John's Best Day

April 29, 2026

This week, we talked with Lead Locksmith John White in Facilities Services about his role and how he would describe his best day at work, a key measure in the Gallup Q12 employee engagement survey that indicates how well employees can use their natural strengths at work.

As lead locksmith, my role goes beyond cutting keys and fixing locks. Every door I work on protects something important, whether it’s sensitive research, valuable equipment, or people, like staff, doctors, and patients.
John White,
Lead Locksmith, Campus Life Services, Facilities Services

John's Best Day at Work

Tell us about your role.

As lead locksmith in Facilities Services, my role goes beyond cutting keys and fixing locks. I’m responsible for maintaining and securing access across a wide range of environments, from research labs to patient care areas to administrative offices.

‌Every door I work on protects something important, whether it’s sensitive research, valuable equipment, or people, like staff, doctors, and patients. I manage key systems, respond to lockouts, repair and install hardware, and help implement security solutions that keep facilities running safely and smoothly.

John White working at his desk behind a computer

How would you describe your best day at work?

No two days are the same. One moment, I might be troubleshooting a complex issue in a lab, and next, I’m helping a staff member who is locked out of their office on a stressful day. ‌

‌My best days are when I make someone else’s day easier and safer. One example started with an urgent call from a clinical area where a secure room had failed. It held critical supplies, and it was time-sensitive. I assessed the issue, repaired the lock, and restored access without disrupting patient care. While everything was happening behind the scenes, patients had no idea, and that’s something we take pride in.

‌On that same day, I helped a new employee who was struggling with access. I physically walked him through the system, made sure everything worked properly, and showed him how to use his badge. By the end, you could see the relief on his face. Moments like that have a big impact on me.

Photo of lock shop, with shelves and tool vending machine

How did your career path lead you to locksmithing?

This is in the blood. My dad owns JHW Locksmith on Fillmore and Page, and it’s still there today. He was recently recognized by the city as a Legacy Business for operating for 30 years. I almost lost him a couple of years back due to a severe condition, but he’s fine now and back in the shop. He’s been doing this all my life. I didn’t think I was going to be a locksmith. I told my dad I was going to go another way, but I fell right back into it.

‌See the behind-the-scenes interview with John and other colleagues in the new CLS Before 8 a.m. video series.‌