My story
My name is Stephen Fretwell, Rotherham locksmith and this is my story.
I was born on the outskirts of Barnsley. My family are now farmers based in North Lincolnshire. When I left school at 16, I began work the following day on the family farm.
I probably didn’t realise at the time but it was a great place to learn the fundamentals of what I now do as a Rotherham locksmith. My father often accused me of “meddling” with things when young, but I was just intrigued with stuff and remember at a young age taking two second hand bikes apart to create one fast one!
When working the land I felt it was my job to get from one side of the field to the other as quickly as possible to get the job done before the weather turned for the worse. The downside to this approach was that I broke the farm machinery quite often! Again, Dad was there and because “I broke it, I had to fix it”.
As you can imagine I got quite good at taking broken things apart and putting them back together working again. In the locksmith industry, you are expected on a daily basis to work out what the issue is, and then having to fix it. Little did I realise how in those formative years as a teenage farmer I was laying the foundations to be a locksmith.
Locksmith training & accreditation
In my late thirties, my circumstances took a turn, and I found myself in need of a career change. While considering my options, I stumbled across the locksmith industry. Initially, I decided to buy into a franchise, as they were quite popular back then, providing a quick entry into an industry with the added support of a company behind you. However, within 18 months, I ventured out on my own.
The franchise provided me with initial training, but I felt the need for more. That’s when fortune smiled upon me, as I had the incredible opportunity to meet Bennie Wells, the esteemed figure in the locksmith world at that time, often referred to as the ‘God’ of locksmithing. I was incredibly lucky to secure one-on-one training with the guru himself. Those two weeks spent with Bennie changed everything, and right then and there, I fell head over heels for locksmithing.
From the moment I started working as a locksmith, I discovered a profound passion for the job. Every day presented new learning experiences (and I still continue to learn something new each day). I enthusiastically shared my newfound love with everyone around me, although I suspect I may have become a bit tiresome to those who listened… though no one ever mentioned it!
As you would expect I am Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checked, a member of The Federation of Small Businesses and also the Association of Accredited locksmiths. These all hopefully add credibility to me and my business.
Stephen Fretwell Rotherham locksmith
The locksmith industry is not what everybody imagines… which is people losing keys. That aspect is a small part of an average working week. The vast majority of my work is the repair of composite and uPVC doors. Upgrading door locks, attending evictions, burglaries, domestics along with repairing uPVC window locks and handles, replacing mortice locks, garage locks, shed locks, code locks and so much more!
It is a great job and I don’t regret choosing it as a career, it will take me to my retirement one day hopefully… but not too soon.
Here to help & advise
One aspect of my job that I really enjoy is meeting new people. I am very customer focused and appreciate that customers put their trust in me to secure their property, possessions and often family too. I take customer service very seriously and hopefully my locksmith reviews are proof of that, please take time to read them.
If you need advice on any aspect of door locks, window locks, garage or shed lock security please give me a call. I offer honest, impartial advice along with a competitive, no obligation quote. I look forward to hearing from you.