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Locksmith Jason Gould is convinced his stunning new Mercedes van holds the key to future business success.
Jason, who runs Oldbury-based domestic and commercial locksmith and carpentry firm Doctor Locks, bought his Vito Compact from Birmingham dealer Gerard Mann Commercials.
The former Birmingham City Council worker started his business in 2005 with a van from a rival manufacturer. He replaced it with his first Mercedes Vito, a 109CDI model, just six months ago, and has now upgraded to the more powerful 111CDI.
“Its super-smooth 109hp engine and automatic gearbox make my new Mercedes a dream to drive,” he enthuses. “And with its colour-coded bumpers, alloy wheels and chrome trim, not to mention my personalised D12 LOX registration plate, it certainly looks the business too.”
Despite the compact dimensions that make it so manoeuvrable in congested streets, Jason’s Vito comfortably swallows everything he needs to carry out his job.
This includes materials such as locks and timber plus tools and welding equipment. Additionally, he has room for three feet-wide fire doors, steel security gates and fencing.
Most of his work is undertaken for public bodies such as police forces, local authorities and hospitals. And he is the only Midland locksmith registered to maintain and repair the industry-renowned ‘Secure by Design’ doors.
A carpenter by trade, Jason founded Doctor Locks after buying specialist tools from the Dutch Special Forces and training himself to pick locks. His company turned over £500,000 in its first year of trading and Jason now enjoys an established reputation for his skills as a locksmith and safecracker.
When he’s not working he also uses the Mercedes to tow his 5.0-litre V8 Westfield sports car to race meetings all over the country.
Jason adds: “I can’t fault my Vito. It’s a great mobile advertisement for my business and I would recommend it to anyone. The fact that it comes with an unlimited mileage, three-year manufacturer’s warranty means I have total peace of mind, while the service I’ve received from Rob Lynock at Gerard Mann has also been first class.”
The Mercedes Vito is stylish, comfortable and car-like to drive – electric windows, remote central locking with ‘comfort’ closing and a radio-CD player all come as standard.
It also bristles with safety features, including the remarkable Adaptive ESP® anti-skid program and ABS anti-lock braking. It is available in three body lengths and with two roof heights, and can be bought as a van, a Traveliner minibus, or a Dualiner, which is a combination of the two. |
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