Strategic Planning: From Vision to Reality (47)

Strategic Planning: From Vision to Reality (47)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston September 11, 2025 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, dive into the critical topic of strategic planning. They share their experiences, successes, and frustrations with annual planning sessions. Tony admits his struggle with thinking in large, long-term chunks, preferring to focus on smaller, more immediate tasks. Chad and Lars discuss how they've structured their offsite planning events to align their leadership teams around a shared vision. They emphasize the importance of getting the right people involved early on in the planning process, especially those with a knack for tactical execution. The hosts also touch on the power of "10x thinking" to break out of routine problem-solving and uncover big opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for any business owner looking to create a clear, actionable roadmap for their company's future.


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]

Duration: 42:13
(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…
Budgeting for Profit: A Practical Guide for Small Business (12) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:10
(Episode 12) Want to take control of your business finances? On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars share practical budgeting strategies for locksmith and security business owners. 🔑 They discuss the importanc…
Staying Focused: Goal-Setting Hacks & Tricks (11) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:24
(Episode 11) Ready to unlock your full potential in 2025? 🔑 On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss goal-setting strategies for the new year. They explore the importance of reflection, setting realistic…
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…