Kwikset, a residential lock manufacturer, just reached the seven-year mark in December in its partnership with Building Homes For Heroes (BHH), supplying a range of smart locks and associated door hardware to help simplify the lives of veterans — especially those whose combat injuries make even entering and exiting their homes difficult. Recently, the two organizations held a Zoom call to celebrate this milestone and, more importantly, to allow Kwikset, to hear some of the more recent veterans’ stories “in person.”

The call included several members of Kwikset management, as well as employees who fulfill the product requests for each home. Attending from BHH were Kim Valdyke, director of construction; former U.S. Air Force Captain Nathan Nelson; and Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Isaac Francois. While each organization recounted the origin of the relationship and commended all involved for making it so successful, it was the veterans’ stories that were the most riveting. They talked passionately about how BHH, by providing them each with a mortgage-free home, had helped them to resume a normal life with their families and allowed them to become highly involved members of their respective communities.

They also thanked Kwikset for their contributions and explained how the smart, connected locks have made such a difference in their lives.

Erik Glassen, senior brand manager for Kwikset, was gratified to hear firsthand how well the company’s products have been received. 

“We know our locks, especially our electronic locks, provide a high level of security and convenience,” he said. “But sometimes, we take for granted the extra importance that those benefits take on for someone who may be differently abled. But whenever we can hear about the improved accessibility that our products have brought to these veterans’ lives — no matter how small the improvement might be – it means a lot to me individually and to all of us at Kwikset.”

Kwikset provides a wide range of electronic locks to the BHH homes. Some are ultimately connected to a home automation system for total home control. Others are standalone products that simply provide quick, easy access to the home through either a touchscreen or keypad. But in all cases, they fill a need that make veterans’ lives a little bit easier.

“Kwikset has been an invaluable and dedicated partner that gets us our products on time and makes sure they get exactly where they need to be,” said James Rogers, director of development for Building Homes for Heroes.  “The relationship has been seamless, and we are looking forward to continuing this relationship far into the future.”