Founded in 1991 by a group of law enforcement professionals in Lafayette, Louisiana, Pop-A-Lock was created to address the growing demand for trustworthy vehicle locksmith services. What started as a local initiative quickly evolved into a nationwide franchise, earning recognition as one of the most extensive locksmith networks in the United States.

With its corporate headquarters still based in Lafayette, Pop-A-Lock began offering franchise opportunities shortly after launching. Today, the brand has established a strong presence in more than 8,500 communities throughout the U.S. and Canada, delivering dependable locksmith services across multiple sectors.

The company specializes in a full spectrum of locksmith solutions, including services for automotive, residential, and commercial needs. From emergency lockouts and rekeying to lock installation and security enhancements, Pop-A-Lock serves as a one-stop provider for lock and key assistance.

One of the franchise’s most impactful initiatives is the PALSavesKids™ program—a free, lifesaving service designed to rescue children accidentally locked inside vehicles. This program underscores Pop-A-Lock’s ongoing dedication to public safety and community support.

Training

Pop-A-Lock offers an extensive and multi-tiered training program for its franchisees to ensure effective business operations and service delivery. The Franchisor provides the following training programs:

1. Franchisee Training Program: This mandatory training spans four to five days and is conducted either at the Franchisor’s headquarters in Lafayette, Louisiana, or another designated site. It includes instruction in marketing, communications systems, bookkeeping, employer-employee relations, and overall management of the franchise.
2. Technical Training Program (Pop-A-Lock Training Program): This program is essential for employees who will perform car door unlocking services. It runs for a minimum of five days (eight hours per day) and covers unlocking techniques, tool usage, and roadside assistance procedures. Each trainee must successfully complete the program and the cost is $800 per trainee, excluding travel and lodging expenses.
3. Locksmith Training: If the franchise will offer locksmith services, the Franchisor provides or arranges for training through approved locksmith schools or trainers. The cost is $2,100 per trainee, and the duration depends on the trainee's experience and target competency level.

Territory Protection

Pop-A-Lock provides franchisees with a defined Franchise Area based on ZIP codes, which typically includes a minimum population of 500,000. The franchisee receives territorial exclusivity for their assigned area, and no other franchisee is allowed to establish an office within that designated territory.

This exclusivity is not tied to performance metrics such as sales or market penetration. However, the territorial rights come with some limitations.

The Franchisor reserves the right to use alternate channels like the internet or other direct marketing methods to make sales within a franchisee’s territory, especially for national accounts. While the Franchisor does not allow physical encroachment by another franchisee, franchisees may still face competition through these alternative channels.