Frank Minnella co-founded unique security lock company Lock America

Lock America is remembering co-founder and CEO Frank Minnella, who died March 26.

“We join his wife, Betty, and family and friends in mourning a bold and engaging man who founded a unique security lock company with his partner, Steve Shiao, in 1981,” the company says in a statement.

According to his obituary, Minnella was a “visionary businessman” who played a pivotal role in the growth of multiple successful ventures throughout his life.

Minnella and Shiao pioneered and patented many innovative products for industries such as self-storage, ATM, petroleum and propane marketing, information destruction, and vending. Their innovative products include the Enforcer cylinder lock system for self-storage and the Fill Valve Lock for propane.

“Frank was a teacher and a team leader, but he was also a friend and a mentor for more than 40 years,” the company says. “Frank always loved solving his customers’ security problems, but it was engagement with people, his family, his team, his customers and his industry colleagues that he enjoyed the most.”

Minnella developed a strong team at Lock America, the company says, and those team members are dedicated to continuing his legacy.

Lock America says those who wish to honor Minnella’s memory may contribute to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A memorial service is scheduled for April 19 in Murrieta, California.