Organic AI Adoption? (Episode 65)

Organic AI Adoption? (Episode 65)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston February 12, 2026 Duration: 58:58

In Episode 65, Chad, Tony, and Lars explore how business owners can turn unexpected chaos into operational gold. When a rare North Carolina snowstorm threatened to derail a week of factory training for the Calgary team, the hosts pivoted to an impromptu Technician Exchange Program. They discuss the massive "ROI of fresh eyes" when a guest technician shadows your team and provides an unfiltered perspective on your culture and workflows.

The conversation then shifts to the "Invisible Employee"—Artificial Intelligence. One year after their first AI deep dive, the trio discusses how the tool has moved from a leadership-driven "ask" to an organic part of their employees' daily habits. Chad shares how he is currently using LLMs to "shake up" the accounting department to find efficiencies that were previously hidden by "the way we've always done it." Plus, Tony shares some major personal news as he prepares to "level up" his family with a second child.


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
Technician to CEO: Embracing Leadership (14) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:00
(Episode 14) Have you ever felt stuck in the day-to-day grind of running your locksmith business? Do you dream of stepping up as a true leader and taking your company to the next level? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony,…
Sales Strategies for the Locksmith Industry (13) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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(Episode 13) Want to boost your locksmith business and unlock your full potential? On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars dive into proven sales strategies that have helped locksmith businesses thrive. They di…
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Marketing That Doesn't Suck (10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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…