Invision in Focus: meet Karl

Our products and services are only part of the story. The other part is our people. Here at Invision, we are extremely proud of our team. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

For our new segment, Invision in Focus, we wanted to tell you more about this part of the story and help you get to know some of the team a little bit better.

For the first instalment, we would like you to meet Karl Brett, security product manager at Invision.

INV: Hi Karl, so to help our customers get to know you, can you tell us a little bit about your background?

Karl: When I was younger, I had many jobs from working down the cattle market to retail jobs. In 1999, I finished my Business Studies course at Norwich City College and went on to work in the hotel industry for four years as a conference and events supervisor. This consisted of organising and running parties, weddings, business meetings etc. I was then promoted to guest care manager, which involved overseeing each department and being the first point of call for guests.

In 2003, I joined the Midwich Group and worked my way up through the ranks from sales support to team leader and then business development executive. I joined Invision in 2014 as an account manager for the north of the UK and moved across to security product manager, which I have held for nearly two years.

INV: That means you have been with Invision for a little more than six years, what does your role include?

Karl: Every day is different, and my role is quite varied. I manage the security and smart home division. This consists of completing and writing project designs for small houses right up to large multi-dwelling units (MDUs) in the UK - some in sunny climates. These projects consist mostly of multiple layers of technology and brands being quoted - from a simple CCTV install to automated lights, gates, alarm systems, and laser detectors while all integrating with each other.

I host live webinars and classroom sessions for my brands to help teach dealers the endless possibilities that my brands are capable of. I work closely with my manufactures to bring the latest and greatest award-winning technology at the most competitive prices to our customers.

I am constantly undertaking training to keep ahead while developing my knowledge, so I am an expert on all of my brands.

Not forgetting all the things like stock reports, purchasing, updating price lists etc.

INV: It sounds like you have quite a varied day-to-day role, what would you say is your favourite aspect of your job?

Karl: I enjoy running my classroom courses, getting in front of people, and talking passionately about the brands and technology while passing on my training and experience. Seeing a project through from start to finish, from first spec to final install, is another aspect I appreciate. To see and hear about the fantastic results, after completion, is a highlight.  

INV: Working in smart home technology alongside some exciting brands, what do you think will be the future of this innovative industry?

Karl: Smart Home technology is constantly changing, evolving, improving, and is very big business. We can already control 90% of the tech in our homes with apps and third-party controllers, I see the future ahead of us having more automated technology running our homes such as robotics and wearable devices. These will help to complete more of our daily workload for us, while creating a home experience that is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable at the same time.

INV: Now, we would like to ask you some quickfire questions.  Firstly, do you have any hobbies?

Karl: I do! Power kiting, photography, Lego, rugby, enjoying time with my family, playing guitar, hiking, and holidays. I’m also a bit of a film buff and enjoy reading a good crime book.

INV: Do you have any pets?

Karl: None, apart from my two pesky daughters!

INV: Do you have a favourite sports team?

Karl: London Wasps Rugby (makes a change that we are doing well!).

INV: Coffee or tea?

Karl: Good cuppa tea with a chocolate digestive to dunk!

INV: Favourite film?

Karl: Heat with Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, a classic cop versus robber.

INV: Favourite meal?

Karl: The wife’s homemade lasagne with garlic bread and a glass of vino on the side!

INV: Best holiday destination?

Karl: Disneyworld in Florida (I’m a bit of a big kid at heart).

INV: Finally, to end our chat, do you have any other interesting facts about yourself?

Karl: This handsome face once featured on the front page of the Norfolk paper for aiding in the rescue of a lady who crashed her car and flipped it on its roof on a busy road in Norwich.

If you would like to know more about Karl, please follow him on his Twitter and LinkedIn. Alternatively, for more information on his brands, email sales@invisionuk.com or request a call back.