Rick Hendricks LK ’18

What led you to become a student at NBSS?

Traditional schooling was always difficult for me… too much downtime, too much review of things I already knew, too much repetitive homework. I flourished at Military Tech Schools, which were much more focused on the goal and quicker in their pace.

When I started to learn about locks and picking, something about it really called to me. It was hands-on, concrete in its goals, but with room for creativity and flashes of insight.

I needed something with better pay and more of a future than my work as a caretaker, so I sought out a good school for locksmithing.

What was the best part of your education?

[Instructor and Department Head] Barb Baker was great… knowledgeable about the hardware and techniques, and also well connected to the industry.

She taught us, and consistently proved, that there was always a way to get the door working smoothly, safely, and with the features the customer wanted. It may be expensive, and require some research, but it can be done.

Barb also made sure we had the opportunity to work in the field while in school. Thanks to her, I was able to work all through my summer break and second semester. Later in the same day I graduated, I had a full-time job.

Barb taught us, and consistently proved, that there was always a way to get the door working smoothly, safely, and with the features the customer wanted.

What are you up to now?

Right now, I’m working for Boston Lock and Safe, America’s oldest locksmithing company, mostly in their shop as opposed to on the road. I am generating keys and cores, designing and implementing small master key systems, and delivering safes. I am already making a much better wage than I was, with benefits and opportunities for advancement coming later this year.