MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Philip Mortillaro emphatically stated that he loves what he does, noting, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work.”
That passion has driven him for 60 years. He’s been unlocking doors ever since a summer job turned into a lifelong ambition. He’s a master locksmith who has operated out of the smallest freestanding building in Manhattan, Greenwich Village, for the past four decades.
The interior of Greenwich Locksmiths is 125 square feet, not much bigger than a large walk-in closet. Its walls are adorned by an estimated 50,000 keys of various shapes and sizes, some of which are relics.
Mortillaro places one in his hand.
“This is a Roman key. It’s about 2000 years old, and this key is 200 years old. I still make them,” he said.
Mortillaro maintains the locksmith business in New York, which has dropped sharply in recent years.
“This is a dying art because no one else is doing it. No one has time anymore, we’re in an Amazon world, quick, quick. Let’s face it: AI is going to be doing everything; humans will be doing very little,” he claimed.
While he caters to neighborhood business, Mortillaro claims to have many customers who reach him from out of state.
He unabashedly declares that he is the best locksmith in New York:
“What makes me the best locksmith is that I love what I do. I’m precise, and I’m also meticulous. I don’t fudge it, either its perfect or it doesn’t come out of the shop.”
In addition to the pride he takes in his work, Mortillaro is proud that the youngest of his five children has joined him in the business.
Philip Mortillaro Junior is just as proud to follow in his father’s footsteps.
“I love what I’ve been doing my entire life. It comes naturally to me; I started coming here when I was six years old,” he said.
The senior Mortillaro said the key to his success and longevity is his love for what he does. He has no plans to retire. His plans for the future, he says, are to remain locked in his keys like none other in the city.
Greenwich Locksmiths is located at 56 Seventh Ave. South.
English (US) ·