ATC Lock & Key aims to be household name

Published 7:02 am Thursday, May 8, 2025

Jamey Brown has spent almost 35 years in the locksmith business, but it was not always the profession the owner of ATC Lock & Key wanted to pursue.

Brown spent 31 years working as an IT manager in Eatonton. Locksmithing came about because Brown’s father knew someone in Eatonton who was selling his business. Brown talked with his dad and ultimately decided to purchase the business.

“I completed an online certification course, began taking calls, and the rest is history,” he said.

Brown says that he did not find his true calling until he became a locksmith.

His family has supported him every step of the way. His son Matthew recently started working with him, allowing him to share his passion.

The business originally opened in 1994 and for 29 of his 31 years working in IT, Brown ran ATC Lock & Key on the side. Things changed in December 2020 when he left his IT manager position to go into the locksmith business full-time.

“At that time, there was a huge need in the community for a dependable locksmith that would provide services in a timely manner,” Brown said.

ATC Lock & Key is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday availability is only for emergencies.

The business offers services to unlock doors during lockouts for residential properties, commercial properties, automotive and safes. Key cutting and replacement services are also available, including duplicate keys and replacement keys for lost or damaged ones as well as lock repair and replacement.

Customers can book ATC Lock & Key several ways. Customers can reach out at 706-473-6245. If there is no response, just send a text. Additionally, appointments can be made through the booking link on the website. Estimates are also available.

While owning his own business has been rewarding for Brown, what he enjoys most about running ATC Lock & Key is simple.

“The opportunity to connect with every customer I serve on a daily basis, he said. He said it also means a lot to him that so many people in the community have supported him and his business over the years.

“From the beginning, I wanted ATC to be a household name. I wanted people to trust that they had made the right choice for their Locksmith needs. I wanted to grow with the growing demand for security services in the area. I wanted to provide a wide range of services, rather than just a limited few,” he said. “With the help of the Milledgeville community and surrounding communities, I have been able to do just that. Words can’t fully express how truly grateful I am for the unwavering support of each and every one of my customers.”

—Have a suggestion for a business profile? Email story ideas to natalie.linder@unionrecorder.com