aloa.org December 2025 Keynotes 5 PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE a trade that can be taken anywhere in the world, encourage her to take a closer look at what we do. This is a career with stability, mobility and endless opportunities for personal and profes- sional growth. Some of the best and most profitable employees I have had were women. They ran calls just as effi- ciently, handled customer interactions with ease and performed the job every bit as well as their male counterparts. To my fellow shop owners, I strongly encourage you to consider female applicants and welcome them into your teams. You may find, as I have, that they become some of your most valued technicians. To all of the women who have pushed past barri- ers, entered this trade and contributed their talent to our industry — thank you. You are helping move the locksmith profession forward, and we are better because of you. Check out this month’s episode of the Locksmith Security Network to hear Ashley’s story and more on this important topic. I F I WERE TO ASK YOU — OR THE AVERAGE person — to picture a locksmith, most would likely imagine a man in a uniform with a large ring of keys on his belt. For decades, that image has defined our profession. While the locksmith and security industry has long been male-dominated, times are changing. More women are entering our trade, bringing fresh perspec- tives, strong technical ability and a level of finesse that strengthens our workforce and elevates our profession. I want to take a moment to recognize and cele- brate all of the women who have taken the coura- geous step to learn this craft and carve out their place within it. Your dedication, skill and determi- nation are helping shape the future of the locksmith industry. As a business owner, I’ve had the opportunity to hire four female technicians over the years, and I can say with absolute certainty that they excel. They learn the work quickly, deliver exceptional service, and approach challenges with precision and professionalism. When teaching both men and women the art of lock picking, I consistently see that many women have a natural finesse — especially when working with high-security cylinders, spool pins and fine manipulation techniques that depend more on feel than force. Like every skilled trade in the country, the lock- smith and security industry needs more qualified technicians. Women can absolutely fill this gap and thrive in every aspect of our profession — from res- idential service and commercial hardware installs to access control, safes and electronic security. If you know a woman who enjoys working with her hands, solving problems and learning Wayne Winton, CRL, AFDI, CAI President ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc. [email protected] Expanding the Industry and Welcoming Women Into the Trade Some of the best and most profitable employees I have had were women. Scan to listen to the podcast.
