We’re known as industry-wide experts because our people are passionate about delivering high-quality, perfectly-executed systems and want the whole experience for you and your clients to be exceptional. Whether your project is simple and small or covers complex, networked sites, Bensan has got you covered.
At Bensan, not only are we committed to employing the latest and best in fire-protection technology. We’re just as committed to employing the best people in the industry, so that technology can deliver to its full potential.
That’s why we’ve built a very special team at Bensan, with people who bring the Bensan difference to life: blending expertise with approachability, and delivering the highest levels of support through a genuine willingness to help.
You can read about some of our key people below. If you want to talk through what matters to you about your fire-protection needs, please feel free to use the contact details provided.
Meet the people that make the Bensan difference
Jody Skewes
Jody grew up in Auckland, going on to discover her love for sales and technology (and travel) in the late 90s working for an internet company in London. She continued in the tech sector, working for a home technology company in Aspen, Colorado before returning to NZ in the mid 2000s and starting a family.
Jody then took a position in sales and account management with an electronics automation business, where she gained valuable experience in design and project management of systems installation. Later, she moved into the bathroom, joinery and interior design sector, an area Jody has always had a passion for.
In 2020 Jody was headhunted to join Bensan as Sales Manager. The role is a perfect match for her blend of skills, including her experience of specifying and installing technology solutions that make a positive difference for customers.
Contact
T: 027 297 7597
E: jody@bensan.co.nz
Kevin Roughead
After working as a registered electrician in the UK and NZ, Kevin jumped ship to the fire protection industry in the mid 90s. Working as a project manager for a variety of fire alarm installers, including his own contracting business, Kevin gained in-depth experience in the operation, programming and commissioning of large, complex fire alarm systems.
He then moved into the supply side of the industry, working in technical support for Ampac NZ, then Ampac UK supporting much of Europe. In 2015 we managed to persuade Kevin to return to NZ and spearhead the development of the Protec 6500 system, which we took to market in 2017.
Today, Kevin continues to lead the technical charge for Protec and takes pride in the progress of the brand in NZ to date. With specialist skills in design, compliance and installation, and across the Protec, Protectowire, Thermocable and Siemens brands, he has arguably trained more installers than anyone else in New Zealand. Kevin is also acknowledged as an industry expert for linear heat detection, fibre-optic linear detection, aspirating and gas suppression systems.
Contact
T: 027 809 7868
E: kevin@bensan.co.nz
Sam Preest
Sam entered the fire protection industry in Auckland as an alarms service trainee in the late 2000s. With an affinity for technology, Sam developed his skills across the spectrum of fire alarm systems, moving into contracting and project management. A sharp commercial nous along with a natural leadership style then saw Sam become a branch manager at a young age.
Having achieved all he could in the installation side of the industry, Sam joined Bensan in 2023 to help satisfy the growing demand for training and technical support. The evolution of the Bensan product range saw Sam take the lead for the highly-regarded Siemens addressable alarm system. Sam is also a specialist in design, compliance and installation, and across the Protec, Protectowire and Thermocable brands.
Sam’s considerable experience and record of delivery across the infrastructure, commercial and residential sectors position him as an industry expert. He still wears his ‘customer hat’, loves to get his hands dirty on site, and has a passion for teaching and developing technicians’ skillsets.
Contact
T: 027 213 8689
E: sam@bensan.co.nz
Mike Holdaway
Mike’s background includes a Masters of Engineering degree bolstered by practical work as a fitters mate at a freezing works and as a technician at the DSIR.
His career began with Tyco/Johnson Controls as an R&D engineer, initially in software and systems design alongside contributions to electronic and mechanical design, manufacturing and customer support. He developed the organisation’s early IT and internet systems, maintained and expanded the ERP system and was a member of the EHS committee. Mike went on to become New Zealand R&D Manager, designing and supplying key products for the New Zealand and Australian markets, including the well-known MX1 and FP4000 among many others.
2024 saw Johnson Controls consolidate its global Research and Development footprint, and Bensan swooped in to secure Mike’s expertise for its newly acquired Tyco/Vigilant distributorship. Mike’s deep technical understanding of the sector also offers valuable quoting support for the complete range of Bensan products.
