Lock America International (LAI), a provider of locks and security components for self-storage and other industries, announced the passing of company founder Frank Minnella on March 26. A memorial was held on April 19 in Murrieta, California.
Minnella founded LAI in 1981 with business partner, Steve Shiao. Together, they developed several patented products for the ATM, information-destruction, petroleum and propane, self-storage, and vending industries. Products included the enforcer cylinder-lock system for self-storage and the fill-valve lock for propane.
Though he served as CEO of LAI since 1983, Minnella stepped away from overseeing day-to-day operations in 2012. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling around the world. He’ll be remembered for his generosity, wisdom, quick wit and the strong values he instilled in those around him, according to his obituary.
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“Frank was a teacher and a team leader, but he was also a friend and a mentor for more than 40 years. Frank always loved solving his customers’ security problems, but it was engagement with people, his family, his team, his customers and his industry colleagues that he enjoyed the most,” a company spokesperson said.
Minnella is survived by his wife, Betty Minnella, five children and 14 grandchildren. Donations can be made in his honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Serving the self-storage industry since 1981, Corona, California-based LAI offers security solutions for commercial, industrial and consumer companies. The company designs, manufactures and markets locks and security hardware.
Sources:LPGas, Frank Minnella Co-Founded Unique Security Lock Company Lock AmericaVending Times, Lock America Co-Founder and CEO Frank Minnella Passes AwayRePlay Magazine, Lock America’s Frank Minnella PassesLock America, In MemoriamLegacy, Franklin Dennis Minnella
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