Member Spotlight: Gadget Locksmiths
The Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce caught up with Gadget Locksmiths earlier this month at their new premises in Wedgefeild & had a great chat with Steve and Karen.
We asked them what is the motivation behind their business name, Steve said anyone who knows me knows I love my gadgets and inventing things. It wasn’t a hard stretch to incorporate this into my locksmithing and the Gadget Locksmiths’ name.
Being a member of an extended Pilbara family is definitely our favourite part of operating in Port Hedland. Living and working locally enables us to really get to know our customers and better meet their needs. We have also built great relationships with other local businesses and know we can readily call on each other for assistance or advice as needed.
We enjoy helping our community and have supported the Hedland Well Women’s Centre, the Kids Christmas Parties, the Port Hedland Game Fishing Club and the South Hedland Volunteer Fire & Rescue (just to name some) and are ongoing sponsors of the Port Hedland Motorcycle Club and Spectres Netball Club. We are also proud to be a Gold Sponsor for the upcoming PHCCI Business Excellence Awards.
How many staff are at Gadget?
Officially, just me however my wife Karen forms a big part of the business (though she does it for love, not money!)
We recently expanded to include a large new workshop in Wedgefield which is fitted out with the latest in key cutting software and machinery. In addition to providing mobile services for our customers, we carry a large range of domestic and commercial locks and hardware as well as safes, key cabinets, padlocks, chains and safety lockout kits. If we don’t have what someone is looking for, we’re more than happy to try and source it for them.
We also provide a laser engraving service for Yetis (or similar), knives, flasks, trophies, book covers, wooden boards, coasters and even spanners – you name it, we’ll give it a go. We’re about to trial glass shortly, which should be interesting.
Being ‘Gadget’ Locksmiths, we also supply a range of Leatherman, Ledlenser, Spyderco and other fun items. Too many to list so we encourage people come visit, say hi and have a look around.
Importantly, we’ve tried to make our workshop feel comfortable, welcoming and family-friendly, with wide open spaces, a retro video game machine, drinks and lollies (sorry parents) and a TV to help keep the little ones occupied.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I love being with my family and try to go camping and exploring when time permits. I also enjoy restoring old safes and vintage blacksmithing tools and I’ve recently started to try my hand at metal forging and leather craft.
How long have you been a member of the Chamber?
Gadget Locksmiths have been a member of the PHCCI since 2013. It simply made good business sense to become a member and have use of the PHCCI’s knowledge and resources.
What are the bigges issues for running your business?
As a sole trader, finding the right balance between family and work can be difficult.
As a regional business, lengthy delivery times can add a little more stress when trying to meet deadlines.
Lastly, as is the case for anyone with a licensed and trade-qualified profession, competing with unlicensed/untrained contractors and educating customers about the difference can be challenging.
What do you see as the future for the business?
We’ll be looking at employing staff, including an opportunity for a local to do an apprenticeship with us. Hopefully, Gadget Locksmiths will continue to grow and be bigger and better though not lose our local, friendly feel in the process.
Tell us something that people may not know about you that you can share with the rest of Port Hedland?
After relocating to WA from my home in country, Victoria, I spent a year mustering at De Grey Station before moving into Hedland. The Pilbara landscape and weather was about as different as I could get from Victoria however, more than 15 years on, I’m still here!
GADGET LOCKSMITHS
6/103 OXIDE WAY
WEDGEFEILD
PHONE 0428022214
