eSafes & NLS Security Director, Stephen Wylde profiled in The Northern Echo

Recently our company (and also our sister sites Lock Shop Direct & NLS Security Ltd) Direct,or Stephen Wylde was featured in local media - The Northern Echo.  Talking about his background, his role in the company & most importantly about eSafes too!

There's even a quick fire Q&A section at the end showing what makes Stephen tick.

The article is listed in full below:

STEPHEN Wylde once worked for companies focused on protecting people's wealth.

It seems rather apt then that his next move was into security.

The 39-year-old is a director at NLS Security, overseeing the family-run operation with brother and fellow director David.

The firm was founded by parents Eric and Pauline in 1979, but, after retirement, is now in the hands of the siblings.

Mr Wylde, who previously worked in finance management and wealth management, is driving forward NLS' new websites, lockshopdirect and esafes, which has resulted in a rise in sales and national contract successes.

NLS employs 14 workers and is accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association, providing 24-hour call-out services across Tyne and Wear, as well as supplying and installing safes, locksmith work and key cutting.

After starting his career in the capital, coupled with a spell at Vodafone and the Citigroup in Australia, he says the move to the family company was almost inevitable.

He said: “It was always on the cards, but I wanted to go off and find my own life first.

“That's why after graduating I went off to Australia for a couple of years.

“When I came back, I went straight down to London to started a career in the finance management and wealth management industry.

“I worked for Abbey National and Citigroup.

“But, after a while, it got to the point my parents wanted to retire and David couldn't do it all on his own.

“My experience in sales and marketing was good experience in running a business, and, if anything, the most daunting this was actually coming back to the North-East after getting so used to London.”

Now safely attuned to life back in the region, his focus is all on growing the business.

“It is a very competitive market and you have to maintain your website, its look and your prices and products to succeed.”

Q&A

Favourite North East building and why? The Sage Gateshead.  It brings a modern twist to the quayside.

 What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I was a marketing assistant for Vodafone, in Sydney, Australia.  I can’t remember the exact pay, but it was a great experience.

 What is the worst job you have had? Probably working as a kitchen-hand in a pub.  I was washing dishes.

 What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I’d make Spaghetti Bolognese - It’s a classic.

 What would your superpower be? I would like to be invisible.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Nigella Lawson, Dame Judi Dench, David Walliams and Alan Carr.

What is the most expensive thing you have bought – other than car or house – and how much did it cost? A holiday to Thailand.  It was quite expensive, but it was a welcome break from a lot of hard work, and helped to recharge the batteries.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? I like to keep an eye on what our competitors are doing and to make sure that we’re keeping abreast of everything going on in our industry.

Favourite book? John Grisham thrillers.They’re always entertaining.

When did you last cry? When a family member died.

What is your greatest achievement? Launching our sites, esafes.co.uk and lockshopdirect.co.uk.  They’re very successful and have added an exciting new dimension. I moved back from London to the North-East to take the business in a new direction, so I’m very pleased to see how the hard work is paying off.

What is the best piece of advice in business you have ever been given? Don’t take your eye off the ball.

Favourite animal and why? A dog.I’ve always had one since my childhood.When I moved back home from London I got two spaniels.They’re a handful but I wouldn’t be without them.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? I don’t have anyone famous on there.

What was the last band you saw live? Snow Patrol.

Describe your perfect night in: Chilling out in front of the fire with a homemade meal, a nice bottle of red wine and a film.

In another life I would be… An airline pilot, so that I could travel the world.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Probably Leonardo DiCaprio. He’s a great actor.

What irritates you? People who aren’t down to earth.

What is your secret talent? If I told you then it wouldn’t be a secret.