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Latha Ravi She explained that building and
Latha Ravi’s entrepreneurial journey workplace security can sometimes
was born of her desire to help others become a concern that distracts.
using technology. Ravi came to the U.S. Ravi said her company works to be a
from India for college, earning an MS trusted partner, doing what they do so
in Computer Science and Engineering, companies can remain focused on their
and a BE in Electronics and business. latha r
Telecommunication Engineering. Customized solutions are key.
After more than 25 years in Ravi understands the specific
corporate America, armed with needs of her commercial
her tech and security background, clients, whether they’re large
and after receiving her U.S. manufacturing plants, small
citizenship, she sought a business restaurants, schools, or any other
of her own where she could type of business. Securing people
leverage her experience. and property is paramount.
Latha Ravi avi
Responsible for business growth “Our field is full of fear,” Ravi observed,
The Flying Locksmiths South Atlanta
in prior careers with major companies “but our goal is to help clients prepare
President and Owner
including Ford Motor Company, and better protect people and assets. It
Panasonic, and Whirlpool, Ravi settled gives them more confidence.” She noted
on a franchise concept, but it had to be such measures may also save lives.
one she could scale. She wanted it to Ravi founded The Flying Locksmiths South As an entrepreneur, Ravi said
be primarily local, technical, and – the Atlanta, a local service she could expand connecting with the right clients at the
hardest part, she said with a laugh – statewide and beyond. As a new franchise right time, getting her company name out
one on which she and her husband location, there were unique challenges. there, and finding the right talent are just
could agree. “We started from zero customers,” a few of the challenges. She also noted
recalled Ravi. “That was the hardest way to
that simply being an entrepreneur can
Ravi’s biggest do it, I learned.” be challenging.
As president and owner of The Flying
accomplishment, according Corporate work, launching products,
Locksmiths South Atlanta, Ravi leads
to her, is “making safer and taking them to the market were all
a small but mighty team, making the
communities and increasing community more secure, one client at big projects that entailed lots of work but
safety and security a time. The company expanded, adding “nothing compares to owning your own
awareness.” security solutions to locksmithing. Much business,” Ravi explained. It’s one
more than just re-keying and lock-out of the reasons she’s become a mentor
assistance, The Flying Locksmiths offer to other entrepreneurs, supporting
In the course of her research, Ravi
commercial locksmith services and small businesses.
asked, “How could we be of service in the
access control solutions; in a In 2023, Ravi won Woman Owned
community and utilize our technology and
word, security.
security expertise?” Having met most of her Small Business of the Year from the
Ravi is proud that her company offered
SBA Georgia District Office. The Flying
criteria, one option fit like a key in a lock. “technology solutions with AI (artificial
Locksmiths South Atlanta won the
In Peachtree City in 2017, together intelligence) even before it became a
2024 Small Business Award from the
with her husband, Ravi Somasundaram, buzzword.” The Flying Locksmiths South
Atlanta integrate Fayette Chamber of Commerce. Ravi is
technology also the recipient of the 2024 Woman of
with traditional the Year award from the Iris Chapter of
mechanical the American Business Women’s
measures “to keep Association (ABWA).
clients safer.” Years of client service have also made
Driven by her
Ravi a bit of a business matchmaker. While
mission to make
The Flying Locksmiths work, providing
workplaces more
locksmith and access control solutions,
secure, Ravi shares
clients they serve invariably mention other
the company’s motto:
needs they may have. Ravi leverages
“We secure your
building so you her contacts to bring the two parties
can focus on together – adding value and connecting
business growth.” the business community.
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