Having worked in the sector for over 30 years and sales for not much less, Michelle Watkins shares her key achievements, why access control is such a great industry to be a part of and why nothing beats an evening in.
I’ve been in the industry for over 30 years now. I started my career working for a locksmith wholesaler before moving into sales management with an architectural hardware company and working my way up to the role of national account manager. After dabbling in a different industry, I came back to my roots and joined Codelocks in 2015.
I’ve also worked in sales for most of my professional career and not just within hardware and locks – I’ve tried my hand in fashion, recruitment, and bridal gowns sales too. As a Sales Manager at Codelocks, I promote Codelocks’ products throughout the UK. My speciality is in customer support and sales promotion, so it’s basically my responsibility to ensure all of our customers, far and wide, are aware of our brilliant products, team, services and support. In particular, I enjoy working on business development, exhibitions and training sessions. They’re always a great chance to get people in the industry together, connect and share expertise in a supportive and productive space.
One aspect I find particularly exciting about working in sales is developing lasting customer relationships. Codelocks has established an outstanding reputation in the industry and our customers appreciate our expertise, reliable products, and our exemplary customer support. Building these relationships from scratch and maintaining them is something I really enjoy.
Having been in the security industry for decades, I can genuinely say it’s a great industry to be a part of. I’ve built a fantastic professional network but also so many friendships too. Codelocks has a real family feel and a fabulous team of people who I look forward to working with – it’s the best job in the world really!
I’m really proud of being awarded a silver medal for the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) Diploma in Scheduling and further developing my own expertise. Likewise, for maintaining the benchmark Continuing Professional Development (CPD) qualification with the GAI, which has allowed me to stay on top of the latest industry standards, regulation, and best practice.
I’ve also particularly loved working on Codelocks’ training sessions. They’re a wonderful way to engage with distributors and installers and share guidance from our team of experts in a fun and interactive way. I’m proud to have been involved in our most recent initiative, On the Road With Codelocks, bringing our classic 101 sessions to customer locations across the UK, widening the accessibility of our training.
Every day is different, there is always something to learn. When I started my career access control usually meant coded locks being the main stay with electronic locks / magnets / keypads growing in popularity. Who would have thought back then that your fingerprint or phone could replace a key or code? The market and products are developing at such a fast pace with new technologies – it is genuinely exciting to see what is coming next.
I’m a big fan of yoga. One thing people might not know about me is that I have a Foundation in Yoga so it’s something I love to keep up with on the side.
Aside from that, I enjoy walking, cooking, gardening, supporting local charities and chilled evenings at home. Nothing beats chilling with tunes or a Netflix night with a nice glass of red wine and friends.
05, Jul 2023