The Structure of Scaling: Designing an Organization for Growth (Episode 75)

The Structure of Scaling: Designing an Organization for Growth (Episode 75)

Author: Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston April 23, 2026 Duration: 1:12:20

In Episode 75, the Unlocked trio—Lars Johnston from Calgary Lock & Safe, Tony Hawkenson from Assured Security, and Chad Lingafelt from Loc-Doc Security—break down the literal architecture of their businesses. Moving past high-level philosophy, they dive into the tactical "how-to" of departmental structure, reporting lines, and the common pitfalls of scaling past 25 employees.


Lars challenges the group to discuss why "gross revenue is vanity, but structure is what keeps it". They explore the evolution from a "comb" structure where everyone reports to the owner, to creating specialized micro-teams with mid-level managers. Whether you are deciding if your electronics techs should cut their own strikes or figuring out why you have high turnover in a "unicorn" dispatch role, this episode provides a blueprint for building a business that regresses to a solid structure rather than falling into chaos.



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
Career Moments - Part 2 (34) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:43
Building on their previous discussion, Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta dive even deeper into the pivotal career moments t…
Right People in the Right Seats with Culture Index (10) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:01
(Episode 10) Want to optimize your team for maximum performance? 🤔 On this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars discuss the practical applications of Culture Index for putting the right people in the right seats. 🔑…
Career Moments - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:05
(Episode 33) Ever wonder what truly drives success in a career? Join Tony from Assured Security in Minnesota, Chad from Loc-Doc Security in Charlotte, NC, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe in Alberta on "Unlocked" as the…
Managing Sales Activities: From Quotes to Conversions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:45
In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the critical aspects of managing sales activities in the security industry. They discuss everything from structuring sales teams and lead distribution to optim…
Rewarding Your Employees [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
How do you truly reward your employees and build a thriving company culture? In this episode of Unlocked, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the power of recognition and appreciation. They share practical strategies and per…
Best Advice for Business Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:35
What's the best advice you've ever gotten? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they share the most impactful pieces of advice they've received throughout their careers. From leadership and management to personal growth, this ep…
The Future of Retail in the Security Industry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:26
Is retail still relevant in the security industry? Join Tony, Chad, and Lars as they discuss the role of retail stores in today's market. They share their experiences, strategies, and predictions for the future of retail…
5 Things To Start Scaling Your Locksmith Business [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:27
Are you a security business owner with fewer than five employees? This podcast episode is for you! Join industry experts as they share actionable tips and strategies to help you grow your business. From pricing and profi…
Security Specialist vs. Generalist - (Episode 26) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:05
In this episode, Tony, Chad, and Lars delve into the debate of security specialist versus generalist. They discuss the pros and cons of each approach in the security industry, drawing from their own experiences and insig…
Private Equity in Security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:18
Dive into the world of finance and security! Join Tony, Chad, and Lars on Unlocked as they discuss the role of private equity in the security industry. Learn what private equity is, how it works, and why it's becoming a…