know Julio is the brains of the operation and Billy is the muscle! 😂 #Lockboss

[@Matttkoda]

Great video PJ and everyone at Country Lock and Keys. #LockBoss

[@kd7iyt]

Loving the content! Thanks for time you and the team dedicate to this, PJ! #Lockboss

[@phillip745]

This is a great series of communication skills. I’m sure it is hard to match the job with the right tech. As always these videos are a good learning tool. Thanks for sharing. #Lockboss

[@jeffmoss26]

Being a #lockboss has its challenges but it’s also very rewarding!!

[@rigidedge8864]

Great video team evaluation is so important for customer service #lockboss

[@Marshall_Lock_and_Key]

Great video series and very informative on managing the business, technicians, and keeping customers happy with the work. Looking forward to seeing how well the new implementations help 😎 #lockboss

[@stephenzies8867]

This Is Great. I Like That Everyone In The Room / Office Is Giving Their Input And Really Caring To Get A Solution To Make Things Work Smooth And Have The Right # Rated Tech Sent For The Job And Teach The New People Skills So They Can Grow With The Company #lockboss

[@tomcason5399]

Great video. I give you guys a lot of credit. What you are trying to do is very difficult. A lot of variables to consider and the biggest is the people. Good luck. Can't wait to see how things turn out. #Lockboss

[@Ropa_Redefined]

This series is so helpful. I cant wait to see how well thoughts and practices are adapted to this system of success. #Lockboss

[@robertmorrison3735]

Thank you for another great video! Another advantage to being able to assign a level to each employee is you could likely cut down on the frustration a new team member may feel if they are assigned a job way above their ability. Many places are really struggling to find employees and it would be a shame to lose one that could be a good worker for years once fully trained but may not be able to handle stress as well as they should. #Lockboss

[@ryanbradley4718]

At my shop we have had very similar "tech level up" discussions. We attempted to get it down on paper a couple times. This seems like an important step if a business is to scale and grow but this service is so custom oriented to each customer that scaling always results in reduced customer satisfaction. #LockBoss

[@daveaedion]

More really good information on dispatching logic. #Lockboss

[@theworkinglocksmiths]

This is great showing small business how to do great communication #lockboss

[@roasta2369]

Great stuff awesome to see the #lockboss teamwork

[@rustyshakleford5230]

I come from a plumbing background and I've always found time and material works great for unknowns #Lockboss

[@alexmorales2449]

Definitely the best locksmith supplier these videos are so helpful #lockboss

[@josephleonard7880]

I really think the Job you are doing with making any locksmith better business with multiple tech's with expertise rating will help both the company and the tech's confidence. As a locksmith that really is learning on my own I think working for a company that will teach you to help you advance in the knowledge is a great thing #lockboss

[@KozelkaPD]

"Its just a simple lock" Job just went from half hour to 3 hours. #lockboss

[@MrTechKey]

It is always a good thing to keep evaluating technicians skills and providing feedback. Just knowing that interest is there and incentives are available for growing your skillset, makes a #Lockboss job better.

[@lokpikr999]

So considering the skills I currently possess (listed below), where would I fall on the scale? -Proficiency in lock picking and bypass techniques (Feel free to watch some of my vids) -Experienced in auto entry procedures -Can readily identify most key blanks -Can operate key duplication and code cutting equipment Can retrieve lock codes from and navigate software based and online programs -Can rekey and service residential deadbolts, knobs, and leversets -Can rekey S.F.I.C locks -Can rekey Medeco products -Can rekey Master Lock and American Lock products -Experience with master keying -Can decode most sesamee style briefcase locks and padlocks -Can fit keys to wafer and pin tumbler locks - Basic familiarity with automotive key origination -Basic experience servicing and installing storefront door hardware - Basic experience regarding cylindrical lever lockset installation and service procedures -Can impression locks

[@robertcalkjr.8325]

Good job. Thanks, PJ. #Lockboss

[@AllAmericanDreamChaser]

Good Luck To All! 👍 #Lockboss

[@davidturner6509]

If all the jobs have a difficulty rating I think it will be hard to assign a rating to the tech to match unless the tech is proficient at all the jobs listed at the same rating. Also what one tech may consider a 9 difficulty may be a 2 to the next one. I do like that you are trying to make it easier and more standardized for everyone involved. #LockBoss

[@edkeel5007]

Another educational video #Lockboss

[@curlyq1269]

Great video showing the thought process during the brainstorming session. This is a process that everyone needs to go through on their own. It's good to have a baseline reference method from someone that had done it before! Thank you! #lockboss

[@groverthetoecutter7874]

This has been one of the best videos you put out ,#lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Oh wow! Thx -PJ

[@lisawallace2257]

Hi everyone! Love watching the videos! #lockboss

[@LockPickingCoalMiner]

I appreciate your all’s videos, they are always helpful. Thanks for sharing. #LockBoss

[@willardlocks]

I think it's a great idea to rate jobs and employees. #LockBoss

[@bstrickler]

For teaching someone how to do basic stuff like residential deadbolts, have you guys considered using 2x6 boards on a hinge to give them the practice needed, so training can be cheap? This is an excellent low budget way to train someone on the basics, IMHO. And if they botch something, you don't have to worry about screwing up a customers door/frame. For auto lockout stuff, maybe talk to junkyards and see if they're willing to let you train on their vehicles. This will give you a wide variety of vehicles to practice on, and have minimal risk of damaging a good vehicle.

[@bstrickler]

For rekeys and such, if you have the room, maybe look into having a door on a frame to have them build competency. Some of this can apply to the exit devices and such as well. But it requires space for training doors and whatnot.

[@hro789]

Another interesting video. #Lockboss

[@nathand4001]

This has been super interesting. #lockboss

[@user-cb6fn4kr9y]

#lockboss Great Job.

