Finding The Key To Success
David Hamman: locks, safes and security. Coco Zickos photo
David Hamman
Owner, Integrity Key, Lock and Safe
Please tell us about your business.
We provide a whole variety of security services related to locksmithing, which includes the installing of hardware and re-keying of doors, as well as electronic access.
We also install alarms and video surveillance. In addition, we deal with safes and the sale and servicing of safes.
We also deal with the repair and servicing of storefront-type doors.
This business started in 2001. We are a mobile service that works all over the island, from Kekaha to Haena.
Has the trend to install security systems grown in the past few years?
Definitely, it’s increased dramatically with the increase of break-ins and crimes.
Originally, the drug problem is what escalated breakin issues, and then when you have the bad economy on top of that, it increases even more.
Another issue that has increased the installation is that a lot of insurance companies require now that individuals with properties of $1 million or more need to have an alarm system, which reduces their insurance rates.
What kind of clients do you serve?
Everyone from residential to commercial a very wide range.
What hours do you operate?
We provide 24/7 service for instances like getting locked out of your vehicle. Most of our service is done during the main part of the business day from about 9 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m.
How did you get started in this business?
I was in the construction industry for over 15 years and I’m a licensed general contractor in Hawaii and a licensed general engineering contractor in California. I’ve been doing all forms of construction, but mainly in heavy, large-scale construction.
I was just getting rolling in Hawaii, getting a construction business going, and I had a friend who had told me he was really busy doing locksmithing and was about to move and sell all of his equipment.
I also connected with a guy who had the third largest locksmith company in Nashville who was able to train me.
After that, I jumped in full saddle and have been doing it ever since. It was the best thing I ever did.
Why did you start this business?
I enjoy the challenges. I’m really mechanically inclined, and it’s the kind of thing you can get in and out. You’re not married to some project where you could be out thousands and thousands of dollars. You walk in and out and get a check and you’re not babysitting anyone. And it’s always interesting and diverse. I’m meeting all different types of people and you come across all types of situations.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your business?
The opportunity to help people and give them the best advice you can to be successful.
Security has to do with protecting their business and their interests, and when you have somebody and you care about them, you’re providing helpful information that will secure their business. Knowing you have that opportunity to keep them safe from the kinds of things that could destroy it is rewarding.
And of course, it’s always a good feeling when you pop somebody’s car door when they’re in a hurry or running behind. It’s always good to feel like a hero.
What’s the most challenging aspect of your business?
I’m really good at this, but sometimes it’s hard to sort out what people are actually trying to accomplish.
The challenge is always trying to find the technology within the price range people can afford when you’re getting into a larger, more complicated situation.
What sets your business apart from others?
Integrity. I care about everything I do and I try to do the work as if I was doing it for myself. I do it with quality and conscientiously.
So when you ask me to do something, I will make sure it’s done correctly and I’ll double check myself to make sure things are working. I go the extra mile.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
I enjoy learning technologically and I’d like to know more about computers.
I would probably be into that technology or something related to higher security like CIA.
635-5111 integritykey.com
