Earlier this year (21 February) Smiths Locksmiths, a 141-year-old Ponsonby business established back in 1880 went into receivership.
As Russell Smith explains, “After much negotiating the business rose from its ashes thanks to the deep dedication by my elderly father, Patrick Henry Smith (as the 5th generation locksmith in the family). Finally we brought Smiths Locksmiths back to 100% family ownership.
“The next step was for me to purchase the business with a 100% shareholding. My Name is Russell Patrick Smith and I am the 6th generation locksmith in the family... completing a dream I have had since I was five yearsa old.
“I worked for Smiths Locksmiths from 1988 until 2001 and worked for another company for four years until starting my own business, Genesis Locksmiths in 2005.
“18 months ago I had a serious bicycle crash and was rendered quadriplegic with a broken neck and spinal cord injury. Thanks to the greatest ambos from St John’s Ambulance, I was rushed to hospital contemplating a life of being completely paralysed.
“A year and a half later I have come off ACC’s books (and am so grateful for their care) and have much gratitude for my full ‘miraculous’ recovery.
“Smiths Locksmiths is entrenched in the Ponsonby community and the support I have received since opening the doors again in May has been overwhelming. I live, love and work in Ponsonby and this is a wonderful ‘next step’ in my life.
“Having worked with Dad since I was five years old, I have seen many changes in the industry but so much still remains the same. Known as ‘Rusty the Locksmith’ I have a wonderful client base that are keen to see me and my dreams come true...
“But may I add, without the faith and support of my wife Denise and two teenagers Graham and Zared, my dream would be so much different.
“If you need our services please call in to see us, or give us a call.”
SMITHS LOCKSMITHS, 117 Ponsonby Road, T: 09 360 0350 or T: 021 278 7897
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