I know many people wouldn't think of a locksmith as a public figure. In small towns like ours they are well known. Especially with the towns more credible officals. It's interesting when your own fathe is the locksmith. I don't talk about it much. But I'm always given high comments when people realize who my father is. And I think his job is one that no person can live without. The job is very important and is dated back decades as a trade. So, since I couldn't get an interview with my cousin who is a young musician with talent, I decided to look in my dad's direction.
Uinta Lock and Key has been in business for 12 years. It is run by Eric Barnes. Born and raised in Star Valley, Wyoming, he would soon find his niohe in the locksmithing business.

Q: How did you get started in locksmithing?

A: A friend in Salt Lake got my into it. Went from SLC to Park City/Heber, UT to Evanston, Wyoming.

Q: What is required for the job?

A: Pick locks, get into cars legally, re-key, and work on safe are a few of the job details. Being licenced and bonded is essential. I have to re-certify for both regularly.

Q: What are the advantages/disadvantages for your job?

A: (Luaghs) Well it's the same for both: Working for myself.

Q: What celebreties have you met in your line of work?

A: Tony Danza, Jacklyn Smith, Ed Ames, Robert Plant, one of the Oak Ridge Boys (can't think of his name at the moment), Jack Elan, Lou Husdon, and more.

Ah yes, I remember going to his house for the get together. Nice guy.

Q: What has been the most interesting lock-job you've had to do so far?

A: Too many to recall. Like finding three dead bodies. Not at the same time. One was when i did this job where homeless people lived and one was dead.

Q: What is your schedule normally like?

A: 24/7 365. Except for when I'm on vacation.

Q: How do you keep track of everything?

A: I write everything down and don't use computers.

Q: What machines do you use?

A: Key cutters, code machines, grinders, drills, car tools, pick sets.

Q: Which is used mmore often, key blanks or aftermarket key blanks and why?

A: Aftermarket. they are less expensive.

Q: What is key control and how do you use it?

A: Cutting non-duplicable keys with proper authorization.

Q: Do you use electro-mechanical locks? Explain them?

A: Yeah. It's a lock that works on their own power. Self-contained basicly.

Q: do you install and service door closers?

A: Yes, sir.

Q: What's the furthest distance you've had to travel for a job and what for?

A: To Arden, 25 miles one way and 25 miles back. It was to do a bank job.

Q: In Evanston, what other committees or groups are you a part of?

A: GPAA (Gold Prospectors of America) and I am the offical locksmith for the Jamacian Bobsled Team. They practice here in Evanston.

Q: What's your afvice for those interested in the field?

A: Read and practice and be sure to get licenced and bonded.

The most interesting memory I have with my dad as a young locksmith was one day when i went to visti hi he had his hand bandaged up and I asked him what had happened. During a job he's been setting up tools in a shop and an ice pick had punctured his hand. Halting most of the locksmithing work he'd been doing until it healed.

Eric barnes will soon retie and the people of Evanston will have to look for outside help. being as the other too locksmiths in town don't really work the business anymore. For retirement, Eric plans to movesouthwest and prospect for gold and sometimes other neat items. He is the father of three kids, two step-children and four grandchildren.