The Art of Quitting: 9 Habits to Kill for Business and Personal Growth (Episode 69)

The Art of Quitting: 9 Habits to Kill for Business and Personal Growth (Episode 69)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston March 12, 2026 Duration: 51:15

As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the Unlocked trio—Chad from Loc-Doc Security, Tony from Assured Security, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe—flip the script on traditional goal setting. Instead of focusing on what to add to their lives, they dive deep into what they need to quit.

The conversation gets raw as Lars opens up about the danger of "ruminating" on past mistakes and his journey toward finding a partner and prioritizing health. Tony discusses the "nice vs. kind" paradox, committing to stop seeking consensus at the expense of doing what's right for the business. Chad reveals his radical approach to reclaiming focus by locking his phone down for 19 hours a day. From battling the "amygdala's" loud voice to ending the cycle of vague priorities, this episode is a blueprint for simplifying your life to amplify your results.


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…