Real estate
BY JOVANNA AGUILAR
Family-operated Vemex Locksmith provides security in North Houston With over 20 years of experience o ering locksmith services, Genesis Barreto said her husband, Diveni Barreto, started his career as a licensed locksmith in Venezuela. Years later, after moving to the U.S. in 2015, the couple took the courses necessary to become certi ed locksmiths and opened their own lock- smith business, Vemex Locksmith, in 2020. What they offer Beyond residential locksmith services, Vemex Locksmith also o ers commercial and auto- motive locksmith services, as well as key fob replacements. The company is based in Porter but o ers services across the northeast Greater Houston area, including areas of Harris, Mont- gomery and Liberty counties. Genesis Barreto said a high volume of their calls comes from individuals who have technology-operated lock systems, such as keypads and keyless vehicles that use a key fob to turn on and o . “People rely so much on technology that they never keep the physical key with them. Some people don’t even have keys for their houses,” Genesis Barreto said. “We rely so much on tech- nology, but I think we’re going back to getting all physical stu .” As a certi ed locksmith company, Genesis Barreto emphasized the importance of ensuring that locksmith companies used by the community are certi ed to o er such services. Regulated by the Department of Public Safety, certi cations teach locksmith providers about ethics and essential skills like lock installation, key duplication and security systems. Genesis Barreto said that with recent techno- logical advancements, when it comes to security, locksmiths are required to renew their certi ca- tions every two years to ensure they are updated with the most current systems. “Companies are trying to o er more security for users, because Texas is known to have one of the biggest industries for stolen vehicles and parts,” Genesis Barreto said. What’s special about it? While challenges faced as a locksmith include handling di cult situations such as evictions, break-ins and even death, Genesis Barreto said
Vemex Locksmith o ers residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services, as well as key fob replacements.
PHOTOS COURTESY VEMEX LOCKSMITH
The business is operated by Genesis and Diveni Barreto, who are both certi ed locksmith experts.
Based in Porter, the company serves areas of Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties.
e ective security is a priority for Vemex Locksmith. The locksmith company also focuses on teach- ing the community alternative ways to access their homes, business properties and vehicles. Genesis Barreto said in some cases the company can provide the help clients need through a simple phone call. The family-operated business o ers law enforcement and military service discounts. “We see [our customers] as family,” Genesis Barreto said. “I’d rather have a long-time cus- tomer than a one-time customer.”
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25025 FM 1314, Porter Service area includes Cleveland, Conroe, Hu man, Humble, Kingwood, New Caney, Porter and Splendora www.vemexlocksmith.com
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