Impression IBIS Impression IBIS and it is a two-way street. It must exist between the old and the new managing director - regardless of whether they are father and son - and of course it also needs to exist between management and team. Trust is the basis of success.” “Another important aspect is to ensure the "transferor" (old generation) can let go of the company! Again, of course, there needs to be trust, but also a secure and wellrun business. When I took over my father’s company, it was transferred in one go. The entire responsibility for the bodyshop and all employees became mine! This was a high risk approach, however with a stable economy and a trusting team the risk was manageable. My father and I did not always agree. However, he trusted me and gave me the freedom that has allowed me to develop, introduce new ideas and to find my own leadership style. You need to accept that sometimes you will make mistakes but these can help you learn and improve.” How did the Audience respond? “It was great, the delegates responded really positively. This is obviously a very important topic in our industry. One question from the Audience I remember particularly well was: ‘When did I consider the transfer of the business to be complete?’ My answer: ‘It was the moment when I realized that I was accepted as the boss.’ When I made decisions on key issues and knew that I would be supported, without question, by my team and suppliers.” Stephan Salzer’s partnership with AkzoNobel How long have you been an AkzoNobel customer? “Honestly, I can only reply with: a very, very long time! My grandfather and father were both Sikkens customers and we have been a loyal Acoat Selected partner from the start.” What benefits does the partnership bring? “Support - Whether I need product support, training or business development the Sikkens team is always at hand when needed. For example my current focus is on optimizing the process in the office area. Once more I can rely on the support of Acoat Selected and an appointment with the business consultant has already been made!” “There are great innovative product systems which help us maintain a balance between the performance of the bodyshop and the market pressures. With excellent products from Sikkens we can accelerate our processes in the workshop and deliver the highest product quality as well as benefit from faster key-to-key times due to easier processing, reduced risk of errors and quick drying.” “The specialized training program helps us build a strong team. Employees are more likely to stay and be motivated if they can deepen their knowledge and develop themselves. Sikkens training offers many specialized seminars and training courses that align with the current requirements of the market. We have used the know-how from the most recent seminar to make process improvements to the business. It is a complete package which supports me and my business in achieving excellence.” “Acoat Selected also gives us the opportunity to share experiences with colleagues. We have an important annual meeting and there are knowledge exchange trips to other countries, as well as the commercial training program. I still remember one of my first Acoat Selected training sessions, at the very beginning of my career. It focused on facial expressions for customer negotiations. On the following Monday, I used this knowledge to win a large contract for the bodyshop, a lesson I will never forget!” “For these and many other reasons, AkzoNobel has been instrumental in the development of our business.” Warsaw was host to a regional IBIS for Poland in June. And Middle Eastern customers will be getting together at the Turkish IBIS in the autumn. The popularity of IBIS continues to rise for one simple reason – our industry will grow stronger by working together. 16 Sikkens - Latest news Pagina 15

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