“New technology and looking into the future.”
An interview with Dirk van Gogswaardt, Business Development Manager at Intercel.
How has your career progressed?
“I studied business studies and graduated in innovation and product development. Analyzing and structuring innovation I find fascinating. Intercel was the logical next step 6 years ago from my previous job, where I was also working in the middle of “electrification.” This is an incredibly interesting time; due to the lower prices of batteries, profitable solutions for new applications are emerging every day. In doing so, I am constantly encountering new markets, where it is great to find new solutions for them.”
What does a Business Development Manager do?
“I identify the exact needs and requirements of our clients and take them to the best solution. Often there is a latent need where I help them make the desire concrete. I am on the road a lot with sales, they have the initial contact and then together we develop the best plan to optimally relieve the client.”
What do you like most of all?
“I come into contact with a lot of interesting people, real frontrunners in their fields. These are techies but also commercial professionals. Our conversations often start first “high over” and conceptual. From a goal-oriented brainstorm we really get to know the customer and his desire. It’s almost always about new technology, new applications and looking into the future. That’s a really cool thing to be involved in.”
What makes Intercel as an employer that little bit different?
“We have a really good time together. A lot of nice people who work together as a team and really help each other. Furthermore, there are endless opportunities for your own initiative. Your own idea may always be worked out and is very regularly realized.”
You just returned from the Intersolar in Munich, what stood out most?
“The great exhibition shows that we are on the eve of an evolution. Products such as batteries, inverters and converters are mature. The solar panels and the energy grid are also ready. In Europe we will now experience a huge energy evolution. If the market wants to move quickly, we can help them with knowledge, experience and the right batteries. Another thing that stands out is that the battery manufacturers almost without exception offer standard solutions, we don’t do that. We stand out by offering customized solutions suitable for extreme conditions and mobile applications.
What was your greatest moment at Intersolar?
“It was super nice to see and talk to our customers, new interested parties and partners. There is especially a lot of interest in robust and strongly built batteries for mobile applications. Our plug-and-play systems were a topic of conversation in this regard, with the scalability of the systems being very much appreciated.”
What else did you present?
“We also presented – in addition to our lithium custom batteries – our lead carbon batteries extensively. These are batteries with unique specifications and can only be purchased from us. The combination of the high number of cycles and the low cost of the battery make these batteries extremely suitable for energy storage. We regularly received feedback from visitors that we have a unique offering in Europe with these.”
What will you be doing at the iVT in Karlsruhe?
“At the end of June we will start talking to machine manufacturers and advise and help them with electrification. We now have extensive experience and we would like to transfer this to manufacturers in other European countries.”
