“Joining ALOA will go down as a defining moment in the history of my business. I love it because the people are always kind and encouraging and with their help, I have found new pieces of myself I didn't even know were possible. Simply put, ALOA is now and will always be a part of my story because of the focus on the membership, and the education, but most of all, because of the people.”

“ALOA enriched my life and my career. We’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous opportunities and resources ALOA provides to its members. Above all, it’s the people that make ALOA exceptional. This is an organization filled with dedicated, driven and truly remarkable individuals. I highly recommend you get involved with ALOA. It can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make.”

“As a longstanding active member of ALOA, I can confidently say this association has been instrumental in shaping my career and success in the locksmithing industry. The networking opportunities are unparalleled — connecting with the best minds and businesses in the industry has helped me grow both personally and professionally. If you’re looking to elevate your skills, build your business, or simply stay ahead in this ever-evolving field, I highly recommend and endorse ALOA. It’s more than an association; it’s a community that truly supports your career at every stage."

“Hands down, the best value I get from my ALOA memberships is in two areas: lifelong learning and relationships. My certifications have been able to produce revenue when I am able to convey their meaning during the bidding process for jobs. The relationships I’ve forged with security professionals, vendors and other industry representatives are worth nurturing, and I continue to do so today. When you attend classes and conventions you have so many opportunities to expand your mind and your network of people, and both of those activities can increase the bottom line of your business.”

“One of the best benefits of my membership is making industry contacts that help me become a better locksmith and business owner. I have a quiver of locksmiths from around the world that I can reach out to for technical advice and business questions. These locksmiths are more than just industry contacts; they are my friends. I would not be where I am today without being a member of ALOA.”

“The old saying ‘The more you give, the more you get’ is so true! And I am not talking just about financial gains, but about laughter, wisdom, friendships, personal growth and knowledge boosts, inclusion in industry programs, sharing of best practices, and two-way job referrals. The opportunities offered by ALOA membership go way beyond anything I had formerly imagined. Way more than all the ‘free’ screwdrivers and hats that I could carry.”

ALOA fills a crucial gap for locksmiths by offering a community and resources locksmiths and security professionals can rely on. As our industry rapidly changes and evolves, I’ve found ALOA great for connecting with others in the trade I might never have met otherwise.

Many of the contacts developed with fellow locksmiths and manufacturers are the most valuable aspects of ALOA membership. The knowledge acquired from talking with your colleagues, many of whom have experienced the same problems you may have had and finding out how they approached and found a resolution, is something that can help you grow as a technician or business owner. Many times, these conversations would take place in a class amongst the students, or on the floor of the Security Expo while talking to a manufacturer or distributor about a problem or situation you encountered and listening to different ways others have overcome the problem.

Membership helps us to stay up to date with all that is happening from the field. From seminars, online webinars and tech support, it is a great addition to any locksmith who wants to have support along his journey. I, in fact, love the fast response and support from the team. It makes my family and I feel like family to ALOA. When we travel to conventions and classes, we feel supported and loved like an important part of the locksmith wheel. I have been a member since 2013, and as a now-31-year-old, will continue to be as long as ALOA keeps serving the good stuff. Thanks, ALOA, for the support.