From Paint to Padlocks: Gareth’s Bold Move to LockFit Success

From Paint to Padlocks: Gareth’s Bold Move to LockFit Success

At LockFit, we take pride in the stories of individuals who join our network of professional locksmiths. Today, we spotlight Gareth Edwards, who operates LockFit in Taunton, Burnham on Sea, Tiverton, Bridgwater and Chard. Gareth shared his inspiring journey with us, and here’s a deeper dive into what led him to LockFit and the valuable insights he’s gained.

From Painter to Locksmith: A Career Pivot

Gareth started his professional life as a painter and decorator but soon found the work monotonous. A desire for change, coupled with a friend’s success in a LockFit franchise, sparked his interest in exploring new opportunities. The chance to be his own boss, combined with the structured support provided by LockFit, made this franchise the perfect match.

“I was getting bored of painting and decorating. A friend started a LockFit franchise, and I thought it was a good idea to give it a go too,” Gareth shared.

Why LockFit?

What drew Gareth to LockFit was the balance of independence and support that the franchise offers. Despite not having a previous interest in the locksmith industry, the day-to-day variety and problem-solving nature of the work quickly became appealing. Also his friend was already a LockFit Franchisee which helped.

“The jobs are different every day. You have to think of solutions to get around a problem, and I enjoy meeting new people,” Gareth said.

The Rewards of Locksmithing

Gareth finds the most rewarding aspect of the job to be helping people in emergency situations. Whether assisting someone locked out of their home or calming a panicked customer on the phone, the sense of accomplishment is undeniable.

“When people phone you, they seem panicked, but once you’ve spoken to them, they calm down. Helping people get back into their homes is rewarding.”

Overcoming Challenges

Like any business, starting as a locksmith comes with challenges. For Gareth, identifying lock mechanisms and overcoming technical hurdles were early obstacles. However, thanks to the supportive LockFit network, he found solutions by reaching out to other members for advice.

“I asked different members of the LockFit group for help which uses WhatsApp. There’s a lot of support,” he added.

Building a Future in Locksmithing

Looking ahead, Gareth has clear short-term and long-term goals. In the short term, he aims to improve his lock-picking skills and increase the number of daily jobs. His long-term goals include forming partnerships with estate agents and property services to secure a steady flow of customers.

He plans to grow the business by investing more in advertising, distributing flyers, and building a presence on social media and Google Ads.

Advice for Aspiring Franchisees

For anyone considering a LockFit franchise, Gareth’s advice is straightforward: go for it.

“Do it. It doesn’t feel like work compared to what I was doing before. Watch YouTube videos to see what you might come up against, and try to go out with someone to see what the jobs are really like.”

A New Life with LockFit

Joining LockFit has been transformative for Gareth, both personally and professionally. He enjoys getting up for work each day, meeting new customers, and no longer having to deal with the dust and grime of his previous job. He’s even moved closer to friends, achieving a better work-life balance.

“LockFit has changed my life. I enjoy getting up for work, meeting new people, and living closer to friends,” he concluded.

Unlocking Success

At LockFit, we celebrate the journey of every franchisee and their contributions to their local communities. If you’re considering a career change or looking to build your own business with the backing of an established network, LockFit could be the key to your success.

Thinking about joining LockFit? Learn more about our franchise opportunities and unlock your potential today!