Everett Lock Shop Celebrates 45 Years

It started out in 1971 as Don Keys, a little lock shop in a custom building in the B & M shopping center by a southern California transplant to Everett named Don Thackeray.

Soon, Gary Topp and his wife Dori took over the little lock shop from Thackeray, moved it a block south and made it a fixture at 5108 Evergreen Way.

Now in its 45th year the shop continues as a family affair.
Gary Topp retired and is busy woodworking but his daughter Lynne Johnson runs the store with long time employees who really know their stuff.

Gary and Dori are in the shop today serving up hot dogs, cake and cookies along with sharing stories of how things have changed over the years. “There are a lot more electronics today but Everett still has its share of classic locks,” said Topp. “The one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for personal, local service.”

Like many businesses, technology has changed the way people do things. One of the concerns Topp shares is when people call an 800 number that call may not actually be local to Everett but routed to someone from Bellevue or Seattle, removing a true local connection. That’s why Topp advertises the same local number he’s had for years, 425-258-1422.

If you are in need of keys, lock repair or a new safe, before you head to the SuperStore, remember this family owned lock shop at 5108 Evergreen Way. Let’s help Everett Safe and Lock prosper for another 45 years.