Harry’s Locksmith, also operating as Harry’s Key Service, has a long history in Vancouver, Washington, with roots stretching back decades in the downtown area. What began as a small, hands-on shop evolved alongside the city itself, moving locations, changing ownership, and eventually branching into multiple specialized businesses. Through it all, the heart of Harry’s remained the same: skilled craftsmanship, clever problem-solving, and a deep connection to the community.
From California to the Pacific Northwest
One of the earliest known addresses tied to Harry’s history is 7915 Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. This chapter represents the humble beginnings of the business, long before its story became firmly woven into downtown Vancouver. At the time, Harry’s was a one-man locksmith shop, quietly building a reputation and rumored to have even helped a few Hollywood celebrities. After moving from Los Angeles to Vancouver, Lyle opened a small storefront downtown that would become the foundation of Harry’s. In its early days, the shop specialized in four areas: keys, small motors, bicycles, and hobby supplies, serving a growing community with practical skills and hands-on expertise. As Vancouver grew, Harry’s moved between several different storefronts along Main Street in downtown Vancouver, adapting its location as the business evolved. These addresses tell a story not just of a business, but of downtown Vancouver itself: how buildings changed, businesses came and went, and how Harry’s adapted right alongside them.
The People Behind the Counter
Harry’s history has been shaped by a succession of dedicated owners, each contributing to the company’s growth and direction. Lyle and Bernice Regan established the foundation of the business and built a reputation for hands-on craftsmanship, technical skill, and reliability. Ownership later passed to Charles T. Alsop, who played an important role in bridging the early years of Harry’s with its evolving future. Dennis Gesler subsequently purchased the business from Alsop and continued its development, and its commitment to quality service. Since 1997, Harry’s Locksmith has been partially owned by Patrick Werbowski, joined in 1998 by Michael Werbowski. Together, their leadership helped expand the company beyond a traditional locksmith shop into a commercial-focused security provider. This growth emphasized code-compliant door hardware, fire doors, and professional door inspections, while continuing to offer comprehensive residential, automotive, and safe services to meet a wide range of customer needs.
One Business Becomes Three
As Harry’s grew, the business eventually evolved into three distinct operations to better serve changing customer needs and allow for greater specialization. These included Harry’s Bike; Harry’s Key Service, which operates and is marketed as Harry’s Locksmith; and Harry’s Lawn and Power.
This transition allowed each business to focus more deeply on its respective trade while maintaining the shared values and reputation established under the Harry’s name.
Today, Harry’s Locksmith and Harry’s Lawn and Power continue to operate independently, each serving its own industry while carrying forward a common heritage rooted in skilled workmanship, reliability, and long-standing community trust.
Neighbors, Craftsmanship & Community
Harry’s was always part of a close-knit downtown business community. Over the years, neighboring shops played an important role in shaping the character of the area and the relationships that defined Main Street. One such neighbor was Skyline, a business run by Chief Bennett, his wife and son. Chief Bennett was a skilled machinist known for his ingenuity and resourcefulness. A genius who could build or repair nearly anything. Beyond being a neighboring business owner, Chief Bennet was also a close friend and mentor to Dennis Gesler, who later owned Harry’s Locksmith. Dennis held him in high regard, and that shared respect for craftsmanship, problem-solving, and hands-on skill was common among the businesses on the block. While Skyline eventually closed, marking another change in the downtown landscape, its presence alongside Harry’s remains an important part of the company’s history. That same appreciation for community continues today. In 2023, Harry’s moved from its longtime home at 2213 (where it had served customers for nearly 30 years) to an East Vancouver location, marking a new chapter for the business. Wanting to remain connected to its downtown roots and the community it has long supported, Harry’s later reopened a second location in downtown Vancouver. Today, both locations proudly serve the community.
A Living History
Founded decades ago, Harry’s Locksmith has been shaped by its locations, its neighboring businesses, its owners, and generations of skilled tradespeople. From its early roots in Los Angeles to its long presence along Main Street in Vancouver, the company has grown from keys and bicycles to modern security and life-safety solutions. Throughout that time, it has remained grounded in craftsmanship, knowledge, and the trust of the community.
The success and longevity of Harry’s Locksmith are the result of many dedicated individuals over the years. While the continued growth and hard work that define the company today are largely the result of the leadership and efforts of Patrick and Michael Werbowski, Harry’s is deeply grateful for the role Dennis Gesler played in preserving and sharing the company’s history. Dennis’s knowledge of the trade, mentorship, and willingness to pass along experience and insight helped maintain continuity between generations and provided a valuable foundation of understanding that continues to inform the business.
As downtown Vancouver continues to change, Harry’s Locksmith remains committed to the same principles that have guided it for decades, driven by honesty, knowledge, a pioneering spirit, responsiveness, a family-centered approach, and a commitment to service.
Need Reliable Door Hardware Servicing? Harry’s Locksmith Has You Covered
From door closers to panic bars, access control to ADA operators, our expert team at Harry’s Locksmith ensures your door hardware is serviced correctly, safely, and fully compliant with all codes. If any of the issues above sound familiar, or if you simply want peace of mind, get in touch today to schedule a hardware inspection or request a quote.
Keeping your doors secure, smooth, and reliable since 1949