WHAT IS THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITHS?
The Society of Professional Locksmiths is just that, a society of professional locksmiths. Members are progressive in their thinking and dedicated to the betterment of the industry. It is modeled after the guilds of old that were founded as a way to sustain a trade in uncertain times. The society seeks nothing less than a reformation of the trade, so that things such as craftsmanship, ingenuity, integrity and the entrepreneurial spirit matter once again. There is knowledge with the society. Continuing education is at its core. Those who can, teach. Those who can't teach, learn!
WHO IS PART OF THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL LOCKSMITHS?
The Society of Professional Locksmiths is just that, a society of professional locksmiths. Members are progressive in their thinking and dedicated to the betterment of the industry. It is modeled after the guilds of old that were founded as a way to sustain a trade in uncertain times. The society seeks nothing less than a reformation of the trade, so that things such as craftsmanship, ingenuity, integrity and the entrepreneurial spirit matter once again. There is knowledge with the society. Continuing education is at its core. Those who can, teach. Those who can't teach, learn!
WHO IS THE PRESIDENT? WHO IS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS?
There is no president of the Society of Professional Locksmiths. There is no board of directors. There is no secretary. The society is guided by consensus among forward-thinking professionals who recognize that true harmony and knowledge comes through a diversity of opinions. Special councils are currently engaged in the discussion of future operational concerns, but for the moment it is a "peer group organization" working together to address a variety of issues.
WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE SOCIAL NETWORK?
The primary objective of a social network is to reform and renew conditions or specific issues that impact our industry. In working to build a strong social network within a peer group, the professional locksmiths and security service providers can establish a broad consensus on issues that focus on priorities of value which benefit their interests.
IS THERE A FORUM? DOES IT OPERATE LIKE OTHERS?
Yes, there is a discussion group forum. It is a professional environment among peers who network and collaborate on a variety of topics. There are no locked threads. There are no time-outs for members and certainly no censorship! Moderators are not needed. Members are professional and conduct themselves accordingly. All contributions by members in this forum are the property of posters and will not be used by the SOPL directly or in any derivative works without the permission of the author.
WHAT IS THE MEMBER BENEFIT "BENEVOLENCE" MEAN?
It means that as a society, the charitable welfare of members is an expression of compassion to support others both emotionally, spiritually and financially during times of need. The welfare and charity towards members and others is demonstrated in a variety of ways while maintaining the dignity and respect of the recipient.
WHY IS THE NAME LOCKSMITH GUILD SOMETIME USED?
The guild was an organization long ago that was focused on education, apprenticeships and new students seeking a career. It is no longer operating, however many successful locksmiths today still remember the support they received and the benefits of being a member. The use of the name is to honor the foundation of the Guild and those who were involved.
WHAT DISCOUNTED SERVICES OR PRODUCTS WILL I RECEIVE?
Members will be notified of negotiated new business and discount opportunities on a variety of items. Educational resource materials, books, manuals, courses, seminars, tools, equipment, software and security hardware etc. Membership has privilege and the Society of Professional Locksmiths seeks to network qualified suppliers with our members to achieve greater business relationships.
HOW MUCH IS MEMBERSHIP?
Membership is $12.5 per month/$300 bi-annually for the Gold Membership and $8.33 per month/$100 annually. Both have a one time $50 background and registration/membership package processing fee. Background checks are conducted by a third party service, www.fullidentity.com. The Membership package will be shipped after clean background check has been completed and once a passport style photograph is emailed to the administration. The Gold Membership includes more classes and is for two years.
WHY DO I NEED TO PROVIDE A PICTURE OF MYSELF?
Good actors (real locksmiths) don't hide, bad actors (scammers) do. Your photo is used as part of your identification card.