MUSKEGON COUNTY, Mich — When you own your own small business, every small sale, is key.
No one knows better than David Trudell, whose every key is a small sale.
"I'm a locksmith. 37 years now," David said. “For the past 25 years, I was a locksmith for the Department of Corrections.”
At his facility, they had 1,800 locks and 5,000 keys they'd use every day. It was his job to make sure everything was working properly.
“The inmate cells, their locks got used more in one day than our house locks during the month," he explained.
He first took the job when his wife was pregnant with a second daughter, looking for stable benefits and insurance. He retired in August, and though he enjoyed his career, he said it was a relief.
“It feels good. The stress is not here like it was years ago," he said.
David started up Lakeshore Lock Services out of his Whitehall home. He has a couple vans with key machines that he treats as a mobile office.
Though being a locksmith is a dying trade, David got into it to show kindness is never more alive.
“I get a lot of emergency calls, unlocking houses, unlocking cars. Someone have their purse stolen, their keys are in it, you get out there, get their locks changed, so they feel more safe," he said. “I just I love helping people. That's the big thing right there.”
The big thing – that seems to follow him everywhere. Even during a stop for fuel that quickly turned to fuel for change.
“I was sitting in the van. I just overheard some screaming," David explained. "I rolled my window down. I guess I was nosy. I just heard a guy just belittling, in the way he is talking to his wife on the phone. And I'm thinking how scared she must be at that time.”
Others may drive away and forget about the conversation. David is no other.
“I would do work for the police, local police departments for domestics, they had me come out change locks," he said.
"I'm just thinking, what if someone cannot afford to have that done? They should not risk their security because of finance. So I thought, I'm in position I would offer that free.”
He posted his offer to local neighborhood groups. They quickly amassed thousands of likes and comments, thanking David for what he's doing. But David didn't need it.
“As the Bible says, love thy neighbor, as you do yourself," he said. “That's just what you do. You help people.”
Owning a small business, every dollar counts. But helping just one person – that, is priceless.
“If everybody helped people, this world would be a lot better place," said David.
► If you’re in need of David’s help, he first recommends calling your local police to file a restraining order. Afterward, you can reach him by messaging his Facebook page here or calling 231-750-5504.
Help is out there. Please check out the YWCA in West Michigan for more resources related to domestic abuse or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
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