Meet Sebastian, our featured employee of the month from our member IKA Germany.
Discover the Journey of Sebastian: Unveiling a Young Talent in the Automotive Aftermarket. Sebastian graciously shares his insights, detailing his path into the industry.
ABOUT YOU
- Could you tell us a bit about your background? (Place of birth, age, education…)
My name is Sebastian Wilke. I was born in a small village with less than 20,000 inhabitants called Eitorf. I am currently 25 years old and am completing my apprenticeship, which I will finish this year. Before I started my apprenticeship, I worked in the financial services sector, which didn’t last long, because I didn’t like it at the end.
ABOUT THE AFTERMARKET
- How would you describe the Aftermarket to someone who has never heard of this industry?
The mission of the Aftermarket is, to have spare parts for cars or trucks in every way possible. It’s about good pricing so everyone has the possibility to repair their cars for a good price.
ABOUT YOU & THE AFTERMARKET
- How did you become aware of, and why did you choose the Aftermarket to work in?
I became aware of the aftermarket when I started this apprenticeship, but I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world. Since a lot of technical changes are made to cars every year, you are in regular contact with customers and suppliers, which allows you to make lots of great contacts.
ABOUT YOUR COMPANY
- Which company are you working with & which type of job?
I am working for IKA Germany which was founded in 1983 by Willy J. Schoenen, who took the company “GEBE” over, which was founded in 1906. We still carry the brand “GEBE”, which is known for its quality worldwide ever since. Obliged to this long tradition, IKA has already from the beginning sold only products of initial-supplier quality or those meeting OEM standards.
ABOUT YOUR JOB
- What’s your job title?
Trainee (after apprenticeship: Junior Account Manager)
- How would you describe your job?
I have daily contact with people from all over the world and always learn something new. A little initiative is important to be able to deal with the topics of the aftermarket and you shouldn’t be afraid of numbers in sales either, as you must deal with them regularly. Every day you have the feeling that you have achieved something because there are new tasks every day.
- What do you fancy most in your job?
The good treatment of each other, regardless of whether it is in the company, at the customer, a partner or supplier, everyone is treated with respect.
ABOUT JOINING THE AFTERMARKET
- Why should somebody join this industry in your opinion?
Well, first there should be an interest in cars, otherwise I wouldn’t recommend it. If you have interest in it, it will catch you very fast because you learn so much not only about cars, but also about its history as well.
ABOUT GEBE – IKA GERMANY
Founded in 1906, GEBE was a factory for carbon products in the rise of the German motorization. The family-owned IKA Germany took over operations in 1983 and enriched the product and service portfolio by various acquisitions.
Under our IAM brand GEBE, IKA Germany supplies automotive spare parts to the independent aftermarket, OEM/OES-production, and the remanufacturing industry.
Our company offers engine management components with a focus on exhaust line sensors, rotating electric components and universal electric and mechanical parts are the core of our portfolio. We also offer trainings and technical support for all kind of technology which is carried in our range.
Our target clients and customers are Wholesalers, ITG’s and distributors for automotive spare parts.
Vision: We want to place GEBE as the brand with the highest value proposition in the IAM for our product scope.
Mission: Strong and sustainable partnerships with our customers as an essential contribution to maintain individual mobility worldwide.
Values: We want to create an environment in which our employees can develop their full potential to grow together with our partners.