President's Message

December 2009

I was speaking with my friend Howard Johnsen the other day. We were discussing some of the changes in our license. He pointed out lawyers charge anywhere from one hundred dollars an hour up to thousands. Both have the same license, but they are not the same. I was thinking locksmiths are a lot like lawyers. Most of us are ethical, but a few of us can give us all a bad reputation. Bigger companies can usually charge a little more than smaller ones because they have more resources. A smaller company has the advantage of knowing your customers and low overhead. Of course some companies can be small, but charge and act like a big company. Your competency should have a lot to do with what you charge. The thousand dollar lawyer has more talent and training. He can probably accomplish more in less time. Some of my fellow locksmiths were given a lot of natural talent, and good for them. Some of you might be more like me; I just don't have much talent. I do have one advantage, education. I was at the Just Cars last month and learned enough in 8 hours to save myself a lot of time and better serve my customers. I also learned about some new resources where I can get answers. Jim Hetchler told me he is as dumb as a box of rocks (doubtful), but he is good at accumulating information (true). Professionalism is about talent, how you present yourself, knowledge, and resources. I believe resources are the most important, because you can get the rest if you know where to go get answers. As you know, you cannot go to a class for a day or two and walk away knowing everything about our trade. The classes we are presenting at our convention give you practical skill training, applications, and confidence. Most of all they give you the most valuable asset, how to get answers. This may be literature, websites, manufacturer information, and fellowship.
Please get your dues paid and try to add a little for lobbyist Keith Oakley. I truly feel he is worth every penny we pay him. If we all give 50.00 a year per truck I think we should have plenty to keep his services. Get your convention registration in ASAP and save money plus receive rebates. Plano is going to be the best yet! I have more to say, but it will have to wait until next month.

Remember, "The cheapest lock at Home Depot usually works great up to the second that you need it."

John Arnold, President 2009 - 2010
Texas Locksmiths Association