JLS Locksmith is a family-owned business, covering south-east England and west London ran by John Le-Surf for the past three years. John previously worked as a warrant officer / bailiff previously doing warrant work and found himself fascinated by the magic of opening doors without damaging them, so became a locksmith…
From collecting debts to picking locks
I previously worked as a warrant officer/bailiff and when I was out on jobs, I thought it was great how locksmiths opened doors non-destructively, it was like they’re magicians. It was a skill I wanted to learn, so I started watching YouTube videos during lockdown and started to have a go at picking locks. I found that I really bonded with locksmithing, so I started to put myself ‘out there’ on LinkedIn and to companies where I had previously worked as warrant officer. I started to advertise lock upgrades on social media, and I just got busier and busier. I see myself working in locksmithing until I retire.
Helping people
I like to help people get back into their properties, when they’re in despair and it’s late at night, I rescue them from the cold and take all the stress away, it’s a great feeling. I feel like a miracle worker, and everyone is so appreciative of the work I do. I also like to help people who have sub-standard locks and open their eyes to the better security options available at their local hardware store.
Annoyances: penny-pinching
It annoys me when I see door handles that have been put on the wrong way around; I’m not sure how it happens, I think it’s the handy work of people who go around doing various jobs and clearly don’t know what they’re doing. ‘Master of all trades, master of none’ so to speak. I understand that people just want to make money, but when it compromises a family’s safety and security, it’s just not worth it. It’s always better to call a locksmith. It’s not just in the domestic industry you see this unfortunately, I did a job on a retirement village in Virginia water in Surrey and all the residential door handles were put on the wrong way around – unbelievable! This was done by a construction team. It’s penny-pinching getting someone else to do work they’re not trained to do, one less trade to call out to a job.
Training: it’s all about the right contacts
I started out learning on YouTube, but then did proper training at South UK Locksmith Training and then some one-to-one training with Jason Hillier at JJH Locksmiths in Birmingham. Jason is my ‘go-to’ person for anything I want to learn – he’s an oracle! Also, Gavin Jeffries and Brian James from Lock101. I follow the footsteps of Brian and try to be 100% non-destructive like him.
What’s new for 2025
I started a YouTube channel to give back because that’s how I learned. I enjoy sharing ideas on social media but avoid content like ‘how to pick locks’ that could aid criminals.
My plans for 2025 are to expand my business and offer access control entry systems – repair and installation, and CCTV. I’m going to do the courses I need and take it from there. That’s what I love about locksmithing, there’s always something new to learn and more money to be made offering an additional service. It makes sense not to turn down work in the future and learn the skills I am missing.
The unusual surname ‘Le-Surf’
It’s French, and I wish I could say it’s means something great, but it means ‘No title and no wealth’ which is kind-of dull. I like it though because it’s easy for customers to remember and it sounds a bit posh and interesting.
Success in locksmithing
My success in locksmithing is largely due to my wife Sharon. She not only supported my career change and working for myself but also assists on major jobs as a locksmith herself. Sharon handles quotations, accounts, and admin, making her the backbone of my business.
The gaining of a significant project, involving the replacement of 168 digital locker locks at a university, was largely due to Sharon’s efforts in preparing a comprehensive tender. The failure of the digital locks was attributed to battery depletion. Despite competing against larger companies, the tender submission stood out. The meticulous preparation of the tender document and the acquisition of necessary licenses and insurances were key factors. The project was completed over weekends, replacing all digital locks with traditional ones. The quality of work resulted in an annual contract for servicing, repairing, and maintaining the lockers.
Advice to new locksmiths
Keep training and don’t give up! Locksmithing took me time to master, but perseverance paid off. Practise makes perfect. Use your spare time to pick locks; everyone starts somewhere. Patience is key. Initially, I was too heavy-handed, but I learned to be meticulous by easing tension and handling things lightly. You’ll find your way too; locksmithing is a journey.
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