|  Susan Friesen, Owner
As owner of Associates Lock and Safe, Susan “Sue” Friesen not only runs the company but also is the premier source of information and training within the company. A pleasant surprise in an industry that touts less than 2 percent of its’ owners as females.
She has been in the industry for 25 years and with Associates Lock and Safe for 15 years. Always one to need a challenge mentally and physically, this industry has always provided that for her. Adding the nature of sensitivity, security and technology to the profession together with the fast paced technological advancements and Sue thinks it’s easy to see why she loves it. And why she thinks it’s very important to provide well-trained industry professionals to the community.
She is married to Jerry a commercial welder and enjoys spending time with her family, extended family, pets, gardening, reading and beadwork.
  Frank Fimbrez, Manager – 8 years
Frank says he was just lucky to get into a career that he loves as much as this. It’s not just locks and safes. It’s security; it’s being able to figure the really tough things out. Frank loves puzzles and that’s really what he feels this industry is all about. Figuring out exactly what is the best way to keep whatever a customer wants out, out and whatever they want in, in. Sounds simple, but with today’s fast paced technological advances it’s not always as easy as it seems.
Frank is a working manager, not only managing people and projects but also stepping up and handling the jobs as they come in. Locksmithing and safe servicing are also, in a sense something of an art form some days you may deal with an antique lock that needs to be opened and preserved at the same time. Other days, it’s planning an audit trail access through a large commercial building with hundreds of doors and varied access.
Frank is single with a daughter Miranda he adores spending time with. He also enjoys the music scene, the outdoors and gardening
  Carlos Pena, Locksmith and Safe Technician – 5 years
The biggest surprise Carlos Pena ever experienced about locksmithing and safe servicing is how much he enjoys it. Referred to the company by fellow staff member, Frank Fimbrez. Carlos came to Associates Lock and Safe with no prior experience in the industry and has turned into one of our most knowledgeable and valuable team members. He enjoys the challenges of the profession and the diversity. “No two days are ever the same.” The technological advances also keep it very exciting.
Carlos is married to Jennifer, they have a son, Ilan and a pet bunny, Strawberry. In his spare time Carlos plays drums and guitar in different bands in the area.
 Julie Martinez, Office Manager – 4 years
You just don’t get much more versatile than Julie. Julie has a very eclectic career background, which makes her a great office manager. She not only works on Accounts Payable, Receivables and clerical projects but also works in the front making keys, doing lock repair and whatever she needs to do to assist the staff in making the company run smoothly.
Originally training to be a locksmith, Julie transferred into the “backend” when the need arose. And being the multitalented individual she is she made the transition smoothly.
Julie is single and enjoys sports, music and travel. In here off hours she DJ’s for parties, weddings and special events. Life isn’t always a party but when Julie’s around it seems like it.
  Raul Saldivar, Locksmith – 2 years
Raul comes to the lock and safe industry from a career in commercial door and frames. He made the switch to locksmithing because he wanted to be in a more specialized trade that was more technical and challenging. He’s found it at Associates Lock and Safe.
Raul enjoys the challenge of keeping up with all the latest technology like auto trail access control and automotive transponder keys. The industry is so fast paced that sometimes the information available to the locksmiths isn’t keeping up with the product releases, which really keeps him on his toes.
Raul is married to Veronica and has a son, Raul III; in his spare time he enjoys restoring classic cars, golf, softball, volleyball and hanging out with his family, immediate and extended. |
