Past, Present, and Predictions – with Shaun Brown

I’ve known Shaun since I started at Door Controls Direct in 2010. He reached out to support me through my Guild studies and learning what exactly architectural ironmongery was. 

Door hardware has changed significantly over the last decade and more, and so has that person that I first met when David Cameron was leading the coalition government and Spain won the FIFA World Cup for the first time. 

Recently, Shaun and I sat down in the Hinge Hideout to discuss his past, present, and predictions for 2024 and beyond.

L: Let’s start from our beginning. Tell us, who was the Shaun Brown of 2010?

S: Firstly, I am so flattered that you have given me this opportunity to share my thoughts, and that you have remembered our conversation from all those years ago, thank you!

I am lucky, I have enjoyed a wonderful career and worked for many of the leading manufacturers in our industry that we all know and trust. But for me, the biggest joy I have is visiting my customers whom I have known for many years, my involvement with the GAI, and encouraging the next generation of ironmongers.

In 2010, I received my Fellowship, an award I am extremely proud of.

I have always enjoyed the ironmongery community serving as National Chairman, and over many years I have served as regional Hub Ambassador for the South West, South Central and Wales and also served time on GAI Education committee. I am still serving as Hub Ambassador for the Welsh Hub.

Since my very early days as a 14 year old working on the farm in the school summer holidays, I developed a strong drive and good work ethic, this has always stayed with me.

It really has been a journey of discovery, new products and innovations, learning, and friendship.

Living and growing up in the West Country near the beach with the calming influence of the water and countryside have helped shape who I am today, we tend to have a relaxed attitude and exude calmness under pressure. Just like the sea, it is so much easier and relaxing to watch the waves roll in, leaving a clean path in its wake, I have also seen the storms and sea rage with the lasting damage it leaves!

L: What has changed in fourteen years since we first met? 

S: We have all lived through some big events in the last decade, and these events have certainly shaped our future, how we specify and do business.

The Grenfell disaster and subsequent Hacket Report, Brexit, Covid, the constant threat of terror attacks, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, not forgetting transport and supply issues through the Suez Canal!

These events have seen a massive shift toward compliance and fire safety, gone are the days when you could rely on personal recommendations and past experiences to give advice, specifications today need to be backed up with the correct product certification with third party evidence, and Declarations of Performance for ironmongery products.

Since lockdown, we have seen a huge increase in IOT and technology, Battery Operated Access Control is a game changer, with the public more at ease with this technology.

Today we have a lot more Teams and Zoom meetings, and a great reliance on and acceptance of social media. 

The environment and sourcing of materials also have an impact, and we need to be mindful of the justification for promoting products that start their journey from halfway across the world!

There is also a big shift toward partnering with door manufacturers, again ensuring the correct specifications with the use of CE marked and fire tested products, ironmongery factory fitted with the correct size recesses, and intumescent protection.

It’s a perfect marriage, understanding the door construction characteristics and the performance of the ironmongery required.

L: What hasn’t changed in that time?

S: This industry, the people, the products, the networking, just getting out there doing the best you can, and being the best version of you.

Maintain your knowledge, RegAI, keep learning, and enjoy what you do, I have recently gained my DipAC Diploma in Access Control, and maintained my RegAI status for 2024.

L: Tell me about the current landscape as you see it. 

S: Standards, compliance, fire testing, Declarations of Performance, quality products and advice from trusted advisors have always been the mainstay and will stand the test of time.

L: What are the important things for you today?

S: The BSEN Standards updates will also shape our future, ensuring that we all supply the correct products for the right solution - first time, every time. 

Our mantra is ‘ABLOY for Trust’. As trusted advisors, we will always give the very best advice even if it means losing a sale. We know that our customers and wider market rely on our collective knowledge and sound advice, and our drive to educate the marketplace, through our CPD presentations, webinars, and ABLOY Foundations Course.

L: Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, what are your predictions?

S: We are in challenging times (aren’t we always). I see the residential market being squeezed but the commercial market looking for the next innovative solution. Off-site manufacturing offering cleaner and measured solutions will also improve the quality of builds and ultimately performance of hardware. Battery operated products save time for site fitting, reducing the need for cable runs and conduit and time taken to complete and sign off works.

L: Simply the best – what is the best advice you’ve received, personally or professionally?

S: Oh, that’s a good one, it is so important to trust the person who gives you the advice!

Growing up I had some great advice from the farmer I worked for all those years ago, advice that has certainly helped shape who I am today, and I still live by some of those old country sayings, some I can’t repeat!

But what works for me:

Be kind, be honest, be true, it’s your life, so enjoy the view!

Quite simply, we rush around, chasing the next target and achievement in our lives, at the risk of missing something along the way. Yes, chase your dream, not someone else’s, climb that mountain but enjoy the view. There are so many mountains to climb, bridges to cross, and valleys to navigate, it’s your journey, trust your guide along the way, and leave a clean path behind you. Be kind, honest, and true to yourself and all others, simple!

L: A little more about Shaun and his interests

S: Writing poetry, I can share some of my favorites if you would like!

Beach Cleaning and supporting Plastic Free North Devon. This is so important to me and gives me a sense of satisfaction connecting with nature and protecting our coastline and environment 

Did I mention my hat collection, Pork Pie is my favourite!

The man, the poet, the pork pie-wearing eco champion

DipGAI, RegAI, FGAI, DipFD, DipAC – Shaun’s qualifications speak for his wealth of knowledge and dedication to the industry. It’s this combined with the person - his beliefs, ethos, and mentality – that continue to inspire others and lay the groundwork for a safe, secure, and compliant future of door hardware.

I firmly believe that we’re all children of the past, of our shared history. And we are the architects of the future. Taking the time for some self-reflection, understanding the current space we occupy, and thinking ahead to all of the opportunities and options before us, is so important.

Shaun Brown - a name we all know, and a person that we now know that much better. A huge thank you to Shaun for spending time with me – to talk, to reminisce, and to look ahead.