We recently connected with Luis Concepcion and have shared our conversation below.

Luis , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

In the locksmith industry, one of the biggest challenges we face is the high cost of advertising. Since locksmithing is often an emergency service, people tend to click on the first option they see when they’re locked out or need urgent help. Competing for that top spot can be costly, and those ad costs quickly add up.

To overcome this challenge, we’ve focused on building a name for ourselves and heavily investing in local SEO. Instead of relying on pricey ads, we’ve worked hard to make sure that when you search for a locksmith, you recognize Prolocksmith Orlando as the trusted, local team right around the corner.

So when you see our name pop up, know that we’re not just another ad. We’re the reliable guys with a shop nearby, ready to provide fast, friendly, and professional help whenever you need it!

Luis , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Back in 2016, my wife, brother, his wife, and I made the exciting decision to move to the U.S. After arriving in February, my brother and I found jobs as locksmiths in Orlando. Though the trade was completely new to us, we embraced the challenge and worked hard, often around the clock, for over a year. It was a demanding experience, but one that laid the foundation for everything we’ve built since.

At Prolocksmith, we offer a wide range of locksmith services in Orlando, including residential, commercial, and automotive solutions. One of our key specialties is car key replacement, where we stand out by making keys for almost any make, model, or year on the market. With high standards of precision and quality, we can replace or duplicate keys, including transponder and smart keys, quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re locked out or need a spare, our expert team is here to help!

What makes us stand out is the speed with which we assist our customers. We take it personally when someone is in distress and strive to provide help as quickly as possible. We prioritize urgent situations, such as a baby or pet locked in a car or a customer stranded at a remote gas station. These are the moments we value most because they truly show the impact of our help.

In 2023, we are proud to say we helped over customers in Orlando and Jacksonville. We provided 5699 car lockout services, 1452 new key fobs and 1320 push to start keys, as well as 271 ignition swith replacement and 125 motorcycle key replacement.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

We come from Venezuela, which is a challenge in itself, and moving to the U.S. to start a business added a whole new layer of complexity. Starting a business in such a competitive environment is never easy, especially when you’re an outsider unfamiliar with the market, regulations, and culture.

One story that highlights our resilience is when we first tried to secure funding. Being new to the U.S., we lacked the established credit history and local connections that others had. We were turned down by several banks and investors. But instead of giving up, we adapted, learning about alternative funding methods and leveraging our network within the Venezuelan community. We eventually managed to raise the capital needed by connecting with people who believed in our vision and were inspired by our determination.

It wasn’t just about navigating financial hurdles; it was about constantly learning and reinventing ourselves in an unfamiliar space. Every setback only made us more determined, and that persistence has helped us build a business from the ground up despite all the odds.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Yes, several resources have had a profound impact on our management and entrepreneurial approach. One book that stands out is “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries. It helped shape our understanding of how to efficiently manage resources, adapt quickly, and grow by learning from early failures. The concept of building a minimum viable product (MVP) and iterating based on customer feedback has been essential in our journey.

Another influential read is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It reinforced the idea of disciplined people, disciplined thought, and disciplined action, which has been critical for us in maintaining focus and consistency.

For videos, TED Talks have been an excellent source of inspiration. Talks like Simon Sinek’s “Start with Why” guided us in defining our mission and values, which have been central to our company culture and decision-making.

Finally, networking with other entrepreneurs and learning from their stories and experiences has been just as valuable. Those real-world insights are often the most practical and impactful

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.prolocksmithsorlando.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prolocksmiths2017/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProlocksmithOrlando
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prolocksmith-orlando-467b54279/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA-VcQMQYCjmo9eF53ZERVw/videos