Our Member of the month was trained as a locksmith in the same way he was being trained aca-demically. Jeremy Ameen, of Fenton MI, had one teacher – his mother. She home-educated both him and his brother. Jeremy had one person teach him the locksmith trade. It was Karl Schneider, of Brighton, MI, who instructed him for almost 2 years. He observed his pupil as a quick learner and gently pushed Jeremy “out of the nest” to start his own career at the ripe old age of sixteen and a half! That was just about the same time Jeremy mastered his driving skills! During his apprenticing years, his mother had to drive him to Brighton and service work that he had to do. By the time he graduated, he was using an old car as a work vehicle and in business for himself. His brother joined Jeremy in the business as did their dad for the next six years. Because his brother and his dad were in the business with him, he took a year off to work for a home school organization in Dallas, TX. His father was an LSA member for about a dozen years. Jeremy became a member of LSA three years ago and is also a member of ALOA.

Jeremy married Jennifer in 2005, and she also shares duties in the business. They have a fifteen month old daughter and another daughter due next March. Jeremy has an exclusive ASSA keyway state-wide and is striving to become an authorized ASSA service center for the Fenton area. His work is 95% commercial. Jeremy does work in schools, medical facilities and churches. Recently, he had a call to open a safe for a school that had insulin locked inside. Fortunately, he manipulated the dial and didn’t have to drill it to get the much-needed insulin for the student. We do not see Jeremy much at our meetings as he is involved in another activity on Thursdays, but he does attend in spirit.

— by Al Moebus

LOCKSMITH SECURITY ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

LSA REPORTER VOLUME 22, NO.4

EDITORS: William M. Lynk, CRL * Alvin Moebus

DECEMBER, 2008

LSA Website: http://www.LsaMichigan.org Publication Deadline: Submit items Two (2) Weeks (14 calendar days) by 5:00 p. m. prior to the next LSA meeting date.

President—Kevin Thompson (586) 716-1177 Education Chairman—Marc Dearing, CRL (810) 244-4038 Vice President—Kelvin Heath (313) 647-6275 Membership Secretary—Alvin Moebus (313) 885-9365 Secretary—Available Position Public Relations—John Hubel, CML (586) 615-3969 Treasurer—John Shamass (586) 296-2438 Librarian—Larry Williams, RL, CPP (248) 917-2323 Sargent-At-Arms—Jason Snyder (313) 330-6778 Program Director—Ray Sinai Newsletter—William M. Lynk, CRL (313) 884-9800 Board of Directors: Rob Rovinsky, CPL; Maurice Horne, CML; Newsletter—Alvin Moebus (313) 885-9365 Larry Walker, CRL; John Hubel, CML; Robert Noble, CML, CPS; Webmaster—William M. Lynk, CRL (313) 884-9800 Larry Williams, RL, CPP Photographer —Rob Rovinsky, CPL →Please Volunteer and be part of our Group! Refreshments—Mike Smolerek

LSA MEMBER OF THE MONTH—JEREMY AMEEN

LSA Officers

Use the carbon paper [yes, it still exists!] from your Medeco Key Order Forms to mark strike & clearance markings.

[NOTE: Each month we will add the many Tech Tips supplied my the Membership.]

PAGE 2 LSA REPORTER

NEXT LSA

MEETING THURSDAY,

JAN. 8TH , 2009

AT 7:30 P.M.

PRP GLOSSARY—KEEPING YOU “IN THE KNOW”

arm (of a closer) n.—door closer linkage which connects the closer to the frame or door, depending on the mounting style CPL– abb. the title “Certified Professional Locksmith” as awarded by ALOA

Locksmith Security Association meets at 7:30 p.m., the second Thursday

of the month (Sept. to June) in the Metro Detroit Area in

southeast Michigan: UAW Hall (in Troy)

1640 Stephenson Hwy., just north of Maple (15 Mile Rd.),

on the east side of street.

