How the Phillips family built a top-line security company.
Five generations. One family name. More than 135 years of keeping the Capital Region secure.
A family business in the truest sense.
Every generation of Phillips has learned the trade the same way — after school, on Saturdays and over summer vacations, working alongside a parent at the counter and in the field.
That hands-on apprenticeship, paired with ongoing training from local and national locksmith organizations, is why banks, schools, government offices and families have trusted us for over a century. We’ve evolved from gas lighting and skeleton keys to card access, smart locks and monitored alarm systems — but our promise hasn’t changed: your safety is our top priority.
From the Phillips archiveThe Phillips family line
Tevia
Founder, c. 1889
Abraham
From 1910
William “Bill”
1930s–1971
Edwin
1963–2016
Gary
Owner today
135+ years in Albany
A shop on Madison Avenue
As European families migrated to America in the late 1800s, Tevia Phillips settled in Albany and opened a locksmith shop on Madison Avenue, just above South Pearl Street.
Abraham expands the business
Tevia passed the shop to his son Abraham, who trained in gas lighting in New York City and opened a Ben Franklin store selling hardware, housewares, toys and tools — alongside lock repair and installation.
William “Bill” Phillips
After the Great Depression closed the store, Bill opened a hardware and locksmith shop at 86 South Pearl Street and expanded into commercial work for banks, schools and government offices.
Phillips Hardware
Business boomed. Bill partnered with his brother Harold to run Phillips Hardware at 84/86 South Pearl, selling everything from power tools and safes to lawn and garden equipment.
William & Edwin
After serving in the Army and running a Delaware Avenue branch, Bill’s son Edwin partnered with his father at 803 Central Avenue, focusing on locks, safes — and a new wave of electronic access control, CCTV and alarms.
W & E Phillips Locksmith, Inc.
Following Bill’s passing, Edwin incorporated the business, later moving to 351 Central Avenue in 1980 with three service vans covering 100 miles around the Capital District.
Home on Colvin Avenue
Edwin’s son Gary — raised in the shop and trained through local and national locksmith associations — helped move the company to a renovated building at 24 Colvin Avenue.
Gary takes the reins
Gary merged Phillips with Gard Tec Security Systems and took full ownership as Edwin and Fern Phillips retired. Today the fleet serves New York State and beyond.
The Phillips difference
Family accountability
When the family name is on the door, every job matters. You’ll work with people who know your building and your history.
Craft + technology
Old-school mechanical skill combined with modern access control, video and smart-home expertise.
Ready to roll
Eight fully stocked service vehicles covering the Tri-City area and about 50 miles around Albany.
Become part of our story.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or a facilities manager, we’d love to earn your trust the way we have for families since 1889.