Contact
T: 027 205 8277
E: mike@bensan.co.nz
Euan Sheppard
The majority of Euan’s career has been within the fire protection industry. Straight out of school Euan worked as a fire alarm tester, making his way into alarm service and installation. He also spent time installing sprinkler systems, giving him a good practical grasp of the industry.
After a stint in other industries, Euan joined the Bensan team in 2019 to help with growing demand in the warehouse. Being self-motivated and with a keen eye for detail, Euan quickly grew into managing the warehouse operations. He oversees all inwards and outwards stock and is the primary point of contact for Bensan customers, whether in person, on the phone or via email.
Always keen to develop his skills, Euan holds a diploma in Freight Forwarding, Logistics and Operations Management. His engaging personality and customer-focused nature ensures Bensan’s customer service, warehouse and supply chain are in good hands.
Contact
T: 027 301 9709
E: euan@bensan.co.nz
Graham Palmer
Graham’s entire career has been within the fire protection industry. Joining Bensan in the mid 90s as a cadet after completing his NZC in Electronics and Computer Engineering at AUT, he’s our longest-serving employee. From his first days with us Graham covered many facets of the industry, gaining experience in estimating, project management and system programming. His skills enabled the roll-out of the Edwards EST3 system across Auckland University, and led to programming and commissioning for many large sites in Auckland and Northland.
With extensive industry knowledge, Graham became heavily involved in the operational and product-development aspects of the business. In the mid-2000s he designed the Bensan multi-tone horn siren, BT1 and BT5 conventional panels, and Edwards EST3 NZ compliance modules. This involved electronic design, lab approval processes to NZ standards, and subsequent production of the designs.
Today, Graham is an industry-leading specialist on EST, BT conventional and Protec systems, his depth of knowledge benefiting Bensan and our customers alike. Aways in demand, Graham’s days can be filled with everything from customer support and system builds to procurement and in-house manufacturing.
Graham also holds NZQA Level 4 in Fire Detection and Alarms.
Contact
T: 027 545 0297
E: gpalmer@bensan.co.nz
Carlin Frederiksen
Hailing from a family of engineers, Carlin grew up in East Auckland. From an early age he took an interest in all things mechanical and electrical, building an intuitive understanding of how things work.
Carlin is studying electrical engineering at Manukau Institute of Technology. He joined Bensan in early 2024 to assist with product assembly and building a vast number of products for the business. Carlin enjoys seeing what he learnt at MIT put into practice at Bensan, and a career in fire protection is looking likely.
In his short time at Bensan Carlin has saved for and purchased his first car, a Toyota Hilux Surf, ideal for his passions of off-roading with friends, hunting, free-diving, fishing and anything to do with the water.
Contact
T: 09 622 9975
E: info@bensan.co.nz
Jeff Curtiss
Growing up in Auckland, Jeff developed his skills in the school of life. His love of music and creative people, combined with a knack for sales and customer interaction, saw him spend a decade within the music business. In the early 2000s he moved into the building industry, marketing joinery and panel products to the architectural and interior-design sector, another area Jeff has always felt an affinity with. Inquisitive by nature, Jeff developed an understanding of manufacturing, product development, product management, supply chains, and market trends and positioning. Ultimately, this led to Jeff becoming marketing and product manager for what grew to be the market leader in the joinery sector.
Joining Bensan in 2019, Jeff leads the team and exercises another passion of his: taking something with good bones and rebuilding it to maximise its potential. With a customer and market-focused mind set, Jeff develops a vision and delivers it with a systematic, team-based approach. As he puts it, ‘seeing Bensan delivering on its potential has been the most challenging yet satisfying period of my career. The future is very exciting.’
Contact
T: 027 292 9470
E: jefferson@bensan.co.nz
Accreditation
New Zealand and international industry standards.
An important part of the assurance of fire protection you get from working with Bensan is knowing that we are accredited across all key industry organisations and regulatory bodies:
• Fire Protection Association of New Zealand (FPANZ)
• Fire Equipment Manufacturers Association (FEMA)
Whether it’s installing new equipment, the refurbishment of an existing system or a ground-up design, you can also be assured that all Bensan fire protection systems fully comply with New Zealand and international industry standards.