TECH TIPS—CARBON PAPER (TED SCHULTZ)

♦ LSA of Michigan supports all educational initiatives regardless of a specific supplier, brand, and/or manufacturer.♦

Industry Updates—by Kelvin Heath Economy May be Helping Out Locksmith Business [from ALOA Weekly Updates]

A spike in crime is giving an economic boost to local locksmiths. They say a rash of break-ins at homes and businesses is keeping them busy. Jim Endicott says more break-ins means more work for him, installing new locks and security doors. Endicott believes it’s the economy that is triggering the rise in breaks-ins. “We’re seeing right now the regular common thug breaking down the doors using crow bars and hammers to bust their way into businesses,” Endicott said. He’s seen a lot of homes and businesses that have been broken into more than once. “Once someone gets in their business or home once and they know what’s there, most likely they’re going to break back in again. If you don’t make changes and change the locks, you are making an easy target for them to walk back in again,” Endi-cott said. Endicott says he’s been receiving fewer calls from people locking keys in their cars and more from people who are vic-tims of crime over the last few months. Personal Comments: After reading this article it lets me know that opportunities are out there for your locksmith business. If you know of an area that has been hit by a sudden increase in crime now is the time to market in that area. Recently in the news a lot of the malls have had cars broken into. If you install auto alarms this is a golden opportunity. Livonia has been hit with a number of home invasions. If you service that area it may be a good time to try to get in touch with the community associations and block clubs. Michigan has been hit hard economically. Many people are leaving the state but in the mist of all of the bad news some-body out there is making money. Look at all the foreclosures. Somebody is changing the locks and securing the homes. Why not you?

-Kelvin Heath—Vice President, LSA

VOLUME 22, NO.4

December 11 – LSA meeting/ Holiday Party 7:30 pm January 10, 2009 – PRP Sitting 8:30 am April / May, 2009 – Exit Devices & Exit Alarms

Tripe Protection - This Key Retainer Device (KRD) for SFIC requires two (2) people to insert their keys in order to release the TMK. Available via ICLS (313) 884-9800. www. ICLSglobal.com

PAGE 3 VOLUME 22, NO.4

“Qwik-Qwiz

Q): How are codes listed in code books? A) from bow to tip B) from tip to bow C) it depends on the code book D) it depends on the country of origin

[answer on page 10]

WEB LINKS

IC CORNER—WILLIAM M. LYNK, CRL

CALENDAR OF LSA EVENTS—SEE WEBSITE FOR COMPREHENSIVE LIST

ALOA www.aloa.org IDN-Hardware Sales, Inc. www.idnhardware.com ClearStar Security Network www.clearstar.com LAB www.labpins.com LSA www.LsaMichigan.org

“Education, Knowledge & Cooperation—

Caesar (& Marcus) —LSA Mascots

PUBLIC RELATIONS—JOHN HUBEL, CML

It kind of hit home when John Bockert, of Bockert & Asso-ciates, reminded us at the LSA meeting to check the whole door opening when making a service visit and take notice if something needs a locksmith’s touch. After pointing out your findings to the decision maker for your customer it most likely will generate more business. It will also provide customer awareness of the “other”

things you can service beyond rekeying and duplicating keys. I began wearing my locksmith identification card recently, knowing full well it wasn’t necessary to wear to do my job, but quickly realized the customers eyes always focused on my name badge anyway. I then decided to wear my badge on my outside garments even when I was officially off the job. I again no-ticed those I came in contact with seemed to focus their eyes on my ID badge. This minor action became a conversation starter. A totally unrelated business owner asked me if I . . . My answer was, of course, “Yes”, and I had the opportu-nity to be descriptive of our offerings and to leave a business card with that per-son. It was a passive action on our part. The potential customer asked, and I gave. Now he knows more than he ever realized and it cost me nothing.

PAGE 4 VOLUME 22, NO.4

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE—KEVIN THOMPSON, CRL

Seasons Greetings!

-Kevin M. Thompson, CRL— President, LSA

Success! Last month’s class and the October meeting were very successful, great job to all who helped. Thank you to ALOA ACE Instructor David Thielen, CML for flying in and leading last month’s LSA Education Series: Door Closers & Door Hardware Class and to the Fellowship of Christian Locksmiths for providing the food for the class. The LSA Education Series next event is the ALOA PRP Sitting January 10th 2009. Located at the Holiday Inn, 31900 Little Mack Roseville, MI. Bob Noble will

be the Proctor. The Cost is $60.00, payable to ALOA. ALOA recommends registering 15 Days prior to the date of the Sitting, you can find the registration form in the September issue of the LSA newsletter. The newsletter is archived on the LSA website page 10 of the newsletter.

