54 Keynotes December 2025 aloa.org New Professionals Focused on Advancement John Truempy, CFL, CRL, CMIL, ICML, IFDI, LSFDI President, ALOA Institutional Locksmiths M Y VIEW IS THAT THE INDUSTRY IS DOING VERY well. I say this from seeing it from various indus- try positions I hold. First, as the president of the ALOA Institutional Locksmiths (AIL) division, the number of institutions looking for locksmiths is on the rise. When you see institutions making cuts in other places yet increasing or adding locksmiths, it is a good sign for the industry. Second, as president of the ALOA Scholarship Foundation (ASF) I get to see the next generation of locksmiths. Not only has the number of applicants been high over the last few rounds, but the quality of the applicants has also been impressive. These people will be the future leaders in our industry, and I am often amazed at the effort they put into learning our craft. Addi- tionally, the type of knowledge they are looking for impresses me. Sure, they often start out in fundamentals classes, but by the next convention, they are already looking to take far more advanced classes that are often associated with one of ALOA’s divisions. Third comes from my position as chairman of the Convention Committee. Yes, we always hear how conventions are dying. But we keep selling out booth space, and attendance numbers have been on the rise for the last few years. The purpose behind con- ventions may have changed, but they still have incredible value to locksmiths looking for education and networking opportunities. My fourth and final view is just from seeing this industry with my own eyes for over 40 years. I’m constantly meeting people new to the industry with a drive to learn and ideas that are new and refreshing. Yes, the industry is changing, but it’s doing great. Specialize to Drive Revenue Judy Fitzgerald Vice President and Office Administrator, Arnold’s Safe & Lock Co., Inc. I , PERSONALLY, AM NOT A LOCKSMITH. I AM MARRIED TO a locksmith, and I have been doing the bookkeeping for his business for over 30 years. I guess you could say that I am on the business side of locksmithing without having any hands-on experience. As the accounts payable and accounts receivable person, I see the invoices coming in from our sup- pliers, and I send out the invoices to our customers. I see the cost of materials going up, which we then must pass on to our customers. The increases in cost of materials have been occurring often this past year. All the other costs involved in running a business have gone up as well, such as utilities, advertising, insurance and upkeep for our trucks. To keep good employees, salaries and benefits need to increase. Finding new employ- ees has been especially trying. It seems that some young folks today don’t want to get their hands dirty, or they want to make top dollars when they are just starting out in training. Some locksmiths today have found a niche in the business, such as doing mostly automotive, safes, commercial or government work. Having a “specialty” seems to help in getting ahead in the field of locksmithing. Our company specializes in com- mercial doors and hardware, and in the government sector. This has proven to be beneficial and rewarding for us. Owning a locksmith business may have its trials and tribulations, but the rewards have been well worth it. The business has been very profitable for us, and we know that we will be able to retire comfortably in the future.
