Kevin Addie - Celebrating 8 Years with SHP

8 Years, One Purpose: Celebrating Kevin Addie’s Journey at Safehinge Primera

Here’s a moment worth celebrating - a story of commitment, innovation, and strong care for others. Kevin Addie, our Head of Quality and Safety, has reached an incredible milestone: eight years with Safehinge Primera. Celebrating this anniversary and Kevin’s dedication is proof to the difference one person can make in shaping safer, more compassionate spaces for people going through a vulnerable time.

A Leap of Faith and Big Ambitions

Eight years ago, Kevin made a bold choice. Leaving behind the allure of a larger corporate role, he joined Safehinge Primera, then, a “small company with big ambition,” in his words. “The purpose, the values, the people - especially John McDougal (Former Board Member) and Martin Izod (Co-Founder and CPO) - were magnetic. The interview felt less like a formal process and more like an inspiring conversation,” Kevin recalls. That leap of faith led to a transformative journey where Kevin’s problem-solving prowess became a cornerstone of our growth and impact.

From Engineer to Change-Maker

Starting as a Continuous Improvement Manager, Kevin’s role has grown alongside the company. He jokes about how he “ended up with the longest job title ever - jack of all and master of none!” Yet, at his core, Kevin is an engineer and problem solver, always looking at all angles. Whether tackling product development roadblocks with precision tools or leading ISO9001 and ISO27001 accreditations (both achieved in the first half of 2024 - a remarkable credit to his effort and skillset), his systematic approach has laid a foundation for quality, growth, and security.

One of Kevin’s standout memories? The ERP implementation - a project so complex it might leave most people groaning, but Kevin? He calls it a favourite. Only someone with his energy and resilience could look back on it so fondly. Beyond the spreadsheets and systems, Kevin’s real pride shines in his “work family.” Watching his team grow, learn, and succeed is what truly fuels him, and it’s clear he’s built a culture where collaboration, respect, and a good dose of humour thrive.

Martin Izod (Co-Founder and CPO) praises: ”Kevin’s work on the ERP implementation and 2 ISO accreditations all in the same year is nothing short of incredible.”

Inspired by People, Guided by Purpose

Kevin’s dedication to our mission stems from both our founders and the people we serve. From Martin and Phil, who started the company straight out of university, to John McDougal’s leadership rooted in humility and people-first values, Kevin has drawn inspiration. But perhaps most poignant are the stories of care providers and those in their care. “Hearing their experiences gives us a compass - it reminds us why we do what we do and pushes us to do better,” he says.

Looking Ahead: More Progress, More Hope

Kevin’s vision for the future is as ambitious as ever. “We never sit still,” he says. “I’m excited to build on our foundations - be it systems, standards, or people - and continue driving our purpose forward. And yes, having fun while doing it!”

A HUGE thanks to Kevin: A problem-solver, a leader, and above all, a champion for quality, safety and dignity. Thank you for eight incredible years of dedication. The difference you’ve made ripples far beyond Safehinge Primera - and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes us next.