Looking Forward: We are working on bringing in more business resources to help lock-smiths grow their businesses in today’s economy and make them available at the monthly meet-ings. These resources include: Learn New Services or Techniques, General Business, Growing Your Business, Marketing Your Locksmith Business and Professional Development. Our focus is on you and helping you grow your business. See us at the Education Table at the next meeting.

-Marc A. Dearing, CRL— Education Director

EDUCATION & PRP NEWS—MARC DEARING, CRL

PAGE 5

ROGUE’S ROW— NOVEMBER LSA MEETING

LSA REPORTER

PAGE 6 VOLUME 22, NO.4

LOOKING BACK INTO THE LOCKING PAST…RETRO #9 To follow is another page from the now defunct Locksmithing Institute of New Jersey Home Study Locksmithing Course, started by the late Leonard Singer (Master Keying Expert). The program went out of business in the early 1980s. This lesson excerpt on “Lock Picking” is circa 1973. Some illustrious graduates who are LSA members include: Ray Sinai, Theo Schultz, Dan Meggison, Nick Palise and William Lynk.

PAGE 7 VOLUME 22, NO.4

LET’S TALK BUSINESS I recently purchased a book on business entitled, “It’s not about the coffee” by Howard Behar. The book was written by the former president of Starbucks Coffee. He brings about a good point in the title: it isn’t about the coffee ( or the door hard-ware) we sell .It’s the customer service that goes along with the product, the personal attention

Showing that we care about the customer not just the product we are providing. Our clients don’t come back to us regularly because of the nice shiny lock we sold them! If we treated them poorly, if they thought that they were being cheated, or if we were terribly rude, they wouldn’t be back! It’s the customer service that we are really selling. Would you go to a dirty restaurant on a regular basis to buy a meal? Would you go back if the waitress treated you badly? Would you rather enter a clean, upbeat establishment if they called you by name? (Sounds like the theme song for the CHEERS TV Show, “HEY NORM”) The lock that you sell is $10.00 more than your competitor’s price. Your customers trust you because they know that you will stand behind your work and that and you always come through. Isn’t that what they are really purchasing? Of course, the “one-time customers” don’t see that! As stated in the book, “People don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much you care.” “When people know how much you care, they come back”. One of the “coffee” stories really made me think. On a visit to one of the Starbucks Stores, Mr. Behar experienced a customer who didn’t like the drink he had purchased. The customer spoke to the clerk who immediately opened the till, gave the customer a refund and proceeded to make the customer a new drink. Was the refund necessary? Wouldn’t a new drink be sufficient? Was this a foolish business practice or a stroke of genius? You be the judge .The employees and the upper management of Star-bucks have one goal: “taking care of their customers.” With that one goal in mind, the rest of the business falls into place. Remember, without customers, there is no business. Give your customers 100% in service, product and care. As Eleanor Roosevelt stated:“To handle yourself, use your head, to handle others, use your heart.” -by Ray Sinai—LSA Program Director

“Education, Knowledge & Cooperation—

RAY’S WAYS-BY RAY SINAI—COFFEE, ANYONE?

Robbie Rovinsky Photography “I'm where you want me to be…….…Pictures First!”

Available for: ♦Weddings ♦Bar Mitzvahs

♦Lock Parties Call ANYTIME!!!!

NOTE: We are poking fun at Rob. He is a great guy (a CPL & Past LSA President) who takes the most awesome pix of LSA . We thank him for his excellent photography, for his volunteer time and for his fun spirit.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

IDN-Hardware Sales Trade Show & Security Conference

DATES: March 5-8, 2009 LOCATION: Sheraton Detroit Novi Hotel CLASSES: Thursday, 3/5 thru Saturday, 3/7 TRADE SHOW: Friday Kickoff., 3/6; Saturday, 3/7 ALOA PRP Exam: Sunday, 3/8

Watch For Our Registration Flyer in Late January!

VOLUME 22, NO.4 PAGE 8

5 Most “Phun” LSA Photos of 2008

LSA REPORTER PAGE 9

LSA Officer Position Open! - Secretary

This is a rare chance to become one of the illustrious LSA Officers immediately!! No votes….no hassle. WOW!! December thru June.

