April 30, 2017 was a day of mixed emotions for myself and no doubt my staff after API Locksmiths decided to close its Geelong Branch effective immediately. The Geelong Branch was the last satellite branch in Australia to close and the decision to do this was soon followed by the company's owner selling the business.
The experience I gained working for API was enormous and I am truly grateful that I was trusted to manage the Geelong Branch for many years. Our customers were first-class and some remain personal friends to this day.
The thing I loved most about my time with API was assisting my staff to unleash their potential- one of my apprentices went on to a senior role interstate with API and is now based at API South Melbourne in a Management position; another apprentice runs his own successful Locksmith business and another gun employee has moved into the public sector and holds an important role in Public Safety.
Although Staff development means employees occasionally move on, staff retention was also incredible at API Locksmiths Geelong with a few of the staff working there for decades- Grant, our top locksmith, was with API (and Stewart Locksmiths) from 1986-2017.
The commercial experience, University education, OH&S qualifications and security knowledge that I have is all thanks to API and its' former acquisitions.
Although the doors closed on the branch, a new door opened for me and Ash Reed Locksmiths was born. I bring my experience, passion and integrity to the people and businesses of Greater Geelong and it's surrounds.
API was formerly trading as Specialty Hardware, Guardmaster Locksmiths and Stewart Locksmiths in Geelong from 1976-2011. I was an employee with these companies between 1989-2017.
