Houston / Texas / United States
In 1972 Patrick Collins successfully completed a locksmith course and made a decision that positioned C.K.I as a major service and supply company in todays market place. Patrick Collins, sole owner, initially worked out of his garage as "Collins Keys & Things." In the beginning Collins Keys & Things targeted the multi-housing industry establishing a niche supplying replacement door locks and focusing on developing a service oriented business attuned to the needs of his clientele. Working with nationally and internationally known suppliers such as WESLOCK, WEISER & NATIONAL CABINET LOCKS, Collins Keys developed a supplier base that satisfied the requirements of his clients. The multi-housing industry grew and so also did Collins Keys. In 1980 the business incorporated as Collins Keys Inc. and relocated from the garage to a 1, 200 sq. ft. warehouse. As the company continued to grow Pat recognized the need for SERVICE oriented personnel along with trained lock professionals, making C.K.I. the company it is today. In order to keep up with the developing multi-housing industry, C.K.I. added additional manufacturers that included KWIKSET, FLORENCE MAILBOX, SIMPLEX, HPC and others necessary to complement the demands of the still ever growing market. Thanks to the success of the multi-family industry C.K.I. purchased a 15, 000 sq. ft. warehouse in order to continue to keep up with the needs of his clients. In 1988 the last two remaining Giants of the lock industry, SCHLAGE LOCK CO. and MASTER/DEXTER LOCK CO recognized that C.K.I was the major distributor for not only the multi-family segment, but commercial and residential customers as well. They selected C.K.I. to handle their product lines thereby securing a complete offering of major lock hardware suppliers for C.K.I. to offer its clients. Pat Collins, President of C.K.I. Wholesale Lock Supply Inc, and the key personnel who helped C.K.I. become a multi-million dollar company, still subscribe to a philosophy that includes a personal, yet professional approach to the consumer. Of the employees making up C.K.I.s knowledgeable staff, several of them have been with C.K.I. for 10 years or more.
