2026 Strategy: Operational Spring Cleaning

2026 Strategy: Operational Spring Cleaning

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston January 8, 2026 Duration: 1:01:49

Welcome to the first episode of 2026! We have officially hit Episode 60, and to celebrate this milestone, the team is pulling back the curtain on the "magic" that keeps the Unlocked Podcast consistent. Chad Lingafelt from Loc-Doc Security, Tony Hawkenson from Assured Security, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe discuss the discipline required to stay weeks ahead of their recording schedule to ensure they never miss a release for their listeners.


This episode features a look at real-time listener engagement, highlighting a fan who streamed over 100 minutes of the show, making Unlocked their top podcast. Chad also shares a unique gift—a map of the top 200 US golf courses—which serves as a metaphor for the "room for improvement" they are looking for in their own business operations this year. Whether it's refining fuel consumption ratios or finding the next big vertical, this episode is about starting the year with transparency and a clear map for growth.


Tune into Unlocked Podcast for a grounded, cross-border conversation about what it really takes to build a company meant to last. You’ll hear from three practicing business owners, each running their own operations from distinct locations-North Carolina, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada. They don’t deal in abstract theory; instead, they draw directly from their own evolving playbooks, setbacks, and hard-won victories. The dialogue in this podcast revolves around practical strategies and philosophical shifts necessary for creating enterprises that can thrive beyond a single owner’s tenure. Episodes delve into the nuanced decisions around leadership transition, cultivating a resilient company culture, and implementing systems that ensure stability through market changes. It’s a candid exchange between peers who are in the trenches themselves, offering listeners a rare, ongoing case study from multiple industries and perspectives. If you’re steering a business and thinking about its legacy, this series provides a thoughtful, actionable companion for the long journey ahead.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 82

Unlocked Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Marketing That Doesn't Suck (10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:04
(Episode 10) Want to build a brand that resonates with your ideal customer? On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars break down the art of storytelling and branding in the locksmith and security industry. 🔑 They…
Unlocking Team Potential with Culture Index - Part 1 (9) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:38
(Episode 9) Want to build a dream team? 🤔 On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars explore how Culture Index can help you unlock your team's full potential. 🔑 They break down the four key personality traits meas…
Using AI to Improve Your Business (8) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:33
(Episode 8) AI is no longer a futuristic fantasy; it's here, and it's transforming the locksmith and security industry. 🤖 On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars break down the ways AI is already impacting thei…
How to have Effective Meetings (7) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:48
Meetings: We all have them, but do we make the most of them? 🤔 On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars share their insights on running effective meetings that drive results. They discuss: Creating a clear agend…
Organizational Growth - Organic Vs. Acquisition - Part 2 (6) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:11
Organic growth or acquisition? 🤔 Tony, Chad, and Lars are back to debate the best way to scale your locksmith business! 🔓🔑 They share their own hilarious wins and fails (Lars, we're looking at you! 👀), offering actionabl…
Organizational Growth - Organic vs. Acquisition: Part 1 (5) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:21
In this episode of the Unlocked Podcast, three locksmith business owners from across North America dive deep into the different paths to organizational growth. They explore the pros and cons of acquisitions versus organi…
Security Industry Trends and Opportunities (4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:27
Join three business owners from across North America on the Unlock Podcast as they share hard-earned insights from the security industry.In this episode, recorded live in Orlando, they dissect the hottest trends: Automat…
Developing Your Team (3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:28
Want a high-performing team? 💪 Learn how to unlock their potential with effective coaching, feedback, and leadership. Tune in to the Unlocked Podcast!
Hiring Right: Building Your Team (2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:29
(Episode 2) "Hiring the right people is crucial for any locksmith business. On this episode of Unlocked, we discuss strategies for attracting, interviewing, and hiring top talent. Plus, we delve into the importance of on…
KPIs: The Numbers that Matter (1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:04
(Episode 1)🔒 Are you a locksmith or security pro who feels like you're running your business on gut feeling alone?🔑 Unlock the secrets to success with KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)!In this episode of the Unlocked Pod…