We recently asked some of the key members of the APL team about their thoughts on working for a young start up company; here are the thoughts of Dominik, the CEO:
· Can you tell us a little about yourself and what you do?
I was born in the mid-seventies, and grew up in Cologne and Bochum. I studied A-levels, including international business administration in Dortmund, Ireland and the USA. My first professional positions were in finance in the automotive industry, then in mechanical engineering (integrative systems and robotics). I have more recently worked closer to home in the lighting industry for the last 12 years. I’ve been married to my wife Katja for those 12 years, living in Bochum.
· Did you consider it a risk to work for a start up company apl?
It’s not so much a start-up that creates risk. Rather, it’s innovation, products and markets that determine the success of a company. Many established old companies have already failed because they did not respond to the requirements of a modern era or did so too late. The fact that a start-up is naturally associated with special challenges should not be underestimated. But isn’t it exciting to face such new challenges?
· What were your motivations for joining apl?
APL is a small and young, but very dynamic company which is developing. This requires a lot of attention so that the ‘baby’ develops into a mature entity. The products reflect the market’s desire for something different, and the team is motivated and committed. You can feel that APL has laid the foundations for something new. Now we just have to drive it forward.
· As CEO, what are your ambitions for apl?
As an experienced CFO in a medium-sized company in the same sector, I’m driven by steady sales growth with a healthy EBIT. To achieve this goal, we need to make the right adjustments: Markets, customers and products are the key to success.
· Who are your design heroes?
I personally have a very strong affinity for design. This relates primarily to industrial designers and architects of the last century. As a stylistic direction, I feel particularly connected to the Bauhaus era. As specific designers and architects, I would emphasise Walter Gropius, Arne Jacobsen, Jakob Jensen, Florence Knoll, Bruno Sacco and Le Corbusier.
· We’ve heard through the grapevine you’re a bit of an anglophile? Can you tell us more?
It’s true that I feel very connected to Great Britain. I believe that this is simply the sum of the “peculiar” attributes that have drawn me to it: be it British mansions with corresponding lawns, eccentric hats at the established horse races, cars, films – especially James Bond – the fabric of the suits, queuing (bus etc.) but above all the British humour: Rowan Atkinson in particular or the entire Monty Python team force me to “smile with restraint”.
· What’s your morning routine?
After prolonging the dawn by pressing the snooze button on the clock radio at least twice, I head straight for the coffee machine, which was already set the night before. Depending on the use of the snooze button, the visit to the bathroom will take different lengths of time. While I’m enjoying my coffee in all parts of the flat, I collect and pack my work utensils and then queue in the traffic jam towards work.
· Outside of lighting, what’s your passion?
I pursue a wide range of different interests. As already mentioned, I’m very interested in architecture and design, but I also have a great affinity for cars, especially classic cars, including Jaguars, of course. I also love travelling and discovering new countries and cultures. That’s not all, but more precise details would go beyond the number of possible words. Fortunately, my wife and I have very similar interests, even if we favour different styles – always a good reason for an exciting – but not tense – discussion.
