Is your growing business caught in the "messy middle" where chaos reigns and consistency is a distant dream? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, dive into the critical importance of prioritizing processes. They share personal experiences of how a lack of documented procedures can lead to frustration, inefficiency, and a reliance on individual experience that crumbles with turnover. Discover practical strategies, from whiteboarding sessions to leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT for documentation, and the crucial step of involving frontline staff in process creation. Learn how consistent review and making processes easy to follow are key to widespread adoption. This episode is a must-listen for business owners looking to scale efficiently, reduce operational "whiplash," and build a resilient company that doesn't falter when key people move on.

Are you a big-picture thinker or a meticulous executor? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, dive deep into the essential dynamic of the Visionary and Integrator roles within a business. Drawing heavily from "Traction" and "Rocket Fuel" by Gino Wickman, they define these distinct profiles, exploring how their complementary strengths drive success and how their differences can create friction. The hosts share personal anecdotes, revealing how they identify with these roles and how building a team that balances these profiles has been crucial for scaling their own locksmith and security companies. Learn how to leverage your unique strengths, fill leadership gaps, and foster effective communication to avoid "whiplash" from too many ideas. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to optimize their leadership structure and accelerate growth.

Are traditional approaches holding your security business back? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, tackle the "Old Mindset" prevalent in the security industry and the challenges of introducing new technologies like mobile credentials. They question why innovations, despite offering superior convenience and security, aren't being adopted faster. The conversation delves into the "pain points" that drive customer decisions, arguing that often, the current solutions aren't inconvenient enough to warrant a change. Learn how manufacturers and service providers need to better articulate the "why" behind new products, emphasizing convenience over mere security features. The hosts share insights on streamlining operations by focusing on a limited, high-value product set, and the crucial need to overcome the industry's tendency to hoard old technology. This episode offers a candid look at the friction between tradition and progress, providing actionable takeaways for those ready to embrace the future.

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 about the risks and rewards of taking on new challenges, including a disastrous attempt at servicing revolving doors. The conversation explores how saying “no” can sometimes be a sign of laziness or a lack of imagination, but other times, a strategic decision that protects profitability and focus. Learn how to ask the right questions to uncover the real problem, tailor your answer based on the customer’s value to your business, and strategically refuse work that doesn’t align with your core mission.

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 top management for the next level, freeing you up for strategic growth. Learn how to identify potential leaders, address the fear of them leaving, and align company values for a cohesive team. The discussion covers practical steps like establishing a clear cadence for development, leveraging external peer groups, and the importance of consistent communication of core values. Discover how investing in internal talent fosters a culture of growth, reduces owner burnout, and ensures the long-term success of your business, independent of its founders.

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 groundbreaking approach to large-scale project sales. Discover how a shift from simple transaction to value-driven solutions led to significant wins. Learn about the importance of hiring for character over experience, the power of detailed financial insights, and how strong personal partnerships, both in business and life, contribute to enduring success. Tune in for more candid revelations and actionable takeaways that can inspire your own career trajectory in the security industry.

(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 how Culture Index can transform your team dynamics and drive business growth! #UnlockedPodcast #CultureIndex #TeamBuilding #Leadership #Hiring #PersonalityAssessment #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

(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 profoundly shaped their businesses and personal growth. From unexpected partnerships and overcoming significant hurdles to embracing new mindsets, discover the pivotal experiences that led to major wins. Tune in for candid stories, entrepreneurial insights, and lessons learned from the highs and lows of building successful security businesses across North America. Find out how focusing on these key moments can inspire your own path to career success.

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 quoting, and leverage data to drive better results. Whether you're a small business owner or part of a larger organization, this episode offers practical insights and real-world strategies to refine your sales operations and boost your bottom line.

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 in acknowledging good work can boost morale, improve teamwork, and make your organization a place where people genuinely want to stay and contribute. Tune in for actionable tips on how to implement effective reward systems, even on a budget, and learn from their successes (and a few hilarious failures!) in creating memorable employee experiences.