Making an Entrance

Steve Dickinson's guest in today's episode is Erik Klomp, founder and CEO of Novodoor. Erik is a Dutch entrepreneur who lives and works out of Istanbul, operating at the very extreme end of the global entrance solutions market. His company, Novodoor, doesn't just sell doors; they secure some of the largest, highest-stakes infrastructure projects in the world—specializing in complex fire door installations for international airports and mega-developments, primarily across the Middle East.What makes him unique is that he has constructed a truly global supply chain, stitching together products from Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea, and the United States to deliver a unified solution to his clients. He is also a man who knows a thing or two about endurance, having successfully completed the gruelling Dakar Rally.Topics covered in the show include:The Dakar Rally mindsetGlobal sourcing: The unified platform in actionThe reality of mega-infrastructure projectsThe challenge of global coordinationFeedback from the frontline to suppliersThe high stakes of fire door complianceThe global life, and the meaning of partnership

Steve Dickinson's guest in today's episode is Anders Majland, Managing Director of Novoferm Denmark, and Regional Manager for Novoferm in Scandinavia. Anders graduated from Syddansk University in Southern Denmark, began his career in advanced electronic control systems, and for the last two decades he's held senior positions in the field of entrance solutions with two of the industry's leading companies: Nassau Doors (now part of Assa Abloy) and since 2012, the Novoferm Group (a member of Sanwa Holdings).Topics covered in the show include:The Scandinavian marketThe main challenges faced when doing business across bordersAnders' leadership styleThe 'invisibility' of the entrance solutions marketSocial, regulatory, and environmental trends in the Scandinavian market - including the impact of European fire safety standardsKey technological changes in the industry, including AI and modular building methodsThe impact of social, regulatory and technological changes on leadershipPlease remember to subscribe to our show and leave a rating on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you found this episode.

Steve Dickinson's guest in today's episode is Michel Akoum, President and CEO of Novoferm France. Michel was born in Lebanon, rose from the ranks of R&D engineers in Paris, before quickly moving into export sales and general management. For the last two decades he held senior positions in the field of entrance solutions with two of the industry's leading companies.Topics covered in the show include:The company Novoferm France and its place within the Novoferm Group, and their parent company, Sanwa HoldingsAdvice he would offer to current graduates of his alma mater, the Ecole des Travaux Publics, ParisOne thing he would do differently during his career at NovofermMichel's leadership styleCurrent social, regulatory and technical trends in the French marketKey lessons learned during a long careerPlease remember to subscribe to our show on Apple, Spotify or wherever you found this podcast.

Steve Dickinson's guest in today's episode is Ali Ihsan Güneş, the co-founder of FGI, an exciting family-owned business based in Sakarya, Turkiye- 125 km east of Istanbul. Together with his brother, Gunay, and other members of the family, he built his business, not once, but twice. His origin story is one of the most traumatic imaginable.Topics covered in the show include:The company FGI, and the markets it servesContrasting styles and roles of the two foundersTheir overall journey into the industryThe devastating earthquake of 17 August 1999Perspectives from Ali's roles as Chairman of the Advisory Board at Sakarya Business School, and Vice President of the Turkish-German Chamber of CommerceTrends in social, regulatory and technology - including AIIf you enjoyed the show and want to be among the first to hear future episodes, don't forget to subscribe to 'Making an Entrance' on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your podcasts.