In the late 60’s founder J.R. McGuire began his journey as a locksmith with a Locksmith Institute course. He started off as a purely mobile service under the name of McGuire Lock & Key, building his business on the sound principles of honesty and integrity. He started running overflow for a local locksmith shop near the plaza area in Kansas City Missouri, and then for a locksmith business in the northland known as Logan’s Lock Shop.
In 1978 he purchased that business which gave him some roots. While staffing up with like-minded people, he continued to run service calls to serve where needed. The shop afforded the opportunity to warehouse more inventory than a single van could carry and to finally merchandise safes, a long time passion.
In 1980 Debbie his wife came up to help with the paperwork, which quickly became a full-time job.
In 1984 the business name was changed to McGuire Lock & Safe for obvious reasons.
In 1990 the business was moved across the parking lot from the east side of the Antioch Station Post Office, to the south or front side, on the corner of Ne Vivion RD. and N. Lister in the Northland. It was moved into a remodeled Sinclair station. My, was that easier said than done.
In 1991 his son Joe came to work for him after taking a Foley-Belsaw Institute course, working his way up through the ranks of shop help through field work. No free rides here.
In 2002 the work of transition began by selling the business to his son Joe and daughter in law Becky. Joe wanted the official date to be April 1st because he thought it would be funny to buy the business on April fool’s day. No, I don’t get it either.
In 2004 Becky, Joe’s wife came up to help with the paperwork, and you’re right, it became a full-time job. She now handles accounts receivable.
In 2008 the grandson Justin came on board. He is currently working the front counter and programming car keys.