Thanks to our readers for all the outstanding nominations for our 2nd annual Gale Johnson Legends of the Lock Industry Awards, in memory of our late editor-in-chief. We are honored to share these inspirational stories for the second year, both in this magazine issue and online, where we will post the extended versions without the space constraints of a print magazine. View them at www.locksmithledger.com/55292874.
Awards were based on meaningful contributions to the locksmithing industry, open to locksmiths and manufactures and distributors who have served the industry for at least 15 years. Later in 2025, we will add a new category, Rising Stars of the Locksmithing Industry, for younger folks who have made a big impact in a short time.
Our winners are divided into three categories: Industry Associations, Distributors/Manufacturers and Locksmiths. They are listed here alphabetically, with page numbers.
Industry Associations
John Truempy, ALOA, page xx
Distributors/Manufacturers
Hernan Ciecha, Capitol Industries, page xx
Douglas Kimsey, WedgeCo, page xx
Joseph Kingma, Medeco
Brian Lamb, Lockmasters, page xx
Tom O’Donnell, Top Notch Distributors, page xx
William Sporre, Marks USA, page xx
Robert David Wheaton, IDN
Locksmiths
David Ewen, Texas Master Locksmiths and Security Solutions, LLC
Jesse Franco, Franco Security Solutions
Warren Grams, Abill’s Locksmith
John McHale, Los Alamos Lock and Key
Jason Meeks, SE Lock and Key
John Ray, Cothron’s Security
Mark G. West, KeyWest Lock
Scott Woodson, Western Safe & Lock
