Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Waknine
Hi Jonathan , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was working in the maintenance department at my first rehab and my internship was coming to an end, they asked me what I was planning to do thereafter. I went to the career center and I was directed to the Department Of Rehabilitation in which I explored options. I was always good at picking locks so I went to California Institute Of Locksmithing because the rehab guaranteed me a job as their locksmith if I got the proper education and DOR paid for it. I started locksmithing and working for multiple companies as a subcontractor and eventually became LA’S MOST WANTED LOCKSMITH all by word of mouth. I love helping people and I was glad to be able to have a profession making a living as well as helping others.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After graduating and getting my diploma in professional locksmithing I applied for my locksmith license but 4 months later got denied because of my arrest history, due to drugs. I appealed the decision and went to court a year later and represented myself. I ended up getting a probationary locksmith license conditional that I stayed sober and checked in quarterly with a probation officer to make sure I didn’t relapse or get arrested. I completed those 3 years and then got my company license.
Life was good for 4 years and just when I started doing well, I became suicidal. In that time, I had met so many genuine people in recovery and made good friends. After the 23rd friend passing away from an overdose/suicide, I planned to commit suicide end of the year. I did lots of therapy, EMDR therapy and hypnotherapy; went to rehab multiple times 2018-2024 (was in and out of active addiction) working in recovery as well and putting the locksmithing aside.
In 2021 I was over locksmithing, I sold my work van for $1 and went to rehab with the intention to either complete this program or end my life at the end of the year. I ended up coming up with a master plan mixing locksmithing and music which changed my directive on life.
2022 I started working as a house manager managing a sober living, then 2023 started managing a compound with 4 different houses (sober livings). When my roommate passed away on my birthday 9/27/22, I got inspired to get back into my locksmithing after I worked very hard on my mental health and decided to get completely sober again. In 2024 it was time to focus on my bread and butter doing Locksmithing to literally open up the doors for all the other projects I’m working on.
As you know, we’re big fans of Lock Tech 911. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am LA’S most wanted locksmith because I’m highly referred, being known for putting my customers’ priorities before my pockets. I treat my customers as if they were my own family and I want them to get the best service and quality of service possible. I don’t spend any money on marketing like all the other locksmiths. I learned from working with the bad ones what NOT TO DO. Their motto was “Jonathan we spend lots of money for ads and you’re meeting the client in their most vulnerable state, so charge them as much as you can because you’re never going to see them again.” I didn’t like that business model so I started my own business and charging customers much less money because I was keeping 100% of the job instead of just 30% (when I started subcontracting).
I take pride in my work ethic. I’m a problem solver and will always get the job done right and not give up or leave the customer hanging until I’m done.
I’ve picked open many locks that other locksmiths have serviced previously for the same clients, and the client told me “wow the other locksmith took anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours last time.” Now with how I work, I’m in and out within a few seconds to few minutes.
I have quite a few big named clients I’ve proudly serviced locks for; here’s a few I’ve done work for: Quentin Tarantino, Channing Tatum, Hallie Berry, Janice Dickinson, Adam Sandler, K.Kardashian, G Eazy, Desto Dubb, Soulja Boy, Tony Gonzalez, Harry Houdini, and the list goes on.
I specialize in residential, commercial locksmithing and Safes (servicing, repairs and openings).
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck” really helped me to not try avoiding problems, but rather upgrade my problems. We find happiness through solving problems, so upgrade your problems 😊.
“Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins, really inspired me to take accountability for my life and go into rehab in 2021.
“Never Finished” by David Goggins helped me when training for the LA MARATHON in 2023.
I get lots of traction on Instagram and TikTok for many reasons. I’m open about my struggles with addiction and mental health so people from all around the world message me and appreciate what I share because they can relate and ask me for advice, because they feel like they can’t be very open or honest due to fear of judgement from employers, friends, and/or family members.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Locktech911.com
- Instagram: Rockinmorroccan
- Facebook: Lock Tech 911
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lockst4r?_t=8nssvsyyn8A&_r=1
