Dear NCLA Family,

I hope this letter finds you all doing well. What a year it has been thus far! I believe that time is moving at a record pace. Well, it seems that way at least. We are quickly approaching our next meeting in which will be at the Village Inn Hotel and Event Center on May 23-34. I hope to see you there! I also want to congratulate our two new board members Alan McKinney and Johnny Hefner. They have been faithful member's and I believe they will serve the association well. I am truly grateful for our faithful members. It says a lot about our association but it says a lot more about those who have stuck with the association through the ups and downs and the in betweens.

I would like to talk about a few things that distinguish the NCLA from other organizations out there. What makes the NCLA truly special. I believe that in person classes are by far the best way to learn the locksmith trade. There are so many ways to get continuing education, but none that help a true locksmith develop their skills than in person classes that provide hands on training. There is a difference between having knowledge and having the skills to put that knowledge to good use. I have met many a locksmith who can talk all about locksmithing and know lots of terms, but cannot install a lock properly. We’ve all been there. We get to a job, and we look and something and the customer tells us they had a locksmith come out and try to fix their problem and we are just dumbfounded at what they were doing. It doesn't take too long for a true locksmith to realize that the person before them was either someone that wasn't a locksmith at all or someone who just lacked the knowledge and skills. The NCLA has been home to some of the best locksmiths around. I know a few of them because I have called them for help on occasion which brings me to my next point, fellowship! I have met some of the best locksmiths and best friends you can meet. Everyone wants to help those in the association that are truly wanting to develop themselves and their skills. You can learn so much about people, locksmithing, and life just from the people you meet at each of the meetings. The last thing is networking. Not only do you get to meet some of the best locksmiths around, but you get to meet locksmiths and industry leaders from around the country. I truly believe that it is very important to learn and develop the skills of the trade, but it is just as important who you know. Who you know can help you get through a job. Who you know can land you a job. It's not what you do or what you know, but rather “Who” you know that gets you into the Kingdom!
In retrospect, in person classes are the best way to learn and advance your skills, fellowship helps build trust and friends that last a lifetime, and networking helps make it all come together. These attributes make the NCLA a great association. Let's continue to build on the foundation for future generations to come!

See you soon!

Waldo

Waldo Smith, III
CEO of Waldo Smith Locksmith, LLC.
NCLA President

Reidsville Office 336-613-5307
VA Services 434-473-7314