Manufacturers and Distributors
Joseph Kingma, Medeco
Joseph Kingma exemplifies visionary leadership, unwavering integrity, and a deep commitment to innovation in the security industry. With over 30 years of experience —beginning at Medeco Security Locks in 1994 and culminating in his current role as President of the Medeco High Security Group — Kingma has not only shaped a company but helped transform an entire industry.
Under his leadership, Medeco evolved from a mechanical lock manufacturer into a pioneer of electronic “Intelligent Key” technologies. He recognized that the physical security landscape was shifting, and he led his teams through a complex technological transformation that positioned Medeco as a leader in high-security solutions. His strategic foresight has driven growth for Medeco and set new benchmarks for innovation across the ASSA ABLOY High Security subgroup.
Beyond his achievements in business development, Joseph is a leader of people. He has fostered trust, collaboration, and an excellent culture within his organizations. Colleagues and employees describe him as principled, approachable, and relentlessly committed to professional and personal development. His promotion to Vice President of the ASSA ABLOY High Security subgroup in 2012—and later to General Manager of Medeco and ASSA Inc.—reflects the confidence his peers and industry leaders have in his vision and execution.
Kingma’s success is rooted in professional expertise and a deep commitment to service. Before joining Medeco, he built businesses that offered vital property management and marketing services. His entrepreneurial mindset continues to inform his approach to leadership: innovative, responsive, and customer-centric.
His contributions extend beyond the workplace. A devoted family man and person of faith, Joseph leads a life grounded in values. He and his wife, Sandy, have celebrated more than 30 years of marriage and raised two children in Daleville, Virginia. He is actively involved in his community, dedicating time to outdoor pursuits and woodworking, and models what it means to be a lifelong learner.
In short, Joseph Kingma embodies the qualities of a truly honorable leader — visionary in business, principled in character, and impactful in every role he holds. His legacy inspires those around him, and his influence will be felt in the security industry for years. Recognizing Joseph with this honor would celebrate his remarkable achievements and acknowledge the positive example he sets for others to follow.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
Kingma serves as President of the Medeco High Security Group within ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Americas. With over 30 years in the security industry, Joseph has held several influential leadership positions that helped shape both his organization and the broader high-security landscape.
He began his career at Medeco Security Locks in 1995 and quickly progressed through senior-level roles in marketing, sales, and general management. His leadership was pivotal in transforming Medeco from a mechanical lock manufacturer into a recognized leader in electronic and “Intelligent Key” solutions—one of the most significant milestones in the company’s evolution.
In 2012, Kingma was appointed Vice President of the ASSA ABLOY High Security subgroup, expanding his influence across multiple brands and business units. He guided several of them through key technological advancements and strategic growth initiatives to meet evolving security demands. By 2017, he became General Manager of Medeco and ASSA Inc., and in 2024, he was appointed President of the Medeco High Security Group.
A defining achievement of Joseph’s tenure was the formation of a multifunctional team tasked with the rapid development of highly sophisticated electronic cylinder products. These solutions represented a major departure from Medeco’s historic mechanical portfolio and are now a foundational element of the company’s growth strategy, solidifying its place at the forefront of modern physical security.
Outside his corporate roles, Joseph is a respected mentor and thought leader, known for fostering leadership development and cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics with a minor in Business from Liberty University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Brian Lamb, Lockmasters
Brian Lamb has grown up in the locksmith and security industry while working at Lockmasters. Lockmasters was founded on education, expanded into distribution and became a manufacturer of our own services tools. Many of those tools were developed by Lamb himself. He prides himself on understanding all aspects of the locksmith profession, from automotive to high security SCIF/SAPF security, specifically our FF-L-2890C approved LKM10K Lock Series.