Bryan Guerin has moved to Virginia to pursue his dreams. Best of

luck to him. But, what about you? Could your dream be with LSA? Why not! Let our Prez know today (before it’s too late!) No experi-ence necessary! Call: Kevin Thompson NOW! at: 810-335-0306

PAGE 10 VOLUME 22, NO.4

ROGUE’S ROW— NOVEMBER DOOR CLOSER CLASS: DAVE THIELEN, CML, INSTR.

PAGE 11 LSA REPORTER

533 Fisher Road, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230

Phone: (313) 885-9365 Email: amoebus@LsaMichigan.org

LOCKSMITH SECURITY ASSOCIATION MICHIGAN

LSA

LSA’S DECEMBER PARTY!!!

Associate Members of LSA

JLM Wholesale, Inc.

3095 Mullins Ct. Oxford, MI 48371

www.jlmwholesale.com

(800) 522-2940 FAX: (800) 782-1160

Wholesale Hardware

Bockert & Associates 18 Fort Monroe Industrial Parkway

Monroeville, OH 44847

(800) 321-7550 FAX: (419) 465-4216

Manufacturer Reps for:

ABUS, ASSA, DON JO, H.E.S., HPC, LOCKCRAFT, CANSEC, SECURITRON,

MERIT, TAKEX

Gene Simon Hardware Specialist

Phone: (708) 799-8783 FAX: (708) 799-4322

P.O. Box 51 Flossmoor, IL 60422

Representing: Jet Hardware Mfg. Corp. LAB Security Products

Major Manufacturing, Inc.

RITTNER/FRENCH ASSOCIATES 150 S. Elizabeth

Rochester, MI 48307

(800) 732-4773 1-800-RFA-4-SPEC FAX: (248) 651-2650

IDN-Hardware Sales, Inc. 35950 Industrial Road

P.O. Box 510624 Livonia, MI 48150

Livonia: (800) 521-0955 FAX: (800) 272-4409

http://www.idnhardware.com

Warren: (800) 468-7490 FAX: (586) 755-5145

Your Key to Security Hardware

LAB THE CHOICE OF

*Professional Locksmiths *Finest Lock Companies

www.labpins.com

700 Emmett St. Bristol, CT 06010

(800) 243-8242 FAX: (860) 583-7838

Answer: C Qwik-Qwiz:

1010 Aviation Drive Lake Havasu, AZ 86404

800-537-5397

Bookmark the LSA Website.

www.LsaMichigan.org

9950 Freeland Avenue Detroit, MI 48227

Phone: (313) 931-7720 FAX: (313) 931-7758

Michael Wiener ————————————— Fine Quality Key Machines,

Key Blanks, Locks, Hardware

Safe Door Systems Inc.

631 Kingston Rd. Toronto ON M4E 1R3

www.safedoorsystems.com

Toll Free: 1-866-627-7560 Telephone: 416-691-6400

Framon Manufacturing

Company., Inc. 909 Washington Ave

Alpena, MI 49707 Phone: 989-354-5623

Fax: 989-354-4238 Web: www.framon.com

LynkWeb.com -An Affordable

Lynk to the World ———————————- ♦ Websites Under $12.00 ♦ Customer Support 24/7 ♦ 500 E-mail Accounts

♦ Free Software

www.LynkWeb.com

PAGE 12 VOLUME 22, NO.4

Download Membership Application Click above or from our site!

ICLS Interchangeable Core Lock Systems

———————————————

William M. Lynk, CRL IC Specialist / IC Author

♦ IC Products ♦ IC Tools ♦ Key Retainer Devices

♦ Dist. For Ultra Security / Xperinetix ———————————————

Phone: (313) 884-9800 E-mail: icls@ICLSglobal.com

Website: www.ICLSglobal.com

The sponsors of the Thursday, December 11, 2008 LSA Holiday Dinner will be:

Gene Simon, Hardware Specialist, Co. (708) 799-8783 Jerry Roraback, LAB (800) 243-8242

Arnie Goldman, IDN-Hardware Sales (800) 521-0955

LSA thanks these companies for their generous support, provid-ing the LSA Holiday Dinner, as well as, the many other compa-nies who support LSA throughout the year.