Ian Lappin is Invacare's Territory Business Manager, and his role revolves around setting up wheelchairs with the end-user. Ian's goal is to "achieve the best result for these people, all-round," and his passion is definitely working with powerchairs, and he "can't wait for the new Alber range which is hitting the market soon."

Originally training as an Electrical Engineer, Ian was introduced into the disability field as a technician by his wife, who is a therapist in the area. You could say that working with people who have disabilities is in the family, for Ian. "I spent approximately eight years as a technician before I crossed over into a sales role, around two and a half years ago."

Ian says that the best thing about his job, "besides getting to play with cool powerchairs every day", is seeing the product set up with the new clients and seeing them get back a certain level of independence that they previously lost due to their disability. "On the other side of that are those clients that have been in powerchairs for years but have complex needs and setups, I really enjoy the challenge involved in getting these setups just right."

Ian's approach to life is all about honesty, saying "I believe in being upfront with people in my life and this is something I bring into my role at Invacare."

Originally from Northern Ireland, Ian moved to New Zealand with his Kiwi wife and son, in 2008. In his time outside work, he is busy looking after the various animals they have on their lifestyle block, which he says, "gives me a break from the daily work tasks. I really enjoy getting out there and building sheds and such like. As a family, we are involved in Dog Agility and like to compete when we get a chance. Other than that both our children are quite active with my son having aspirations of one day representing New Zealand at the Paralympics for Athletics and my Daughter who is heavily involved in Cheerleading."