He has been an advocate for safe technicians and locksmiths since he began 40 years ago. He has taught classes, provided customer service and sales support, managed our Safe Lock, Automotive and Locksmith product lines until becoming the President of Lockmasters, Inc. Even as President, Brian continues to process customers’ orders, coordinate new product development and work to grow the next generation of technical experts in the field. You'll see him working in the warehouse, answering the phones and working at tradeshows.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
He is a member of: SAVTA and a Hall of Fame Winner ALOA FSPA
Tom Lu, EDM Solutions
Tom Lu is the designer and manufacturer of the 8C04-SFIC Product Line The 8C04-SFIC is an innovative Small Format Interchangeable Core (SFIC) that integrates Schlage’s standard key and bitting specifications, enabling seamless compatibility between BEST-style SFIC and Schlage key systems. This breakthrough allows SFIC cores to not only be keyway-compatible with Schlage but also share key codes with Schlage standard lock cores and cylinders, all while functioning under Schlage’s key management hierarchy (KD, MK, GMK, etc.). In essence, 8C04-SFIC bridges BEST-style SFIC lock housings with Schlage’s security ecosystem, the 8C04-SFIC achieves what was once deemed impossible in the industry. EDM Solutions Ltd. has redefined key system compatibility, unlocking new possibilities for security integration between two industry giants.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
- ALOA member since 2012
- 20-plus years year experience in lock manufacturing industry
Tom O’Donnell, Top Notch Distributors
Tom O'Donnell, Top Notch Territory Manager, is honored for his exceptional dedication and extensive contributions to the door hardware industry over nearly 40 years. O'Donnell’s career has been marked by an unwavering commitment to customer service, strong industry relationships, and a deep passion for supporting the locksmith community.
Starting in 1985, Tom gained invaluable experience at Commonwealth Lock Co in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he learned the business from the ground up, moving from receiving and deliveries to counter sales and hardware buying. This early exposure to the door hardware industry laid the foundation for his future success and set the stage for his lasting impact on the field.
From 1994 to 2015, Tom continued to grow in the industry at Boyle & Chase in Hingham, Massachusetts, a national distributor of door hardware. Over the years, he excelled in various roles, including inside sales, purchasing, and logistics, ultimately being promoted to Inside Sales Manager. His commitment to providing excellent customer service was evident as he engaged with customers at locksmith trade shows and door hardware conferences across the country. This hands-on approach allowed him to better understand the unique needs of his customers and forge lasting, meaningful relationships.
In 2015, O'Donnell joined Top Notch Distributors, where he took on the role of Territory Manager for New England and New York. In this capacity, he continued to promote and support the locksmith community by attending trade shows and cultivating personal relationships with customers.
His focus on understanding his customers’ businesses —whether they were locksmiths, dealers, or showrooms — further exemplifies his dedication to the industry and to the customers he serves. O'Donnell’s approach to his work is characterized by honesty, transparency, and a genuine desire to support his customers' needs. He takes great pride in partnering with customers to ensure their success is supported by exceptional service, a commitment to doing the right thing, and a focus on long-term relationships.
O'Donnell is well-versed in residential, commercial, and electronic door hardware and takes the time to engage with all levels of his customers’ businesses, from company leaders to key cutters, warehouse staff, and beyond. His deep knowledge and willingness to help make him a trusted resource within the industry.
A proud member of a family-owned company, O'Donnell appreciates the focus on integrity, customer connection, and teamwork that Top Notch instills in its values. He is also a strong advocate for giving back, regularly participating in company fundraisers to support the communities where Top Notch operates. Tom is so highly regarded in this area that he has earned a seat as a values ambassador for the company, further demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the company’s core values.
O'Donnell’s career trajectory reflects not only his expertise and industry knowledge but also his integrity, passion, and loyalty to both his customers and the company he represents. His unwavering dedication to making a difference in the door hardware industry, coupled with his ability to build meaningful relationships, makes him a truly deserving candidate for this honor.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
Tom O'Donnell's career in the door hardware industry spans 40 years and is marked by a consistent commitment to customer service, relationship-building, and problem-solving. His experience in the field has not only allowed him to develop deep knowledge and expertise in the industry but has also made him a trusted partner to his customers.
1985 to 1994: Commonwealth Lock Co, Cambridge, MA At Commonwealth Lock Co, a family-owned business that supplied locksmiths throughout the Greater Boston area.
- Started to learn the business as a receiver and making deliveries.
- Over the years worked my way up to counter sales and hardware buyer. Fantastic way to meet, learn and provide solutions to our Locksmith partners.
