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**Door Controls Direct: A Conversation with Gary Hewitt**
Louise Frost, the Search Manager at Door Controls Direct—a trusted provider of comprehensive door control solutions—sat down with their Managing Director, Gary Hewitt, to discuss safety, security, and the evolving landscape of the industry.
It might be a bit early to reflect on 30 years in the architectural ironmongery sector, but why wait when the insights are so valuable? With 2025 marking Gary’s 30th year in the field, it's the perfect time to dive into his experiences, challenges, and vision for the future.
We’ve known each other since 2010, and in that time, the world of safety and security has transformed dramatically. From the days of Oasis vs. Blur and Euro ’96 football fever to today’s high-tech, AI-driven solutions, the industry has come a long way.
But what’s next? As Door Controls Direct continues to grow, what’s the next big thing driving innovation in door hardware, physical security, and passive fire protection?
Stay tuned as we uncover the answers below.
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**L: Tell me about your journey in our industry to date.**
**G:** It all started back in 1995, right after I got married. I moved from a builder’s merchant to work at the trade counter of an architectural ironmonger in Yeovil. Back then, the shop was filled with old tools, brown smocks, and a real sense of craftsmanship.
There’s a deep heritage in our company and our industry, but things change fast. The trade counter is where you learn. You get your hands dirty, build your knowledge, and earn your place. It was a slow, steady path—learning by doing, serving your time, and building a solid foundation.
After four years and earning my Guild diploma, I moved upstairs to the specification department. That was a whole new world—working with architects, creating product specs, and seeing projects take shape before our eyes. It was exciting, and it really opened up the possibilities of architectural ironmongery.
Back then, everything was knowledge-led. We worked closely with manufacturers and locksmiths, especially when designing master key systems. As someone who’s been around a while, I feel that personal touch and attention to detail have been lost over the years.
With my silver award diploma and a strong understanding of both sales and specifications, I eventually moved into management. Through various roles and company changes, I became a director in 2016 and took on the role of Managing Director in 2018.
It was a traditional path—slow, steady, and thoughtful. But these days, many new entrants want faster progress. My challenge now is to find ways to speed things up without compromising the quality of knowledge and expertise that define our industry.
Knowledge is the cornerstone of everything we do. At Door Controls Direct, it’s not just a value—it’s our foundation.
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**L: What are the challenges now compared to what they used to be?**
**G:** In the past, the focus was on security—master key systems, door hardware, and locking mechanisms. Now, the priority is safety. It’s no longer just about keeping places secure; it’s about ensuring people are safe, protected, and informed.
We haven’t abandoned security, but it’s now layered with a stronger emphasis on safety solutions. Our customers rely on us to provide not just products, but expert guidance and support.
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**L: You’re leading a business through tough times—recession, pandemic, cost of living crisis—what keeps you up at night?**
**G:** For me, it’s the team. Their development, retention, and well-being are top priorities. If they’re not passionate and eager to grow, we can’t achieve our goals. We want to create an environment where they can thrive, learn, and contribute.
Outside the company, supply chain issues continue to be a concern. Plus, the rise of AI-generated content poses a real risk of misinformation in our industry. We need to ensure our customers get accurate, reliable information to make the best decisions.
Government cuts and unclear regulations also worry me. Without clear standards, even the best solutions may not be effective or accepted.
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**L: How are you setting the company apart in the industry?**
**G:** We're going digital-first. It's not just marketing jargon—it's a real strategy. By investing in a Marketing Director and bringing in digital expertise, we've redefined how we operate. Our differentiator isn’t just our product range, but our knowledgeable team and customer-focused approach.
We’ve moved away from the traditional model and embraced a modern, data-driven mindset. This allows us to stay competitive and relevant in a fast-changing market.
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**L: What’s the focus for the future?**
**G:** Knowledge will always be important, but so will our brand. We’ve built a legacy over more than 100 years, and we’re committed to maintaining that trust and reliability.
Our goal is to be a digital-first leader in architectural ironmongery. With the construction sector facing challenges, we’re focusing on long-term relationships with customers, suppliers, and our team to ensure stability and growth.
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**L: What’s the best advice you’ve received or would pass on to someone?**
**G:**
- Find something you enjoy and do more of it.
- Surround yourself with people you like working with.
- Stay focused on your direction.
- And don’t bring work home with you.
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**A final word from Gary:**
"The whole industry is trying to find its identity. At Door Controls Direct, we're staying true to who we are while remaining adaptable. Many companies try to be everything to everyone, but that’s not sustainable. We’ve learned that lesson the hard way. You can't be both access control and cremone bolts. We focus on what we do best."
Thank you, Gary, for sharing your insights and vision. As we look ahead, one thing is clear—Door Controls Direct is not just surviving, it’s thriving.