Founder and CEO Mark Lanwehr starts the company from scratch on his dining table in his one-bedroom apartment in Louisville, Ky. iKeyless LLC offers consumers and businesses a more affordable and convenient alternative for replacing automotive keys and remotes.
The company becomes the world’s first online retailer of automotive keys and keyless entry remotes with the launch of iKeyless.com.
With less than a dozen employees, iKeyless purchases a second-hand van and begins testing servicing business fleets and car dealerships. Originally known as Fleet Keys, Car Keys Express now serves over 3,000 cities in the US and Canada.
Car Keys Express/iKeyless launches a research and development division. The division eventually becomes the most advanced automotive key reverse engineering team in the world.
The company begins manufacturing its own aftermarket automotive keys. This expansion leads to the purchase of the company’s first office building in Louisville’s downtown.
The company hires its 100th employee.
Car Keys Express/iKeyless celebrates the release of its highest product development achievement to date—the world’s first and only Universal Car Remote. This is received enthusiastically by retailers and is now sold across North America. The Universal Car Remote marks the beginning of the company’s expansion into retail.
The company hires its 200th employee.
Car Keys Express/iKeyless launches Solid Keys USA, a design and development division.
Universal Car Keys, their inaugural product line, debuts at the Aftermarket Automotive Product Expo (AAPEX), the automotive parts industry’s premier trade show. It wins the coveted Best New Product Award.
iKeyless acquires an additional 25,000 square foot production facility, adjacent to the then home office and production facility.
Winner, Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Acceptance Video
Mark Lanwehr, founder and CEO of Car Keys Express, wins Ernst and Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award.
Winner, Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Car Keys Express launches CKE NOW! The unique, turn-key program provides retailers simplified tools, universal keys, comprehensive training, and field support to sell key replacement for modern vehicles at retail.
Car Keys Express launches services in seven Canadian cities.
The company hires its 400th employee.
The company introduces a new line of business, Car Care Express, offering mobile vehicle reconditioning service for businesses and consumers.
A revolutionary product line, Simple Key™ is launched. The new line allows retailers to offer consumers a simple, “do-it-yourself” solution for replacing modern car keys. The consumer-friendly, self-contained product includes a Universal Key and EZ Installer™.
The company is awarded a patent for the frequency-agile transmitter that makes their products uniquely universal.
Winner, Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
The Car Keys Express App debuts at the Aftermarket Automotive Product Expo (AAPEX), the automotive parts industry’s premier trade show, and wins the Best New Product Award. The app allows users to replace keys using a cell phone camera.
Winner, Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
The company introduces Keys NOW!, the world’s first and only car key vending machine.
Car Keys Express launches ROKS (Remote Optical Key Scanner) at the 2020 National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) show. The technology allows retailers to easily offer key replacement without investing in inventory or tools.
Car Keys Express acquires new headquarters in Louisville, Ky., doubling its size to over 100,000 square feet.
Winner, Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
The company launches SnapKey™, the world’s first and only service allowing users to create and replace car keys using a mobile phone.
Car Keys Express launches FleetHero™, an industry-unique business fleet automotive key and title asset warehousing and logistics service.
Winner, Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies.
Car Keys Express introduces the Universal EZ Installer™, the world’s first DIY pairing device that allows consumers to pair new keys to their cars using a mobile phone.
The company celebrates its 20th year in business.
2016
Winner:
Inc. Magazine’s
“Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies
2018
Winner:
Inc. Magazine’s
“Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies
2019
Winner:
Inc. Magazine’s
“Inc. 5000” award, recognizing America’s fastest-growing private companies