- Attended annual Locksmith Trade Shows
1994 to 2015: Boyle & Chase, Hingham, MA
- Roles including inside sales, purchasing, logistics, etc.
- Attending Locksmith Trade Shows and Door Hardware Conferences around the country. Great way to interact in person with accounts listening to their stories and where we could help.
- Promoted to Inside Sales Manager in 2001. Took pride in listening and supporting our customers at a national level whether part of our commercial, residential or electronic categories.
2015 to Present: Top Notch Distributors, Honesdale, PA
- Territory Manager covering the 6 New England states as well as New York. Promoting the entire portfolio of products we support.
- Attending local Locksmith Trade Shows and specific territory shows/events.
- Such gratification interacting with locksmiths, understanding how they are the same yet different and our role in helping them be successful.
- In person relationships an important part of my position whether a Locksmith, Commercial dealer, lumberyard, millwork, or decorative showroom
- Knowing my customers; both personally and professionally.
- Learning about their business whether with the decision makers, salespeople, warehouse, shipping/receiving, key cutters and where we could assist.
William Sporre, Marks USA
Since he began working in New York City with Marks USA and prior, the locksmith was always at the heart of William Sporre’s work. From the design of products to easy use and cutting through all the red tape to getting locksmiths the parts they needed to repair locks in the eld, he always put the locksmith customers first.
Sporre has been on the forefront of locksmith / manufacturer rela tionships in his work with BHMA and the different school safety organizations Bill always made a path for locksmiths to gain a hold in the industry, working to assure that locksmith suppliers gained equal footing with the contract hardware companies, enabling fair pricing for locksmith industry. “Nobody can deny Bill’s attentive ness to the locksmith industry, and since this is the year of his retirement, I believe that he should be recognized above and beyond all,” Roy Miller said in his nomination.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
- BHMA board
- Security Hardware Distributors Association
- Many other school safety organizations
- Started work with William Silver & Co., a lower east side New York locksmith wholesaler in early 80’s
- Met George Marks at the ALOA show in Baltimore in 1983 . Asked to join then G. Marks Hardware Ɪnc., selling their manufactured mortise locks
- Forty + years later still working with a company, Marks USA, that has grown by manufacturing “Quality Engineered Locksets”
- Worked with ALOA, BHMA and SHDA
- A few significant buildings worked on with Marks USA Hardware: The Plaza Hotel NYC, Trump Towers Chicago, The Burj Khalifa Dubai, The White House Washington DC, Mandalay Bay Las Vegas
Douglas Kimsey, WedgeCo
Along with 35 years as a locksmith, Douglas Kimsey has designed, manufactured, and marketed numerous tools for the locksmith industry sold through distributors under the trade name WedgeCo. These include:
- The 2 in 1 auto window wedge door panel removal tool
- Broken-Key Extractor set
- Wafer spreader pliers
- Orange handle lightweight balanced ultra thin screw extractor with long pointed tip
- Four- blade pick set for American car locks
- Heavy duty stainless balanced tension wrench with rubber grip
- SLMJM door lock spring latch depressor for emergency door opening
- Ultra thin stainless spring formed steel ( new March 2025 )
He has been located on Seattle’s Eastside since 1989.
Robert David Wheaton, IDN
David Wheaton has been in the locksmith industry for 25 years, working at several distributors before joining IDN Hardware Sales in 2021. In that time, he has gained a reservoir of experience that he draws from daily.
Now, as the manager of the IDN Hardware Sales Hartford branch, Wheaton is dedicated to helping locksmiths big and small, from hospitals with complex SEDA installations to mobile locksmiths looking for help identifying an obscure key. The deep well of knowledge he has accumulated is a boon to many in New England looking for answers for the many challenges of the current industry.
Charlie Tooth of CST Locksmith had this to say, “Any time there is a question on parts, or the best methods, just "ASK DAVE. He was my first point of contact many years ago at Orchard Lock when I first started in the industry. And he is still my go-to person today. Speak to his coworkers and other locksmiths in the Newington, CT area and they will all speak very highly of him.”
Wheaton is a pillar of the locksmith industry in Connecticut and is always ready and able to help his locksmith customers with the best products and practices for each job they take on.
