Introducing Julian, our Employee of the Month from IKA Germany!
We recently had the pleasure of conducting a brief Q&A session with Julian Athanassoglou, a student and Trainee Key Account Manager in Sales at IKA Germany. In this article, Julian shares his journey, his experiences in the Automotive Aftermarket industry, insights about his company, and details about his current role.
ABOUT YOU
- Could you tell us a bit about your background? (Place of birth, age, education…)
Hi, my name is Julian. I am 22 years old and was born in Gummersbach, Germany, where I also did my A-levels.
ABOUT THE AFTERMARKET
- How would you describe the Aftermarket to someone who has never heard of this industry?
The aftermarket is about car and truck parts. It is about free competition, and being successful there is about more than having good relationships.
The aftermarket is the spare parts market for the automotive industry. If a part breaks in your car, we have a spare part.
ABOUT YOU & THE AFTERMARKET
- How did you become aware of, and why did you choose the Aftermarket to work in?
My father also works in the aftermarket. So, it wasn’t a difficult decision for me to join an up-coming company.
ABOUT YOUR COMPANY
- Which company are you working with & which type of job?
IKA is a family business with a focus on the European and African markets. Our aim is to continue to establish our GEBE brand in the global market as well as in Europe and Africa.
The company’s main business is sensor technology in the exhaust tract. This is how we try to contribute to a better climate.
ABOUT YOUR JOB
- What’s your job title?
I am currently a student, but I hope to become a Key Account Manager in the future.
- How would you describe your job?
I sell our products and I am the contact person for my customers if they have any questions.
My focus is on e-commerce, which is another word for online trading.
- What do you fancy most in your job?
I am a big fan of social interaction with our customers or my colleagues.
As a car enthusiast, I also enjoy learning more about functionality.
ABOUT JOINING THE AFTERMARKET
- Why should somebody join this industry in your opinion?
In my opinion there is no “you must join the aftermarket” but I think it is worth a try and maybe it will catch you like me.
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.