Meet Stephen: Our New LockFit Franchisee Covering Derby and Surrounding Areas

Meet Stephen: Our New LockFit Franchisee Covering Derby and Surrounding Areas

LockFit is excited to welcome Stephen as the newest member of our franchise family. Stephen’s journey from the telecoms industry to becoming a LockFit franchisee is a testament to his resilience, commitment to the community, and passion for new opportunities. Covering Derby, Chaddesden, Ilkeston, Normanton, and Alvaston, Stephen is ready to bring professional, speedy locksmith services to his local area.

From Telecoms to Locksmithing

Stephen’s professional journey began in the telecoms industry, where he worked for eight years. However, in April 2024, a corporate restructuring led to his redundancy. After months of job hunting without finding a role that sparked his interest, a conversation with his uncle, a former LockFit franchisee, changed everything. Encouraged by his uncle’s positive experience, Stephen explored the potential of joining the LockFit network.

“The ‘be your own boss’ model was incredibly appealing, especially with the robust support network provided by other franchisees. The proven business model and marketing support made the transition much smoother,” says Stephen.

Embracing a New Challenge

Initially, Stephen had not considered a career in locksmithing. However, his hands-on nature and knack for using tools—a trait he attributes to his neurodivergence—made the prospect of becoming a locksmith both challenging and rewarding.

“I love learning new trades and the idea of helping people. The satisfaction of completing jobs and making a positive impact on others’ lives is a big driving force for me,” he shares.

Overcoming Initial Hurdles

Starting his LockFit franchise presented several challenges. Convincing himself and his wife to embrace this career change was significant. Additionally, sourcing the right van that met his needs in terms of size, price, and timely delivery was a difficult task. Despite these obstacles, Stephen’s determination saw him through to a successful launch.

Commitment to Community

Stephen is dedicated to making a positive impact in his local community. He aims to educate residents on various lock types and their applications, demystifying security measures and promoting safer homes. Stephen also plans to participate in community events and initiatives, lending his expertise to local council projects and neighbourhood watch programs.

In the short term, Stephen’s goal is to establish a reliable service within his local area, becoming a well-known and trusted figure in the community. Long-term, he aspires to train his children in the trade, creating a family-run business that can expand into additional territories.

Personal Passions

Outside of his work with LockFit, Stephen pursues an unexpected passion—professional wrestling. After COVID-19, he decided to chase this childhood dream and now enjoys the thrill of stepping into the ring. Despite this unique hobby, his primary role remains as a dedicated stepfather to his four children.

A memorable experience early in his LockFit journey involved helping his elderly neighbours who had locked themselves out. Using his newly acquired skills, he quickly resolved their issue, even cutting a new key and installing a key safe for future emergencies. This act of kindness underscores his commitment to helping others and building a supportive community.

Looking Forward

Stephen offers valuable advice for those considering a LockFit franchise: research thoroughly and understand that owning a franchise means running a business. He emphasises the importance of dedication and hard work, coupled with the unparalleled support and customer-focused approach that sets LockFit apart from other locksmith services.

As the locksmith industry evolves with smart home technologies, Stephen plans to stay ahead by continuously updating his skills and knowledge to meet the changing needs of his customers. His journey with LockFit is just beginning, and he is optimistic about the future, ready to bring quality locksmith services to Derby, Chaddesden, Ilkeston, Normanton, and Alvaston.

We are thrilled to have Stephen on board and look forward to seeing the positive impact he will have on his local community. Welcome to the LockFit family, Stephen!