Hernan Ciecha, Capitol Industries Inc.
Capitol Industries President Hernan Ciecha developed and patented a modular locking system based on magnetics and incorporated into a cam lock, the first magnetic cam lock to be marketed, as well as a magnetic padlock. Based in Montreal, Capitol Industries has been manufacturing cam and specialty locks for more than 60 years.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
- Member of SHDA
- Recently assumed President role at Capitol Industries
Locksmiths
John Truempy, ALOA Security Professionals Association
John Truempy, CFL, CMIL, CRL, ICML, IFDI, LSFDI, began training as a locksmith when he was 10 years old and has worked extensively in the residential, commercial, forensic and institutional environments. Truempy is also the owner of Lounging Lizard Publishing and the co-owner of the industry website LocksmithCommunity.com. He is currently employed by the University of Pennsylvania where he’s been a locksmith since 1992. Prior to that, Truempy spent a number of years as a locksmith for the State of New Jersey.
Truempy gladly shares his vast knowledge of locksmithing with his fellow locksmiths and other security professionals at every opportunity. As an author and publisher, he has written and co-written many books focusing on both practical and esoteric applications for master key systems, including Basic Master Keying — Query By Example, Advanced Master Keying Skills, and Master Key System Specification, Application & Management.
Truempy is also the co-creator of the Institutional Locksmiths Certification Program, a proficiency program designed with the unique needs of in-house locksmiths in mind. Truempy is a former member of the Locksmith Industry Standards Terminology (LIST) Council, publishers of The Locksmith Dictionary.
But it's as an instructor where Truempy really shines. For over 20 years, he has traveled throughout the country teaching both fundamental locksmith subjects such as lock picking, basic master keying, basic locksmithing, and exit device servicing, as well as advanced subjects like investigative locksmithing, forensic photography, lock bypass techniques, ethics for locksmiths, and how to reverse engineer and forensically analyze complex master key systems. Truempy truly is in his element in front of a room full of students.
Truempy is a co-founder and first president of the ALOA SPAI division, ALOA Institutional Locksmiths (AIL). He also currently serves as Chairman of the Board for the ALOA Security Professionals Association, Inc., (ALOA SPAI). Truempy has over 30 years of association management experience as a board member and has served on the boards of directors for numerous national and local associations as chairman of the board, president, vice-president, director, parliamentarian, and committee chairman. Truempy’s commitment to education is also demonstrated by his service as the president of the ALOA Scholarship Foundation (ASF) since 2016. He was recently named as a trustee of the Antique Key Machine Museum of America.
Truempy has been recognized numerous times by his peers for his tireless efforts in promoting the locksmith industry by receiving several national and regional locksmith awards. Awards include the ILA-DVC Robert C. Gress, Sr. Award, the ILA President’s Award, the Lee Rognon Award, the Gerald J. Connelly Jr. Pioneer Award, the ALOA President’s Award, and most recently the Philadelphia Award, the most prestigious award in the locksmith industry. Truempy has demonstrated his commitment to the industry time and again through his passionate and continuous involvement in the industry, as an experienced author and instructor, and by volunteering to hold key association executive board management positions to effect change in the industry at the grass-roots level.
Industry positions, memberships and milestones:
- ALOA SPAI: Chairman of the Board AIL division president and co-founder
- Institutional Locksmiths Association: President Chairman of the Board ILCP chairman and co-creator Vice-president Director
- International Association of Investigative Locksmiths: Director, Newsletter editor
- ILA Delaware Valley Chapter: President, Chairman of the Board Director
- ALOA Scholarship Foundation: President Director
Awards: ILA-DVC Robert C. Gress, Sr. Award (twice) ILA President’s Award Lee Rognon Award Gerald J. Connelly Jr. Pioneer Award ALOA President’s Award Philadelphia Award
David Ewen, Texas Master Locksmiths and Security Solutions, LLC
With over four decades of unwavering dedication to the locksmith industry, David Ewen has not only earned the respect of his peers but has set a gold standard in excellence, humility, and service. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the top safe technicians in the country,
David's journey has been defined by skill, innovation, and an enduring commitment to helping others. David’s expansive career spans 40+ years, during which he has mastered nearly every facet of the trade. Known for his exceptional critical thinking and unmatched ability to diagnose and resolve complex commercial door and locking system challenges, he’s a go-to resource for locksmiths facing the most difficult service calls.
