03/01/2026
I am frequently asked how I became a locksmith. My journey began in 1987 in a small shop in Lansing. After being discharged from the Navy, I was uncertain about the career path I wanted to pursue. At the time, I was working as a delivery driver for an automotive paint company when a friend contacted me to share that he had recently been hired at a local lock shop. He mentioned that the owner was looking to hire an additional employee and felt that, given my background, I would be a good fit.
I applied and was hired on the spot. To be honest, I did not fully understand what a locksmith did at the time. However, once I began working in the trade, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed it. I joined a national locksmith organization and, after several years of study and testing, earned the second-highest certification available in the locksmith profession.
After gaining several years of experience, I decided to start my own business. It was successful for seven to eight years until a recreational softball injury changed my perspective. That experience quickly taught me the importance of benefits such as medical insurance and paid time off.
In 1998, I learned that the Michigan Department of Corrections was seeking experienced locksmiths. I decided to apply. When a position became available in Muskegon, I was selected from a pool of 33 applicants and offered the role.
In 2023, after undergoing two separate Achilles tendon rupture surgeries within a seven-month period, my wife encouraged me to retire and reestablish my own locksmith business. At the end of August that year, I retired and launched what is now known as Lakeshore Lock Service. At the conclusion of the following school year, my wife retired from the Montague School District and joined me in operating the business.
This year, I turn 60 and my wife turns 59. We look forward to serving the West Michigan community for many years to come.
We appreciate you taking the time and reading about our journey and look forward to assisting you with your locksmith needs in the future.
Sincerely,
David and Loretta Trudell
