Vemex Locksmith is operated by wife-and-husband duo Genesis and Diveni Barreto, who are both certified locksmith experts. (Courtesy Vemex Locksmith)
With over 20 years of experience offering locksmith services, Genesis Barreto said her husband, Diveni Barreto, started his career as a licensed locksmith in Venezuela.
Years later, after moving to the U.S. in 2015, the couple took the courses necessary to become certified locksmiths and opened their own locksmith business, Vemex Locksmith, in 2020.
What they offer
Beyond residential locksmith services, Vemex Locksmith also offers commercial and automotive locksmith services, as well as key fob replacements. The company is based in Porter but offers services across the northeast Greater Houston area, including areas of Harris, Montgomery and Liberty counties.
Genesis Barreto said a high volume of their calls comes from individuals who have technology-operated lock systems, such as keypads and keyless vehicles that use a key fob to turn on and off.
“People rely so much on technology that they never keep the physical key with them. Some people don't even have keys for their houses,” Genesis Barreto said. “We rely so much on technology, but I think we're going back to getting all physical stuff.”
Vemex Locksmith offers residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services, as well as key fob replacements. (Courtesy Vemex Locksmith)
As a certified locksmith company, Genesis Barreto emphasized the importance of ensuring that locksmith companies used by the community are certified to offer such services. Regulated by the Department of Public Safety, certifications teach locksmith providers about ethics and essential skills like lock installation, key duplication and security systems.
Genesis Barreto said that with recent technological advancements, when it comes to security, locksmiths are required to renew their certifications every two years to ensure they are updated with the most current systems.
“Companies are trying to offer more security for users, because Texas is known to have one of the biggest industries for stolen vehicles and parts,” Genesis Barreto said.
Vemex Locksmith has a shop in Porter and serves the Cleveland, Conroe, Huffman, Humble, Kingwood, New Caney, Porter and Splendora areas. (Courtesy Vemex Locksmith)
What's special about it?
While challenges faced as a locksmith include handling difficult situations such as evictions, break-ins and even death, Genesis Barreto said effective security is a priority for Vemex Locksmith.
The locksmith company also focuses on teaching the community alternative ways to access their homes, business properties and vehicles. Genesis Barreto said in some cases the company can provide the help clients need through a simple phone call.
The family-operated business offers law enforcement and military service discounts.
“We see [our customers] as family,” Genesis Barreto said. “I'd rather have a long-time customer than a one-time customer.”
25025 FM 1314, Porter
Service area includes Cleveland, Conroe, Huffman, Humble, Kingwood, New Caney, Porter and Splendora