Never one to rest on his achievements, David has evolved with the industry — now bringing his deep knowledge to modern access control installations, including expert integration of Securitech’s Trident Locks and Surelock McGill’s Zeus locks. His work reflects not just technical precision, but a deep understanding of how security functions in the real world.
Yet what truly sets David apart is his humility and kindness. Despite his stature in the industry, he remains incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. He regularly provides phone and tech support to locksmiths nationwide, and in many cases, helps customers resolve safe issues over the phone — completely free of charge. This spirit of service has made him not just a mentor, but a friend and trusted advisor to countless professionals across the country. His quiet leadership, technical mastery, and heart for helping others make him deserving of the Gale Johnson Legends of the Lock Industry Award.
Jesse Franco, Franco Security Solutions
Jesse Franco grew up in the safe and vault industry. From the age of nine, he would help his dad during summers. His father, Jesus Franco, worked at Merlo safes in Laguna Niguel, California. While beginning college, he talked his father into starting their own company, and in September 2003, Franco Safes was born. Focusing primarily on safes and vaults in 2012, Jesse got into the locksmith side of the business. In 2016 Victory Lock Control was created with an additional partner, Victor Chen. The company started with Jesse, father, and partner Adam Garcia as a mobile company and has grown to three locations and 27 employees, serving clients primarily in southern California but also covering northern California, Nevada and Arizona in the locksmith field and covering all of the united states for Safe and Vault Industry.
Today, he is the owner of Franco Safes, American Safe and Vault and Victory Lock Control.
Warren Grams, Abill’s Locksmith
From fellow locksmith Dennis Kai Rood II, “He's been a Locksmith longer than I've been alive and does it the best. I spent 15 years of my life learning from him and still do to this day. Great man, great father. Best of the best.” (I will change out this 2nd graph Monday, EP)
John McHale, Los Alamos Lock and Key
John McHale has been a locksmith since 1985. He has developed custom tools and parts for both shop work and customers ensuring customer's hardware gets a new life span. John's custom commercial work has been featured in Locksmith Ledger Magazine. John has developed multiple custom parts for both Sargent and Schlage hardware as well as custom pin measurement devices. John is a member of ALOA and has been recognized locally for his work in the community, most notably with youth sports where he is a photographer.
John Ray CPL,CAI, Cothron’s Security
John Ray’s locksmithing career began with Cothron’s Security Professionals in 1981. After working as a mobile service tech for 11 years, he started teaching classes for locksmiths at regional shows and designing custom tools for locksmiths. In 1993, he was recruited to work for SHIELD Security Systems, where he focused on production management, retrofit design/prototyping, and tech support, as well as continued to present classes around the country. He returned to Cothron’s in 1997, managing the purchasing department and then a major project replacing lock cylinders on all barrack buildings at Fort Hood. This project lasted several years and involved tens of thousands of locks. John Ray started his own locksmith company in 2005, followed by a business that manufactured and sold tools to locksmiths, but in 2016, he ended up selling these companies to Cothron’s, and that’s where he remains today. As the director of education, he currently presents 28 different classes to Cothron’s employees. He is also a member of the Cothron's tech support team and continues to develop new tools and adapters, which are used by Cothron's techs and sold through the company's commercial sales department.
Mark G. West, KeyWest Lock
Mark is a great locksmith and been a ALOA Certified locksmith since 1996. Has built his own business KeyWest Lock and Safe to be a respectable and go to place for Virginia Beach VA. Other shops from around the area and even out of state call him for advice on drill points and recommendations for there jobs. He always takes time to answer anyones questions. Man is a wealth of knowledge and is a LEGEND in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia.
ALOA Certified Master Locksmith, Medeco, Securitron, Simplex, ASSA HighSecurity locks, Tidel safes, Trilogy, ALOA, Door Frame and Hardware, Cansec Systems, Department of Defense Security Institute Certficates, LockMasters True Center Manipulations, BEST SFIC, Master Key Systems Design.
