Meet DHI Canada Instructor Joe Meijer

Joe Meijer, AHC LEED AP BD+C

Director of Training/ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Canada

How many years have you been in the industry and can you share some of your past experiences?

I have been in the industry for 23 years. Like many of us who weren't born into the business, Doors and Hardware were not really on my radar as a career choice. I came from what I thought was going to be a lifelong career in the Hospitality Industry and, when I first started, I was just looking for regular hours and a benefits package. I started in a Customer Service and Support role and held multiple positions in Sales and Specification Writing over the years before finally landing a job as a full-time Trainer. DHI, and the community that I discovered early on through their National Schools, is a big part of the reason that I am still here (in the industry)!

How many years have you instructed for DHI Canada and which courses have you instructed?

I have been instructing for over 10 years and I have been involved in most of the Spec Writing, Detailing, and Door and Hardware Applications courses.

How has being an instructor contributed to your professional development and your career?

It definitely makes me better at what I do! I am always learning from the Students and my fellow Instructors.

What impacts have you seen on students through their engagement in DHI Canada’s education?

Our industry is complicated. DHI Canada Education provides skills and knowledge that make Students better at their jobs and   helps them to see the importance of what our industry does. The in-person schools and chapter events show them that they are a part of a larger community of professionals.

In your experience, what is the most important benefit of DHI Canada’s education program?

The access to our industry's "tribal knowledge". It is not just the course content but the Instructors who bring it to life and share their experiences. Being able to meet and share stories with your industry peers from all over Canada is invaluable!

Personal story or memories you wish to share:

I first got involved in DHI Education at Geneva Park early in my career when I still was not sure if the Door and Hardware Industry was for me. It was those annual DHI Schools in Orillia that really started to build that sense of community and feeling that I was a part of something bigger. I was lucky enough to be able to learn from some Door and Hardware Legends over the years and even luckier to be able to work alongside some of them later as a DHI Instructor. It is an honour to be able to give back to DHI, and my industry, as a part of the Team!