Meet The Team: Grant

Grant designs and commissions the systems that the team at ATL Alarms installs. Here we learn more about his role at ATL Alarms and his advice for those wanting to enter the industry.

What is your background/experience to date?

I have been with ATL pretty much all my working career, other than jobs as a teenager. I went to college to train to become an electrician. I didn’t manage to find an apprenticeship to enable me to complete that training. I knew Stuart and Nathan as I am good friends with one of Stuart’s sons and was given the opportunity to help out on a job, and I never looked back. Since joining ATL in 2010, new to the industry with lots to learn, I gained experience mainly in security systems initially, starting in analogue CCTV, access control and intruder alarm systems. We then ventured into the fire detection industry, and I have performed almost all roles therein, installing systems, commissioning systems and I am currently involved heavily in designing and quoting systems.

What excites you about your role?

I enjoy being able to deliver tailored solutions to customers and building longstanding working relationships through my expertise. There is no average day, as it varies so much, which I enjoy.

What specialist equipment/software do you use?

In commissioning, I use software from various manufacturers to enable advanced programming of systems to really tailor them to customers’ needs. In design, I again use various manufacturers’ tools to ensure the calculations are correct and software such as Microsoft Visio to deliver professional design drawings. As a company, we also utilise Uptick as our CRM platform for providing quotes/invoices, scheduling engineers' days and managing projects.

What is your top tip for someone wanting to join the industry?

My top tip would be to gain a basic understanding of switching, interfacing between systems, whether that’s between an access control and fire alarm system, or simply unlocking a mag lock. I believe you can work your way through most problems with an understanding of how switches work.

Away from work, what are your interests/pastimes?

Away from work, I play rugby, and enjoy socialising with friends and family.