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From apprentice to global player: Steffen Winter's success story at ELA
Steffen Winter, Field Sales, with ELA Container since 2012
Date of interview: 05.02.2024
Despite his young age, Steffen has already been working at ELA for 12 years and is now responsible for major international projects as Project Manager. His story is an example of the diverse development opportunities and strong team spirit at ELA.
Steffen, why don't you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
I am Steffen Winter, 32 years old, married and the proud father of my two-year-old son Hannes. In addition to my work at ELA, I am politically active, work as an IHK examiner and am active in the DLRG as a boatman and instructor.
„My journey began in 2012 with an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at ELA Container. “
When and in what position did your journey at ELA begin and where are you today?
My journey began in 2012 with an apprenticeship as an industrial clerk at ELA Container. Since then, I have continuously developed my skills and worked in various positions, from site preparation after completing my training, to taking over production management at one of our sites, to project responsibility for Scandinavia. My current focus is on major projects in the rental and sale of our containers in the focus countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland.
What motivated you to apply and what made you decide to join ELA in the end?
I was impressed by the family environment and the extreme growth potential of ELA. I saw a unique opportunity for my personal development here.
What has enabled you to surpass yourself the most during your time at ELA?
During my time at ELA, I was able to surpass myself the most when I took on responsibility as Production Manager at the Frankenberg site. I was given this opportunity at the young age of 24, which was an immense personal and professional challenge for me. Taking over and developing the site was a highlight for me, which was crowned by the decision to build and expand the site in Frankenberg.
„During my time at ELA, I was often able to surpass myself.“
And what does your typical working day at ELA look like in your current position, i.e. as Project Manager?
My day-to-day work as a Project Manager is characterized by flexibility in terms of space and time. I travel a lot, meet clients, negotiate contracts and work closely with my team to successfully implement projects.
Because I travel, I always have a few things prepared: I have two packed suitcases - one in the car and one to change into at the front door - the car always has a full tank of gas, the cell phone battery is always at 100% if possible and my passport is always to hand. My Monday usually starts with a drive to the airport, from where I head straight to our customers and projects. I usually stay there until Thursday and work on project development, contract negotiations or am on site at the construction sites to support project implementation. I use Fridays to network with various specialist departments on site in Haren and, above all, to discuss projects on a one-to-one basis with my colleagues from the back office.
When you started at ELA, could you have imagined being in the position you are in now?
I have always had high expectations of myself and naturally wanted to make my contribution to success in a professional context. I was aware that I would get ahead with this attitude, but at the time I could never have imagined that I would one day be in a position to work for us worldwide. The development opportunities at ELA are simply outstanding and unparalleled in our region.
„The development opportunities at ELA are simply outstanding and are unparalleled in our region.“
What characterizes your daily work at ELA and how would you describe the atmosphere here?
The day-to-day work at ELA is really great! We place great value on teamwork and work closely together to implement many exciting projects with our customers. You also have the opportunity to realize your own potential and make a real difference. And ultimately, good performance and commitment are always rewarded here. We always keep the focus on our customers' needs, but we are also easy-going. Every colleague, from cleaning staff to management, is an important part of our team and contributes to the success of ELA.
And what do you particularly appreciate about the daily collaboration with your colleagues?
What I particularly appreciate about the day-to-day collaboration is the enthusiasm for the development of customer- and needs-oriented room solutions. It's simply great to work with people who work on projects with so much commitment and professionalism. I also particularly appreciate the fact that we are a young and dynamic team that stands up for each other and is always on hand with help and advice. We allow for new ideas and ways of working and maintain open communication.
And of course it's especially great that we can celebrate together as well as work! 😉Because it's important to celebrate successes together.
Finally, one last question: what opportunities are you particularly grateful for that were offered to you at ELA?
Even as a 24-year-old boy, I had the urge to go out into the world and applied internally to Günter, one of our managing directors. Thanks to ELA, I was able to take on management responsibility at a young age, build up international partner companies and manage major projects abroad. These diverse opportunities have shaped my career and shown me that anything really is possible at ELA.
Special thanks go to my mentors and supporters at ELA, especially Tim, Günter, Oli Hake and Cornelius. They have always trusted me and opened up numerous opportunities for further development.
But I would also like to say a huge thank you to my wife Lena. She keeps my back free every day so that I can always be ready for action - and has done so for 8 years now in the field.
Success stories at ELA
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