Building Habits for a Successful 2026 (62)

Building Habits for a Successful 2026 (62)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston January 22, 2026 Duration: 1:05:51

In this episode, the team dives into the specific habits and systems required to turn 2026 goals into reality. Tony from Assured Security admits that while he used to struggle with organizational details, he has found success by building a "rigid morning routine" and committing to reading physical books for creative spark.


Chad from Loc-Doc Security shares a deep look into how he uses Vistage summaries to document successes, fighting the entrepreneurial urge to always move "onto the next" without reflecting on what was actually accomplished. The hosts also discuss the power of "Leveling Up"—from reducing 41,000 units of key inventory to hiring a specialized "Who" to manage an Electronics team. This episode is a masterclass in why successful business owners don't just set goals; they build the intentional habits to reach them.




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: 76

Unlocked Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Stop Solving Problems, Start Finding the 'Who' (54) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:55
Are you an entrepreneur stuck in the endless cycle of solving every problem in your business? This episode, recorded live in Austin, Texas, dives into the mindset shift needed to break the $3 Million Revenue Ceiling and…
Mastering Leverage, Cash Flow, and Debt (53) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:37
Do you view debt as a four-letter word, or as a tool for accelerated growth? In this financially focused episode, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc S…
Retention Strategies: Investing in Technicians (52) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:13
Are you an entrepreneur worried that investing in training only prepares your employees to become your next competitor? This episode dives deep into the high-stakes problem of technician turnover in the security and lock…
The Secrets to Being Sticky—Why Customers Keep Coming Back (51) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:21
It's the half-century mark! For Episode 50, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, dive into the question every business owner…
Business Consulting: Workshop our Problems (49) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:57
In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe, Tony from Assured Security, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security do a deep dive into an "uncomfortable truths" workshop, tackling real-time business challenges. Movin…
5 KPIs We Use to Drive Our Business (48) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:23
Are you a business owner who feels like you’re just guessing at what's working? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Securi…
Strategic Planning: From Vision to Reality (47) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:07
Are you struggling to plan for the future of your business? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC,…
Breaking the $3 Million Ceiling (46) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:36
Are you an entrepreneur stuck in the "messy middle" of growth, hovering around the $3 million revenue mark? In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota,…
Uncomfortable Truths of Entrepreneurship (45) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:40
In this episode of Unlocked, Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, and Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, dive into some of the uncomfortable truths of entrepreneurs…