Van’s Lock Shop, a family-owned business located at 2767 Jenkintown Road in the Glenside section of Abington Township, is turning 80 years old this year.

Owner Brian Freeman began working in the shop in 1986 and took over the company in 2010.

“We’re thankful to all of our employees and everyone’s who’s been a part of the business. Many of those still here were co-workers with my dad when he was just an employee,” his son Matt Freeman, director of operations, said. “They’ve been loyal to us. We’re thankful to all of our longtime customers, both residential and commercial.”

According to Matt, the original Van’s started as a repair shop on Tyson Avenue. At some point in the 1970s, a new owner moved it to Jenkintown Road “and we’ve been rolling ever since,” he said.

The family affair includes Matt’s brother, mother, and a handful of loyal employees, each of whom have multiple roles.

“In a small family business, you kind of have to do a little bit of everything. Most of us do a lot of different jobs within the company,” he said.

The Freemans consider the milestone a testament to the business’ ability to evolve with the times.

“A lot of stuff is shifting away from traditional mechanical lock and key,” Matt said. “Things are becoming more digital, and we’ve been trusted by our customers to keep up with the times. We’re already shifting into the digital world. We do some access control, which in 10 years is probably going to be 90 percent of locks. We’ve been training employees to do it and we’ve installed a number of systems. That’s definitely the future.”

Debbie White, an employee for roughly 22 years, said part of the evolution has been allowing women to learn the trade.

“Locksmithing used to be a man’s world,” White said. “When Brian took over, I was finally allowed to get my hands dirty. I learned the trade of locksmithing and the business itself. It’s enabled me to better explain things to customers.”

“Our customers have been great. Sometimes it’s like a mini party,” she said. “We tell jokes and laugh together. It’s a good group of people.”

“She does all of our special ordering. Without her, this place would be a lot more difficult to run,” Matt said. “She’s really succeeded in her role.”

Harry Maurer, a locksmith legacy, military veteran, and an employee at Van’s for over 20 years, passed away over the summer. From his obituary:

After selling the business in the late 90’s, Harry continued to work for Vans Lock Shop in Ardsley, Pa until he was 89 years old. Harry did not work out of necessity, but for the love of the business and the interaction of the Van’s team. 

Harry was an exceptional locksmith and has brought so much knowledge to the locksmith trade through the years. His calm and sincere demeanor has been appreciated by the many locksmiths he taught. 

To commemorate their 80th anniversary, Matt said a mobile showcase bus may be in the works in late September or early October. Stay tuned.

For more on Van’s Lock Shop, you can visit their website and Facebook page.

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Photos: Matt Freeman