Ferry van de Pasch

Provide us an overview at the beginning of your career journey

In 1990, I embarked on my first significant sales role as a sales engineer, evolving into an area sales manager over the next six years. Subsequently, in January 1997, I was approached by a prominent German rubber manufacturer, where I worked for an additional six years, serving as a sales professional and traveling extensively across English-speaking European countries.

In 2002, driven by the pursuit of my ideal position, I assumed the role of Sales Director at a multinational corporation with 3,400 employees and 11 production sites worldwide. Although the company was part of one of the largest private enterprises globally, I discerned that my character wasn’t well-suited for its operational dynamics.

An unexpected connection with the then-owner of HTR prompted discussions, and it emerged that he intended to retire. In a nutshell, after fruitful deliberations, I successfully acquired all the shares of HTR on January 1, 2005. Since then, I’ve charted my own course, implementing a personalized strategy that has propelled us to our current standing.

Please share your greatest strength. In what ways do you stand out from your peers in the industry?

Engaging in work that resonates with my passion brings about a natural enthusiasm and drive that clients readily perceive. The authenticity in my interactions stems from the genuine joy I find in my responsibilities. Clients intuitively sense the sincerity in my communication; what I convey is undeniably the truth.

My proficiency lies in my adept sales skills and the ability to discern and address clients’ needs, whether explicit or latent. I am committed to delivering optimal solutions, always prioritizing the best outcome over opting for cost-cutting measures. This approach ensures that clients not only receive superior results but also attain the best value for their investment, setting us apart in making a meaningful difference.

Share insights into your organization. What key roles and responsibilities do you hold?

Operating across three distinct locations, our headquarters are situated in The Netherlands, serving as the production hub for two out of our five product groups. The core activities, including design, engineering, testing, and analyses for all five product groups, are centrally managed from our Eindhoven office. Additionally, we maintain a presence in Germany and operate an office and production site in Delhi, India.

My primary focus within HTR centers on overseeing commercial activities and engaging with our key customers. The leadership responsibilities are distributed among various directors, each specializing in different fields. Our team comprises highly skilled individuals who shoulder significant responsibilities, empowered with the autonomy to make decisions and take action.

Could you guide us through the significant achievements during your career life?

I cannot do this with limited words. In short; When I took over the company we had one location and about 15 employees. We already carried the ISO 9001 certification.

Today we have still the ISO 9001:2015 certification, ISO 14001 and IATF16949 (international automotive standard). From the 11 times it was given out, we realized 10 times the 10 PPM award from Paccar and we have established close cooperation’s with many A-branded and worldwide operating companies like DAF/Paccar, Philips, Signify etc. we work from 3 different sites and act globally. We export to 33 different countries.

We invest a lot of time in existing and new customers and as a reward they normally stay. We have a huge amount of clients which buy from HTR 20, 30 , 40 years and longer…. We have different industries to which we supply, throughout Europe and beyond and we have more than 45 clients realising 80% of our turnover.

How did you address the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic? What strategies did you employ to overcome these difficulties?

We opted not to entertain order cancellations, considering that a significant portion of our work (98%) involves crafting personalized solutions. Instead, we chose to defer orders, starting with those in the automotive sector that had come to a halt. This approach provided our clients with some breathing room while allowing us to continue serving them seamlessly.

To adapt to the changing circumstances, we introduced work-from-home schedules and optimized online meeting platforms. In our production processes, we implemented measures such as creating ample space between workers and organizing staggered break times. These initiatives have contributed to a minimal impact of illnesses related to COVID-19 among our workforce.

Our ongoing strategy emphasizes the common-sense practices crucial for preventing the spread of not only COVID-19 but also any other contagious diseases. This includes adhering to guidelines to limit the number of individuals in confined spaces, ensuring the well-being of our team and maintaining a healthy work environment.

Who serves as your greatest inspiration in life? Additionally, what guidance would you offer to the upcoming generation of aspiring business professionals?

I draw inspiration from a multitude of sources across various contexts, be it my wife and children, friends, individuals on television, or the content I encounter in magazines. Embracing diverse perspectives, I keep an open mind and absorb those that resonate with me.

My guiding principle is to align with my personal values, staying true to my beliefs. Enjoyment and fulfillment are paramount in my pursuits. I live by my own standards and values, placing less emphasis on external opinions. The crucial aspect is being accountable to oneself, requiring utmost honesty when facing the reflection in the mirror.

This approach has enabled me to navigate life without succumbing to unnecessary stress. While external pressures are inevitable, I’ve learned to manage them effectively, understanding that stress rarely yields positive outcomes. By working under pressure without allowing it to escalate into stress, I’ve cultivated a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.