Unlocked Podcast

When it comes to business, is "yes" always the best answer? In this episode of Unlocked, hosts Tony, Chad, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe , dive into the challenging but critical topic of "When to Say No." They discuss how the immediate reaction to new requests is often rooted in a fear of making mistakes or stepping outside of comfort zones. You’ll hear candid stories a...

Are you an owner stuck in the day-to-day, wondering how to transition to a more strategic role? In this episode of Unlocked, hosts Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, tackle the critical question: "Who's Next?" They delve into building an internal leadership pipeline to prepare your to...

Building on their previous discussion, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta dive even deeper into the pivotal career moments that shaped their businesses. This episode uncovers more impactful stories, including the strategic hiring of key personnel, the transformation of financial reporting, and a gro...

(Episode 10) Want to optimize your team for maximum performance? 🤔 On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss the practical applications of Culture Index for putting the right people in the right seats. 🔑 They share real-world examples of how understanding personality traits can help you make better hiring decisions, reduce conflict, and avoid employee burnout. Tune in to discover...

(Episode 33) Ever wonder what truly drives success in a career? Join Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta on "Unlocked" as they delve into their most impactful career moments. This episode goes beyond the daily grind, exploring the decisions, challenges, and "aha!" moments that pro...

In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the critical aspects of managing sales activities in the security industry. They discuss everything from structuring sales teams and lead distribution to optimizing quote processes and improving win rates. Learn how to transition from a technician-led sales approach to a dedicated sales team, manage the emotional impact of accurate quoti...

How do you truly reward your employees and build a thriving company culture? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the power of recognition and appreciation. They share practical strategies and personal anecdotes about celebrating wins, fostering team camaraderie, and creating a positive work environment that goes beyond monetary incentives. Discover how intentional efforts...

What's the best advice you've ever gotten? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they share the most impactful pieces of advice they've received throughout their careers. From leadership and management to personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable insights. #BusinessAdvice #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Podcast

Is retail still relevant in the security industry? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they discuss the role of retail stores in today's market. They share their experiences, strategies, and predictions for the future of retail in the security sector. #Retail #SecurityIndustry #BusinessStrategy #Podcast

Are you a security business owner with fewer than five employees? This podcast episode is for you! Join industry experts as they share actionable tips and strategies to help you grow your business. From pricing and profitability to marketing and customer service, learn how to take your business to the next level.

In this episode, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the debate of security specialist versus generalist. They discuss the pros and cons of each approach in the security industry, drawing from their own experiences and insights. Whether you're a locksmith, installer, or business owner, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how to position yourself for success. #SecuritySpecialist #SecurityGener...

Dive into the world of finance and security! Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they discuss the role of private equity in the security industry. Learn what private equity is, how it works, and why it's becoming a hot topic in the security sector. Gain insights into investment strategies, industry trends, and the future of security business growth. #PrivateEquity #SecurityIndustry #Busin...

Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they recap their experiences at the ISC West Expo, the largest security expo. They discuss their top takeaways, observations on industry trends, and the best and worst of what they encountered at the show. Tune in for insights on new technology, industry challenges, and valuable leadership perspectives. #ISCWest #SecurityIndustry #TradeShow #BusinessInsights #Podcast

Want to expand your business? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss strategies for successfully breaking into new markets. From geographic expansion to acquisitions, they share their experiences and insights on navigating the challenges and maximizing opportunities. Learn how to effectively enter new territories and grow your business. #UnlockedPodcast #MarketExpansion #Busines...

Elevate your customer service game! Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they dive into the strategies and best practices for providing exceptional customer service. From building strong relationships to handling difficult situations, learn how to create a customer-centric approach that drives loyalty and business growth. Tune in to unlock the secrets of customer service excellence. #UnlockedP...

Unlock the power of collaboration! In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss the benefits of peer groups for business owners and entrepreneurs. They share their personal experiences with peer groups, the challenges they've faced, and the valuable lessons they've learned. Tune in to discover how peer groups can help you grow your business, overcome obstacles, and achieve you...

Never stop growing! In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars explore the importance of continuous learning for personal and professional development. They discuss the benefits of reading, seeking out new experiences, and embracing challenges. Tune in to discover how to cultivate a growth mindset and unlock your full potential. #UnlockedPodcast #ContinuousLearning #GrowthMindset #PersonalD...

Mistakes happen, but it's how you respond that defines your journey. Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they delve into the power of perspective when dealing with setbacks. Learn how to reframe failures, extract valuable lessons, and use those experiences to propel yourself forward. Tune in to discover how to go "beyond setbacks" and turn mistakes into stepping stones on your p...

Ever made a mistake that felt like a major setback? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars share their biggest failures in business and how those experiences became valuable lessons. Learn how to embrace your mistakes, extract wisdom from them, and use them as stepping stones to success. Tune in to discover how to "fail forward" and unlock new opportunities. #UnlockedPodcast #...

Ready to unlock a new level of success in your locksmith business? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they explore the crucial connection between pricing and value. Learn how to position yourself as an expert, build strong customer relationships, and create a pricing strategy that reflects the true worth of your services. Tune in to discover how to go "beyond the price tag" and ach...

Are you a locksmith looking to unlock greater profits? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars dive deep into the world of pricing strategies, specifically tailored to the locksmith industry. Discover the secrets of value-based pricing, understand your market, and learn how to position yourself as an expert, not just a vendor. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to price your servic...

In episode 16 of The Unlock Podcast, hosts Lars Johnston, Tony Hokanson, and Chad Lingafelt discuss the art of delegation and why it's a critical skill for leaders. Discover practical tips and strategies for delegating tasks, decision-making, and problem-solving in a way that promotes team growth and prevents burnout. Key topics include: Why delegation is challenging, especially for business o...

(Episode 14) Have you ever felt stuck in the day-to-day grind of running your locksmith business? Do you dream of stepping up as a true leader and taking your company to the next level? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars share their personal journeys from technicians to CEOs, and offer valuable insights on how to embrace leadership, build a strong team, and scale your business. Lear...

(Episode 13) Want to boost your locksmith business and unlock your full potential? On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars dive into proven sales strategies that have helped locksmith businesses thrive. They discuss the importance of targeting the right customers, crafting compelling value propositions, and building strong relationships with clients. Tune in to learn how to attract more...

(Episode 12) Want to take control of your business finances? On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars share practical budgeting strategies for locksmith and security business owners. 🔑 They discuss the importance of forecasting profit, managing cash flow, and making smart financial decisions. Tune in to unlock the secrets of budgeting for business growth!   #UnlockedPodcast #Budgeting #P...