Working at VARIODRIVE: Sales Manager Edgar Hogervorst.
A Sales Manager who would also call himself a working foreman. It’s a sign of a flat organization where everyone rolls up their sleeves. In this article, Edgar Hogervorst explains how he ended up at VARIODRIVE, why he’s still here after 23 years, and how he views the future.
VARIODRIVE is known for its expertise in Motion Control. We provide complete solutions for industrial automation, traction drive systems, mobile (battery-powered) automation, and coupling technology. Our customers are pleased with the excellent components we deliver, but they all mention that it’s our people who truly make the difference. But of course, you have to get to know us first. That’s why we’re introducing our colleagues to you in a series of articles.
Edgar Hogervorst, Sales Manager
“I’m not a born salesperson. I’m a good listener and can determine a customer’s needs based on that. And that’s fitting because in our world, you can’t make it with smooth talk alone. You need knowledge and expertise, and of course, an organization supporting you.”
After his studies in Technical Physics in Rijswijk, Edgar started at the French Alstom (formerly GEC Alsthom) as an Application Engineer. He was part of a small team, which meant he was also involved in offers and calculations for new customers. He was so good at it that when the team grew, he fully embraced the Sales role, and it remained his role in the subsequent jobs. Edgar had found his passion.
“I’m particularly drawn to the variety. You have contact with so many different suppliers, customers/companies, and people that every day is different. You’re not stuck on a project for days, but you get a new challenge every time. That just suits me well.”
VARIODRIVE
Edgar worked together with the man who brought him into Alstom after his studies, Dirk Goudswaard, for 4 years. Even after Edgar left Alstom and went to work for another company in the field of technology, their contact remained strong. After Goudswaard had been working for a few years, he asked Edgar to take on the Sales role for this young company. It was a challenge he was interested in:
“At a smaller organization, you rely more on yourself and have to do more on your own. But that appeals to me, dealing with many aspects. I’m not just focused on a small part of the work or have to ask for permission all day. I have control over it. I love working in a smaller, more compact team where we have short lines of communication and get things done quickly.
And that’s why I still work at VARIODRIVE after 23 years,” says Edgar with a smile. “We’re still a compact/dynamic team, but we’re now working with the finest brands and the biggest clients in the world. And with those brands, we have the position and connections to truly make a difference for our customers. VARIODRIVE can provide a complete solution, including any adaptations that optimize the components for the application. That sets us apart and gives me a lot of satisfaction.”
Working as a team
“VARIODRIVE is a very flat organization, which makes us highly flexible and dynamic. We also feel responsible as a team. For example, if there’s a shortage of hands in assembly, we have no problem contributing to that. We work together to ensure the customer gets their items on time.
We simply get things done quickly. At VARIODRIVE, we have people who prefer to ‘do’. We don’t need endless meetings if we can make a decision in half an hour. Just like that, and we’re moving forward.”
Future
“When I look towards the future, it becomes even more important that we support our customers in all aspects of the process. There are plenty of suppliers who drop a product at your doorstep, but customers need more. At VARIODRIVE, we take our customers by the hand much more; we assist them even after delivery with assembly, commissioning, support, and even software. So, our service is much broader.
Fortunately, we hear this feedback from our customers as well. They recognize that we truly add value to the process and help them be more successful. And as I mentioned before, there’s nothing I enjoy more than continuously brainstorming new solutions. So, that fits well with me.”
Are you interested in (servo) technology and curious about what a job at VARIODRIVE looks like? Then we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with Edgar via ehogervorst@variodrive.nl or call +31 186 636280.
