Unlocked Podcast

Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston
  • 5.0 (10)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Three business owners, spanning North Carolina, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada, have joined forces to create Unlocked Podcast. Their mission? To share their insights on building enduring businesses that thrive for generations to come.

  1. 2D AGO

    Leveling Up with System 1 and System 2 Thinking (Episode 72)

    In Episode 72, the Unlocked trio—Tony (Assured Security), Lars (Calgary Lock & Safe), and Chad (Loc-Doc Security)—dive into the psychology of decision-making. Inspired by the work of Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman and sage advice from "Uncle Glenn," they explore System 1 (Fast/Habitual) and System 2 (Slow/Analytical) thinking. The guys discuss how to use "Level 2" brainpower to architect "Level 1" processes that run on autopilot, freeing up mental energy for high-stakes strategy. From Chad’s self-driving car reducing commute fatigue to Tony’s specialized pinning stations that eliminate technical guesswork, this episode is a masterclass in building a business that "rhymes with sufficiency". Whether you're fighting decision fatigue or trying to scale technician training beyond "osmosis," learn how to stop reacting and start orchestrating your business operations.

    59 min

  2. MAR 26

    Navigating the Messy Middle (Episode 71)

    In Episode 71, Chad (Loc-Doc Security), Tony (Assured Security), and Lars (Calgary Lock & Safe) dive into the psychological and operational warfare of "The Messy Middle." Inspired by Scott Belsky’s framework, the trio explores the volatile space between the dopamine-heavy start of a project and the satisfaction of the finish line. The conversation gets tactical as they discuss how to distinguish a "false positive"—like a lucky $1.2 million contract—from a truly scalable system. They also tackle the "Burden of Excellence," discussing how to protect your A-players from being punished with more work while C-players coast. From moving toward flat-rate "per door" pricing to reconcile the ego of no longer being the "fixer" in your own company, this episode is a guide for any leader currently in the thick of scaling.

    1h 12m

  3. MAR 19

    12 Must-Read Books for Scaling Leaders (Episode 70)

    Buckle up for Episode 70, where the trio takes on an Instagram-inspired "Blind Rank" challenge that nearly breaks the podcast. Tony (Assured Security) forces Lars (Calgary Lock & Safe) and Chad (Loc-Doc Security) to rank a list of 12 business and philosophy books without knowing which title is coming next. The result is a chaotic, high-stakes debate over the industry's most influential texts. From the "broccoli" of 4 Disciplines of Execution to the transformational power of Turn the Ship Around, the guys break down why certain books are foundational for new owners while others are designed for high-level strategic pivots. Whether you’re looking for a people management manual like Radical Candor or a "Bible of Capitalism" like Atlas Shrugged, this episode serves as your ultimate 2026 reading list. Plus, an intro from the "prehistoric" day-one listener, Ken Kupperman. Full Book List: https://www.unlockedpodcast.com/post/12-must-read-books-for-scaling-leaders-episode-70

    1h 11m

  4. MAR 12

    The Art of Quitting: 9 Habits to Kill for Business and Personal Growth (Episode 69)

    As we move through the first quarter of 2026, the Unlocked trio—Chad from Loc-Doc Security, Tony from Assured Security, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe—flip the script on traditional goal setting. Instead of focusing on what to add to their lives, they dive deep into what they need to quit. The conversation gets raw as Lars opens up about the danger of "ruminating" on past mistakes and his journey toward finding a partner and prioritizing health. Tony discusses the "nice vs. kind" paradox, committing to stop seeking consensus at the expense of doing what's right for the business. Chad reveals his radical approach to reclaiming focus by locking his phone down for 19 hours a day. From battling the "amygdala's" loud voice to ending the cycle of vague priorities, this episode is a blueprint for simplifying your life to amplify your results.

    51 min

  5. MAR 5

    The Culture Compound: Protecting Values Through Consistency and Resets (Episode 68)

    In Episode 68, the Unlocked trio—Chad from Loc-Doc Security, Tony from Assured Security, and Lars from Calgary Lock & Safe—tackle the most important asset any company owns: its culture. They dive deep into why culture isn't just a "vibe" but a set of sacred standards that must be protected with aggressive consistency. Chad shares the "Dabo Swinney" inspired strategy of an Annual Reset, where every employee—from the 20-year veteran to the rookie—re-onboards each January to ensure no one is operating on a diluted version of the company mission. Tony discusses the process of simplifying core values to make them actually actionable, while Lars explains the power of the "Emotional Piggy Bank" and why leaders must be visible in the weeds to maintain credibility. If you’ve ever felt your company culture slipping as you grow past 15 employees, this episode provides the blueprint for "re-boarding" your team and holding the line on excellence.

    58 min

  6. FEB 27

    System Over Motivation: Master Your Time and Calendar (Episode 67)

    In Episode 67, the trio tackles one of the most critical challenges for any entrepreneur: moving from a reactive "firefighting" mindset to proactive leadership. Tony (Assured Security) kicks things off by operating from a backup computer with no passwords and slow internet—a real-time lesson in why systems matter when things go sideways. Lars (Calgary Lock & Safe) pulls back the curtain on his recent transformation, explaining why he has replaced "motivation" (which is emotional and unreliable) with "patterns and consistency." He shares his rigid 5:00 a.m. routine and his non-negotiable "Tuesday Think Time." Chad (Loc-Doc Security) joins the deep dive by discussing the "Five Thieves of Time" and how he uses device downtime and public calendar visibility to protect his "impact zone." If you feel like your calendar owns you rather than the other way around, this episode provides the tactical blueprint to take it back.

    1h 8m

  7. FEB 19

    The Unique Factor: A Leadership Therapy Session (Episode 66)

    In Episode 66, Lars Johnston from Calgary Lock & Safe challenges the trio to get vulnerable with a high-stakes leadership exercise: identifying their "Uniques." Moving past typical corporate bios, Chad (Loc-Doc Security), Tony (Assured Security), and Lars reveal the honest, sometimes uncomfortable feedback they received from their teams and families. The conversation dives into the "Shadow Side" of leadership—how a strength like being a "calm problem solver" can inadvertently make a team feel ignored, or how deep data gathering can lead to "decision paralysis." From Tony's relentless curiosity to Chad's ability to "set the room temperature," this episode is a masterclass in self-awareness for any entrepreneur looking to lead with more intentionality in 2026.

    1h 3m

  8. FEB 12

    Organic AI Adoption? (Episode 65)

    In Episode 65, Chad, Tony, and Lars explore how business owners can turn unexpected chaos into operational gold. When a rare North Carolina snowstorm threatened to derail a week of factory training for the Calgary team, the hosts pivoted to an impromptu Technician Exchange Program. They discuss the massive "ROI of fresh eyes" when a guest technician shadows your team and provides an unfiltered perspective on your culture and workflows. The conversation then shifts to the "Invisible Employee"—Artificial Intelligence. One year after their first AI deep dive, the trio discusses how the tool has moved from a leadership-driven "ask" to an organic part of their employees' daily habits. Chad shares how he is currently using LLMs to "shake up" the accounting department to find efficiencies that were previously hidden by "the way we've always done it." Plus, Tony shares some major personal news as he prepares to "level up" his family with a second child.

    59 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Three business owners, spanning North Carolina, Minnesota, and Alberta, Canada, have joined forces to create Unlocked Podcast. Their mission? To share their insights on building enduring businesses that thrive for generations to come.

Information

  • Creator
    Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chad Lingafelt, Tony Hokanson, Lars Johnston
  • Show Website
    Unlocked Podcast

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