James Wheeler is CCO at Fireco, design and manufacturer of fire safety products
James has spent the last 20 years working within the Fire & Security Industry. Before joining Fireco, James managed the Lenel United Technologies Corporation business (UTC) throughout the UK. He previously worked for Assa Abloy, heading up the Digital Access Solutions business throughout Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions (EMEA).
James is open to engaging in any industry-related discussions and keen to help promote best practice in fire safety through associations, accreditors and industry bodies.
What does ‘Fire protection’ mean to you?
The dedication to making the world a safer place, knowing we are helping to keep families and premises safe, and genuinely caring about this.
What’s your all time favourite movie?
Fury!
If you weren’t in the fire industry – what would you be doing and why?
I would be in the Security/ I.T industry as per the last 20 years of my life until Fireco asked me to join them as Commercial Director.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“What people think of you isn’t any of your business.” Once you truly master this, nothing stops you achieving and performing at your best. The only thing that’s ever stopped you is your own mind.
Describe yourself in three words?
Loyal, passionate, jovial.
What makes you excited about the future of the fire industry?
The industry is behind in terms of technology available to it. What excites me is the opportunity to mix new technology with the traditional and proven, ensuring compliance but also integration and interoperability for end users.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Watching others learn that this is the worst interview question in the world!
Describe a funny thing that happened to you recently?
I hired a boat to take to sea with my family. I can’t swim and had never driven a boat. We crashed on a rock buried under the sea and had to be rescued by the lifeboats. Luckily I convinced my children it was all part of the “Titanic experience” I was planning on executing.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your CV?
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous – the only book I’ve ever really read taking every word in. It changed my life and I haven’t had a drink for 12 years. I choose not to be anonymous and help others.
What is one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban?
Pizza on Fridays is a must! It’s important to have a great environment and spend time with my team to understand what is important to them at work and home. I would absolutely ban any kind of influence that brings down company culture.
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Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@firebuyer.com
