KEN KIRSCHENBAUM, ESQ ALARM - SECURITY INDUSTRY LEGAL EMAIL NEWSLETTER / THE ALARM EXCHANGE You can read all of our articles on our website. Having trouble getting our emails? Change your spam controls and whitelist ken@kirschenbaumesq.com ****************************** more comment about Locksmithing and the Security business October 3, 2025 ******************** more comment about Locksmithing and the Security business from articles on 9/19, 9/30 and 10/1/25 ********************* Ken I thought I would comment about your recent discussion about Locksmiths also providing Security Services. I ran a pretty successful Locksmith and Security business for over 30 years. My business was in a rural area and the locksmith portion would not support the business alone. Our business was about 1/3 locksmith-safe work, 1/3 alarm services to include burglar alarms, fire alarm and access control systems, and finally 1/3 emergency alerts (Medical alerts). When I started my business the locksmith trade was more of a tinker than a security company. Many offered lawn mower repair, sharpening services or other repair services. I wanted to be a security company thus the reason to offer electronic as well as mechanical solutions. Over the years this proved to be the correct choice. With this business style we were able to grow the business to three locations, with 19 employees servicing a large trade area. Along with making a decent living when I retired I had a great book of RMR allowing me to have a comfortable retirement. I would highly recommend this style of operation. Gordon Racine CML Pueblo West CO 81007 1957Jeepfc@gmail.com *********************** Response *********************** A lot of alarm company owners shy away from work they either are not comfortable with or simply can't get the right help to perform the services. Locksmith licensing is not as prevalent as alarm services so in most places the alarm company doesn't need to worry about another license that may be needed. Also, an alarm company could arguably install a lock under it's security license but should not be advertising [including on the website] locksmith work if a license is required and the company doesn't have a locksmith license. The alarm industry has of course evolved "from the beginning" to today. Arguably starting with "protection cards" left in doors at night, or maybe even before then, the renting out of ducks or dogs, from electronic burglar alarms to what is available today. The locksmith industry, probably older than the alarm business because it didn't rely on electronics, evolved too, but that evolution may have triggered the requirement of an alarm license. Locksmith's installing access control for example would fall under the alarm license in most licensed jurisdictions. The Commercial All in One and the Residential All in One are "security" contracts; they both cover any form of security work, though specifically designed for electronic detection devices and services. These form contracts can be used by a locksmith installing a single mechanical or electronic lock to the most elaborate security systems and services available. The Residential All in One even covers fire. The point of the original article was why haven't more alarm companies reached out to locksmiths to "partner up" and why haven't more locksmiths reached out to alarm companies to "partner" up? It's more than an informal cross referral relationship, though it could start there. The point is that it seems like a great fit for both trades, helping themselves and each other. "Joint ventures" or "partnering up" is at least as complicated as getting married, more so, and you need proper legal advice. You know where to get it. ******************** STANDARD FORM AGREEMENTS: To order up to date Standard Form Alarm / Security / Fire and related Agreements click here: www.alarmcontracts.com *************************** CONCIERGE LAWYER SERVICE PROGRAM FOR THE ALARM INDUSTRY - You can check out the program and sign up here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/concierge or contact our Program Coordinator Stacy Spector, Esq at 516 747 6700 x 304. *********************** WEBINARS: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-webinars *********************** ALARM ARTICLES: You can always read our Articles on our website at www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/alarm-articles updated daily ******************** Wondering how much your alarm company is worth? Click here: https://www.kirschenbaumesq.com/page/what-is-my-alarm-company-worth *********************** THE ALARM EXCHANGE - the alarm industries leading classified and business exchange - updated daily ************************* PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ken-kirschenbaum-presents/id1794851477 ************************* Getting on our email list / Articles archived: Many of you are forwarding these emails to friends or asking that others be added to the list. Sign up for our daily newsletter here: Sign Up. ************************** Ken Kirschenbaum,Esq Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum PC Attorneys at Law 200 Garden City Plaza Garden City, NY 11530 516 747 6700 x 301 ken@kirschenbaumesq.com www.KirschenbaumEsq.com
