For Phil Mortillaro (above right), locksmithing was a summer job that turned into a lifelong passion. He started in the trade shortly after he left school in the 8th grade.

All five of his children grew up in his shop in Greenwich Village, but it is his youngest son, Philip (above left), who has followed in his father’s footsteps.

Father and son sat down for a conversation at StoryCorps to talk about the family business.

mortillaro_extra_shopOriginally aired October 17, 2014, on NPR’s Morning Edition. 

Photos by Von Diaz for StoryCorps

You can read more stories like this one in our book Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work, a collection that celebrate the passion, determination, and courage it takes to pursue the work we feel called to do.

Callings is now available from Penguin Books. Get the book at our neighborhood bookstore, Greenlight Bookstore, or find it at your local bookstore.