How a Family Locksmith Business Grew Into a Regional Security Leader
From one man with a toolset in Boston to a full fleet in New Hampshire—this is the A&B Lock story.
A Legacy of Locksmithing That Spans Generations
The story of A&B Lock and Security begins in the heart of Boston nearly a century ago. It was there that Bill Akerley’s grandfather serviced locks for the MTA, working out of the trunk of his car. He wasn’t just fixing locks—he was building trust one job at a time.
The second generation followed suit. Bill’s uncles ran a thriving lock shop in Melrose, MA while his mother managed day-to-day operations with hands-on leadership. Service, precision, and reliability weren’t just values—they were the family standard.
Humble Beginnings in the Granite State
When Bill relocated to Gilford, New Hampshire, he brought that legacy north. Armed with tools, skill, and a service-first mindset, he launched his business from a shed built behind his mother-in-law’s home. A&B Lock was born as a local solution for neighbors needing lockouts, rekeys, and honest help.
Word spread fast. With integrity and responsiveness as its reputation, A&B quickly became the go-to locksmith across the Lakes Region.
“I called on a holiday weekend. Bill showed up in under an hour and fixed everything. Professional, kind, and a total pro.” — Cynthia Sidman
Today, A&B Protects the Entire Seacoast and Beyond
Now headquartered in Dover, with a second hub still operating in Gilford, A&B Lock has evolved into a full-service locksmith and electronic security company. With 10 fully equipped vehicles, a team of expert technicians, and a customer-first culture, the company serves the entire state of New Hampshire and Southern Maine.
The tools have changed, but the heart of the business remains the same: responsiveness, reliability, and real people who care.
“They came quickly, were friendly and professional, and even gave my kid a toy. They made a stressful lockout feel easy.”
— Kelli Goewey
Built by Family, Strengthened by Community
Bill’s son Brian joined the team not just as VP, but as someone who embodies A&B’s service ethos. A career firefighter in Hampton, NH, Brian brings leadership, logistics, and a community-first attitude to every job. Together, the Akerleys continue to build a company that supports veterans, first responders, and the neighborhoods they protect.
Their commitment shows in every job—whether they’re installing a high-security system at a hospital, unlocking a car at midnight, or fixing a storm-damaged door.
“Brian got me back in my house within an hour. He was friendly, fast, and respectful. I won’t call anyone else.” — Amber Stitt
Where We’re Headed
With an expanded focus on low-voltage systems, cloud-managed surveillance, and advanced access control, A&B is leading the way in next-gen security while staying grounded in hands-on locksmithing. Every safe we open, every door we fix, and every key we cut reflects our mission: secure our communities with honesty, skill, and care.
The next generation is already on the horizon—and the story continues.