[@rodrigosarabia5243]

This is so interesting, unfortunelly I'm the only locksmith in the shop, and I will said I'm still learning but so far I love it because is so challenging, but if there's something I can't do I say it right away, so there's no time to lose, but also I have done things that I never did it before but I was able to accomplished, I guess I have an advantage, my brain is very mechanical and I love fixing things. #Lockboss

[@kennethjohnson359]

Love the intro!! #LOCKBOSS

[@tomwolf125]

Sounds like you guys are coming up with a great strategy for improving efficiency. I really like the idea of letting techs rate themselves but I'd be aware that some would likely sell themselves short while others may try and overstate their experience based on their personalities. We had a similar type thing back when I did electrical and that's kind of what I saw going on. Hope that helps. Go #Lockboss !

[@johnholding107]

Another great video. Thanks. #lockboss

[@davidhasty8192]

Great video. #lockboss

[@leetalar4167]

Good show#lockboss

[@SadisticPicker]

Great series #lockboss!👏👏🔥😎

[@user-yh5rm6yc1t]

Awesome content, #lockboss

[@MrAmarillo8]

I'm a sole-owner who has no employees at this time... I don't have these issues to deal with! I also field all the phone calls, which eliminates dispatch problems. If I didn't ask enough questions, I don't have anyone to blame but me! #AccessLockKeyLLC #HaulinBrass #LockBoss

[@clksupplies]

So true! How often do you blame yourself after a job? -PJ

[@jdlock6494]

Love the videos, keep them coming. #lockboss

[@benslockandkeylocksmithing9839]

Couldn't have said this better! #Lockboss

[@justapickygirl]

Great video, thanks for all the helpful info. #LockBoss

[@ethanbronner]

I have Always found I can do a job a lot faster then any one of my employees. Different motivations I am sure. Like they say in the video Calculate the time based on your employees estimated worst possible time. Within reason of course. #lockboss

[@joeandgod1]

I just found your channel and it's been extremely helpful. #lockboss

[@scorcher617]

Good job on the list, but it seams the easy jobs sometimes are the hardest. For the new guys they will get faster when they start learning #Lockboss tricks.

[@IowaLockDoc]

It's a tough job being the #Lockboss. If you built a moderately complex matrix that had a skill listed and then a column to show that can perform it (show ability), but maybe an employees personal goal/preference on that type of job. I ran into this too in my former career...there are people you show/train once...they're set for life, and others who need to be shown 10 times or more. It's never easy and never the same...as always because you're dealing with people. Might want to have a bar/incentive mark to show proficiency and their skill progression to be able justify wages/raises/bonuses. Also good to remember and consider...sometimes you just have to allow someone to try...not pigeon hole a tech. It can provide a great feeling of accomplishment for that tech to rise above the moment and be the hero...especially if they weren't certain if they could do it. All tough issues to manage, there are so many complexities to this issue. Hopefully there is a way to build trust in the process and build up a tech too. Good luck!

[@howietorock]

good ideas #lockboss

[@georgeblair7129]

figuring job prices and whether or you can/should do the job is harder than the actual work some times. #lockboss

[@danwong3601]

Very informative

[@FTRVDenny]

Pricing is a difficult thing for me. I run in to a job that would normally take 10 minutes and an hour later, I'm still working on it and they were already quoted. #Lockboss

[@advancedleveldiagnostics]

great video, Thanks! #Lockboss

[@lpm55]

Great video #lockboss

[@glockaxis]

Great Part 3. Could we get a pdf of the job list and difficulty ratings? Not looking for tech scores or pricing (unless you don't mind posting pricing). As someone that's training and practicing, it would give me a better direction on what to concentrate on and strive for. Thank you to everyone! #Lockboss

[@clksupplies]

I’ll see if I can get a copy! -PJ

[@glockaxis]

@@clksupplies Any luck yet on the pdf PJ?

[@eccentric_by_default489]

My skills are average but havent been doing this long. I am a better lock picker and bypasser than some of my co workers, but they are better in other areas than me. #Lockboss

[@ThaFritz]

Pricing is always difficult sight unseen, some jobs can run 15 min some can run 2 hrs and need things ordered, theres no way to keep one of everything on hand for a newbie. But ill say my conversion rate makes me feel like a #lockboss even if some of my pricing has been on the lower end for the effort put in.

[@NateGodin77]

I think we can assume Billy is level 1-2 on everything 😂 #lockboss

[@securetechlocksmithco.7383]

PJ I think a # 2or #3 should be yes tech can do it but a # 6 and up should be there, but not doing the job or is saying anything to the #2 Teck then after the job is completed and done right. Then the #2 Teck can then move up in the numbering That would be my opinion my point #Lockboss

[@RobertMinkler]

Just found the channel today #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Welcome -PJ

[@Pyrolock]

Seems like the "Stinger" is the backdrop for a lot of commentary; just saying I would love to see the sheets you all came up with as to the jobs you have listed, minus the confidential information on price and time, of course. I think you are on the right track to send the "qualified" tech on the appropriate job;, however, if I were a tech, I would not want to be sent always on the same jobs all the time, as the downside. #lockboss

[@clksupplies]

Hey Ken, yeah that is a good point! I hope you are doing well! -PJ

[@tomski1111]

Customer: I need a lock installed. Locksmith: ok no problem, what kind of lock? Customer: it’s a standard lock OR it’s for my house #lockboss

[@lowellforbes3208]

#lockboss. Pricing quotes are fine until customer says “oh while you’re here……” Would you share those lists for others??

[@memyselfi1340]

I was born a #Lockboss and I'll die a #Lockboss

[@ale-spoke]

I wonder what the compensation rate is for a tech with an experience level of 7-10? #lockboss