Our story · Family-owned since 2007
What started in a single van is now 20+ years and 4 markets.
American Best Locksmith was founded in 2007 by Michael Novak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The original idea was simple — show up faster, charge fairly, do the work right. 20+ years later, the same family runs the company, the same standards still apply.
Company history
The road from one van to four markets.
2007
Founded in Philadelphia
Michael Novak starts American Best Locksmith out of a single van — residential, commercial, and automotive locksmith services for the Philadelphia metro.
2008
Second truck on the road
Demand outpaces a single van. We add a second truck and begin serving local dealerships and businesses beyond the immediate neighborhood.
2010
Five locksmiths strong
Team grows to five techs covering Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. Recurring B2B work begins to outweigh one-off residential calls.
2012
Specialized teams
We split the operation: dedicated residential/commercial techs and dedicated automotive techs. The automotive side starts becoming our flagship.
2014
Dispatch + dealer-grade equipment
Built our own dispatch center. Invested in dealer-grade automotive key cutting and programming equipment so we could handle smart keys and keyless remotes on-site.
2016
Major corporate accounts
Earned long-term service accounts with Philadelphia Gas Works, DriveTime Dealerships, and Allstate Insurance. B2B becomes a strategic pillar.
2017
Appointment shop opens
Added an appointment-based location for customers who prefer to bring the vehicle to us — faster key cutting and programming at sub-dealer pricing.
2018
Houston expansion
Opened operations in Houston, TX — full mobile + appointment service in a market that's been a strong fit ever since.
2022
99% luxury car coverage
Built out the equipment list and parts inventory needed to cut and program keys for nearly every luxury and exotic make sold in the US — BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, Lamborghini, and beyond.
Today
20+ years, family-owned
Active in four markets: Philadelphia, South Jersey, Wilmington DE, and Houston TX. Multi-state licensed, BBB A+ accredited, 5★ across 900+ reviews.
By the numbers
20+ years. Five trucks. One family.
Years
20+
Trucks
5
Calls / wk
100+
Markets
4
States
4
Reviews
5★
Notable accounts
Long-term accounts that vouch for the work.
A locksmith earns long-term corporate accounts the same way it earns residential ones — by showing up and doing the work right, week after week, year after year.
Philadelphia Gas Works
Long-term service account
DriveTime Dealerships
Used-vehicle key programs
Allstate Insurance
Claims-network locksmith provider
Plus dozens of property management groups, dealerships, fleets, and real estate firms across our four markets. B2B account services →
Where we work
Headquartered in Philadelphia. Active across four markets.
Licensed & accredited
Multi-state licenses, BBB A+ accredited.
All license numbers verifiable with the issuing state. COI on request for B2B accounts.