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In 1914 Sam A. Ellis (father of
J.B. Ellis) opened Ellis bicycle shop on Marion Street
in uptown Shelby N.C.. During this time Locksmithing, Blacksmithing, Gunsmithing, bicycles and
lawnmowers were one business.
In 1923 at the age of 10 J.B. made his first key for a lock.
This began his career in locksmithing. In 1942 J.B. went
into Service and upon returning in 1946 he took over his
fathers business. He moved the location to 408 S.
Lafayette St. (where then stood the old D.A. Beam
Building).
In 1963 J.B. played a leading role in Founding the North
Carolina Locksmith Association. Also he was known for
his knowledge of opening safes. He was so famous he was
inducted into the Boston Locksmith Hall of Fame.
In 1972 J.B. added a partner by the name of Aubrey Beam. Four
years later in 1976 Reid Skinner was hired. In 1976 J.B.
sold the remaining part of the business to Aubrey. J.B.
left and took Reid with him to open what is now known as
J.B. Ellis Locksmith (inside Schwinn Bicycle Shop).
In 1983 J.B. Ellis Locksmith moved inside of Shelby
Hardware Store (506 S. Lafayette Street). Shortly after
James Nolen was hired.
In October 1984 J.B. Ellis passed away. His wife ran the
business until June 7th 1985 when James Nolen and Reid
Skinner then purchased. James and Reid stayed in the
Shelby Hardware Store where Reid did the majority of the
road jobs and James did all bench work and bookwork.
Over the years they added home, office and gun safes.
In 1995 James and his wife Pam purchased a building at 110
Grigg Street. This was a great day for J.B. Ellis
Locksmith. This gained them an identity all of their
own. They never thought they would ever fill this
building up. Well to their surprise and delight the
building is bursting at the seams. They have 2 large
showrooms full of safes. Also they have a garage now to
work on car locks out of the weather. Today it is still
the same as far as the operation of the business. Reid
is still the majority road guy and James is the inside
man doing all bench work and the finances of the
business. One exception though is they have a very nice
secretary / key cutter / scheduler / etc. Her name is
Judy McCurry and she has been with them for at least 9
years.
James and Reid are both members of the North Carolina
Locksmith Association. Reid has even had a 4 year term
of being President of the Association. Reid is now a
life member and still on the board. James and Reid both
have many certifications for safes, electronic locks,
automotive locks, and others. They also are licensed in
the State of North Carolina. They are true believers in
being licensed in the locksmithing profession. You have
to be trustworthy with a clean criminal record.
James and Reid are here to serve you in a trustworthy and
Christian manner! |
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