The business idea of the entrepreneur requires a specific combination of qualifications, skills and experience to be successful in building the Benelux business for the principals of Vector49. On this page the most relevant aspects of Christiaan Soerjo as a business professional are presented.

Formal training

Before he started his study in Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor of Science degree: BSc) in 1986, he successfully concluded the Gymnasium (1979 – 1985) where he studied a combination of both the exact disciplines and four languages:

The first part of his technical study was done as a full-time student. From 1991 through 1994, the entrepreneur finished the second phase of the Bachelor of Science degree in the evening time, combined with a full-time job.

Several years later, in 2005, he developed the ambition to study business administration. Since his responsibilities by then mainly consisted of managerial tasks, a solid theoretical background in business administration would be a logical addition to his technical background.

In 2006, the entrepreneur enrolled in the Executive M.B.A. program of the University of Bradford in England. This Master of Business Administration degree ranks amongst the best in Europe.

Business track record

Four elements of the entrepreneur’s track record are relevant to the business idea for Vector49. These four elements are presented here.

• Broad experience with the sales of technical products in international B-2-B markets

Starting in 1994, the entrepreneur has acquired a broad experience with the sales of technical products. In the positions of office-based sales person, technical sales representative, sales & marketing manager and commercial director, the entrepreneur has seen all aspects of his field of expertise in detail.

• Velox GmbH, start-up of Benelux sales branch

In the years 1999 – 2004 Christiaan Soerjo started the sales subsidiary for Velox GmbH. Working from a home-based office, raw material specialities were sold into three Benelux markets: the plastic, rubber and lacquer & paint industries. Customer calls in the Benelux were frequent. Office space was leased in 2002 when the sales team increased to three sales persons.

• ASV Stübbe GmbH, start-up of Benelux sales subsidiary

ASV Stübbe Nederland B.V. is a subsidiary company of ASV Stübbe GmbH. In 2006 the operational start in the Benelux was managed by Christiaan Soerjo. In 2008, he accepted the position of Corporate Director Sales with ASV Stübbe GmbH and started working from headquarters in Vlotho, Germany.

• Experience with German companies and German business culture

From the early 90s onwards, Christiaan Soerjo worked with or for German companies on a daily basis. For his work, he lived in Germany from Monday to Friday for a year in total (Hamburg and Herford).

As a result, he is very familiar with the German (business) culture and generally enjoys working with German companies. Especially the German eye for detail and the thorough way of doing things he regards as important positive aspects.