Business name: RAC Locksmith Services.
Owner: Richard A. Corvi.
Address: Not fixed. This business travels to its customers.
What the business does: RAC Locksmith Services is a full-service mobile locksmith company specializing in automotive, residential, commercial and institutional work. The company assists customers who need to access locked vehicles, homes and businesses, to replace lost keys, or to open safes with lost combinations. RAC is also the Southwest Washington factory dealer for Mul-T-Lock high-security locks.
How has the economy affected your business: The dampened economy slowed customer calls for elective locksmith jobs, such as hardware upgrades and optional re-keying. Emergency calls remain fairly steady, Corvi said. The locksmith business tends to be cyclical, revolving around the school year, summer vacations and the holidays.
Greatest challenge: The proliferation of “scammer” locksmiths — unlicensed, untrained and illegal companies — is a growing source of competition. Corvi said a legitimate locksmith needs a contractor’s license from the Department of Labor and Industries, and also needs to be bonded and insured.
What’s ahead: Corvi said he continues to seek name recognition in Salmon Creek and Vancouver. He is considering opening a storefront in the Salmon Creek area.
