Your Business Security Plan Has a Critical Gap | K4B Podcast
Ken Suitor of TruMax Security reveals the physical security gaps most SMBs don't see coming — and the simple fixes that could save your business before it's too late.
Hosts: Bernie Franzgrote & Wayne Pratt
Ken Suitor of TruMax Security reveals the physical security gaps most SMBs miss — electronic locks, the 15-minute rule, and what to fix first.
GROWTH CATEGORY: Cybersecurity & IT
Most business owners think they're protected. They have an alarm. A camera. A keypad on the door.
Ken Suitor walks into those businesses every week. And he sees the gap they missed.
Ken is the owner of TruMax Security in Ottawa — a locksmith and commercial security company that has worked inside banks, government buildings, retail shops, and family homes. He knows what real security looks like. And he knows what a false sense of it costs.
Watch the full conversation here
WHO THIS IS FOR
SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems
If you have a physical location — retail, office, warehouse, or home-based — this episode is for you.
KEY LESSONS
The 15-Minute Rule Is Your Real Security Number
Police response time in most urban areas averages around 15 minutes. Thieves know this. They plan around it. Your alarm triggers — and they have a full quarter hour to work. Ken explains that the front door is not just an entry point. It's the primary delay mechanism between a thief and your inventory. A crowbar-resistant strike plate and a high-security lock can change the outcome entirely. One cannabis shop learned this the hard way — double-door checkpoint, full alarm system, still hit in under 15 minutes because the physical barrier wasn't there.
Electronic Locks Are Convenient — Not Secure by Default
Key fobs can be signal-boosted. Keypads can be drilled. Cloud-based systems that eliminate the keyway leave locksmiths with no way in except through the door. Ken describes arriving at buildings where the only entry option is destruction — because the electronic company that bought the hardware company removed the traditional lock cylinder entirely. All cars built after 2018 are designed to want to be unlocked. That's not a flaw. That's a feature that thieves exploit with basic equipment.
The Ugliest Lock Is Often the Strongest One
Hardened steel doesn't look pretty. It looks square and commercial and heavy. But that weight is the point. Ken explains that many premium-looking locks are made with soft white metals and aluminum — they look expensive and fail fast. The high-security brands — Abloy, Medeco, Multilock — use specifically milled key blanks that only the issuing shop can duplicate. That's real access control. The "do not duplicate" stamp on a standard key? That's a marketing note, not a security feature.
PRACTICAL STEPS
- Book a free consultation. TruMax Security offers no-charge site surveys. Ken brings hardware so you can hold it in your hand and feel the difference before you decide. Reach out at ken@trumaxsecurity.ca or call 613-591-0909.
- Audit your physical barrier first. Before upgrading your alarm or adding cameras, assess your door frame, strike plate, and lock grade. Those three things determine how long your door stands up under pressure.
- Store your key fob away from the front door. Post-2018 vehicles are always listening for their fob. Storing keys near your entrance gives signal boosters the range they need. A simple Faraday pouch costs under $20.
ABOUT THE GUEST
Kenneth Suitor is the owner of TruMax Security, a locksmith and commercial security company serving Ottawa and the surrounding area. He purchased the business in 2019 after years of apprenticeship under a 45-year veteran of the trade. Ken helps business owners, property managers, and homeowners identify and close physical security gaps — before a break-in forces the conversation.
Connect with Ken on LinkedIn
TruMax Security on LinkedIn
TruMax on Facebook
TruMax on Twitter/X
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FAQ
Q: How do I know if my business has a physical security gap? If your security plan starts and ends with an alarm system and cameras, you likely have a gap. A site survey from a licensed locksmith will show you exactly where your physical barriers are weak — before a break-in does.
Q: Are electronic locks safe for commercial use? Electronic locks add convenience but introduce new vulnerabilities. Without a physical key cylinder as a backup, they can leave you locked out — or a thief locked in. High-security electronic locks paired with hardened physical components are the better answer.
Q: What's the difference between a high-security lock and a standard one? High-security locks use more pins, harder materials, and specifically milled key blanks that only the issuing shop can cut. They resist drilling, picking, and duplication. Standard locks — even expensive-looking ones — are often made from softer metals and can be compromised with basic tools and a few YouTube videos.
13. K4B ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Carl Richards — Podcast Solutions Made Simple Fred Crouch — Property Wizard Jovan Strika — @Hive Melanie Webber — business partner
