Server Storage Solutions is in full expansion. Over the past few weeks, we hired not 1, not 2, but 3 new employees. Excited to meet them? Then you’re in luck: We’re going to introduce all of them to you on our blog.
First up is Kristof Vanremoortele, our brand-new operations manager. In this interview, Kristof will tell us a little bit about himself and why he is so excited to work for S3S. Will you read along?
Welcome to S3S, Kristof! Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Kristof: Thanks! I’m 39 years old and I live in De Pinte, only 7 minutes from the S3S headquarters. I’m happily married and have a beautiful son. He’s 2 years old but I’m still on cloud nine. I’m very much a family man and I spend most of my free time with my wife and kid.
After secondary school, I began working at an SME specialized in baby products. I started in logistics and worked my way up from there. As their operations manager, I helped them grow from 5 to 20 employees. After 19 years at the company and accomplishing all of my goals, I was ready for a new challenge.
So how did you find S3S?
Kristof: Well, actually they found me! (laughs) CFO Christophe Dekeukeleire saw my LinkedIn profile and invited me for an informal conversation. We immediately hit it off. When he told me about how S3S puts the customer first in everything they do, I was sold.
I then met with Christophe again, together with CEO Roel De Frene. We talked about their vision for the growth of the company and what my role as operations manager would be. I really admired both gentlemen for the path they had taken with S3S so far. So when they offered me the position, I didn’t hesitate.
Sounds like a great start! But baby products and storage solutions are very different things. Will that pose a challenge for you?
Kristof: Not really. As operations manager, it is my task to optimize processes and facilitate growth. Whether you sell baby stuff or servers: the principles are the same. If anything, having a different background allows me to bring a fresh perspective to the table.
Of course, it also helps that I’m interested in IT. I’m not an expert, but I’m a pretty fast learner when it comes to software and IT systems. So all in all, I’m not too worried.
How has it been so far?
Kristof: I’ve only been here for a couple of days, but so far it has been a lot of fun. And intense. (laughs) I have to process a ton of new information, but I get a lot of support from my new colleagues. Everyone has been happy to make some time for me in their busy days.
This proves how great the team spirit at S3S is. Everybody wants to help the company grow. So in the near future, I hope to have a chat with each of my colleagues individually, to get to know them and to learn how I can help them as operations manager.
Speaking of the future: How do you see the future of S3S?
Kristof: I see a very bright future for S3S. The company is already doing very well and there’s still a lot of room for growth. There are many companies that provide data storage solutions, but few – if any – that go the extra mile for their customers the way S3S does. I really believe that this makes us unique and will allow us to grow a lot over the next few years, both nationally and internationally.
And that’s where you come in?
Kristof: Exactly! As operations manager, a large part of my job is optimizing and standardizing processes. That way, I can provide more structure, make the company more efficient and facilitate growth.
In the coming months, I will focus on analyzing and mapping all of our existing operational processes. Next, I can look at them from a fresh perspective, optimize them and prepare S3S for the future.
Meanwhile, I will of course also manage the daily operations from A to Z. This will allow each team member to focus less on operational concerns and more on their core tasks. Hopefully, this will help them excel even more at what they do.
Sounds like you will have your hands full. Thanks for your time and good luck!
Are you looking for a data storage partner that puts you first? Then get in touch. We look forward to going the extra mile for your company!
