Meet the CEO: A Conversation with Ted
Esvama values every team member and their contributions, recognizing them as the cornerstone of its accomplishments. At the heart of this welcoming and inclusive culture is Esvama’s CEO, Ted. This article offers a glimpse into his visionary leadership and strategic thinking, which have been instrumental in shaping the company’s direction and vision.
From Vision to Reality
Ted founded Esvama after noticing a significant gap in the Scandinavian polymer market – an opportunity to create a company that could blend the competitive pricing of large traders with the customer-focused approach of local distributors. ”We positioned ourselves to offer that personal touch often missing from our larger competitors while ensuring the economic benefits remain intact,” Ted explains.
Leadership Style and Philosophy
Ted describes his leadership style as being centered around three core principles – leading by example, optimism, and humility. He believes that the essence of Esvama’s success lies in the personal development and well-being of its employees. ”I see my role primarily as a facilitator, helping to optimize each individual’s abilities and ensuring that our company values are reflected in every action we take,” Ted shares.
Innovative Customer Service
Ted explains how Esvama’s structure is fast and flexible, which is mainly due to the flat organizational structure and the independence each team member has to make decisions. He highlights a story about Jörgen, the Logistics Manager, whose ability to swiftly negotiate and manage transport logistics showcases Esvama’s agile response to customer needs. ”This ability to act quickly without waiting for approvals means we can meet customer demands faster and more efficiently than ever,” says Ted. It also allows Esvama’s customers to recieve sales confirmation within 1 hour after placing an order.
Sustainability: A Core Commitment
Sustainability is at the core of Esvama’s operations. Ted passionately discusses the integration of sustainable practices across all levels of the business, from choosing logistics partners that align with their environmental goals to pushing for a higher use of recycled materials in their products. ”We launched the ’Return’ concept, committing to buy back all materials we sell, incentivizing customers to engage in a circular economy,” Ted highlights.
Innovations in Sustainability
Esvama stands out for its innovative approach to materials, balancing market demands with a strong commitment to sustainability. ”Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) have consistently shown that plastics can be the most sustainable material choice, given their reuse potential. Therefore, while we offer a range of materials from bio-materials to recycled products, our focus remains on maximizing the use of recycled materials wherever possible.”
Ted continues, ”Plastic is only the greenest choice if we reuse it. The real challenge and our focus is on minimizing the use of single-use plastics, which are not designed for reuse and represent a significant waste of resources.”
Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in Logistics
Efficient distribution is crucial, and Esvama leverages sustainability through innovative logistics. ”We have narrowed down the number of transport companies we partner with in order to work more closely with them. Nowadays, we obtain precise CO2 emissions data for all the transports we undertake, and we regularly discuss with our partners how to select the most environmentally friendly routes without losing competitiveness.” Ted explains.
Esvama uses intermodal transportation strategies, combining road, rail, and water transport to optimize efficiency and minimize environmental impact. ”We’re also exploring the use of electric trucks for shorter distances as part of our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint,” Ted adds.
Adapting to Market Needs and Technological Advancements
Looking towards the future, Ted is excited about the potential of AI and other technologies to enhance Esvama’s market responsiveness. ”AI will not only help us in predicting market trends but also streamline our internal processes, freeing up our team to focus on value-creating activities,” he anticipates. This approach aims to maintain Esvama’s competitive edge as they balance market demands with their commitment to sustainability.
”We allow people the freedom to operate within set objectives, fostering a culture of self-motivation and we do not micro-manage ”
Team Building in a Complex Market
At Esvama, the focus is on nurturing individuals with an ambition to develop and contribute to the company’s expansion. CEO Ted emphasizes the importance of independence and responsibility among team members. ”We allow people the freedom to operate within set objectives, fostering a culture of self-motivation and we do not micro-manage ,” he says.
A Culture of Openness and Respect
Esvama’s corporate culture thrives on openness, frequent laughter, and respect for individual differences. The company promotes a positive work environment where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for improvement.
”It’s often from the mistakes we make that we get the chance to test and implement the best improvements.” Ted notes. Additionally, regular team-building activities and family-inclusive events like annual summer parties help strengthen personal connections within the team.
Vision for the Future
Over the next five years, Ted plans to steer Esvama towards becoming a hybrid between a trader and distributor, which will allow the company to serve a diverse range of customer needs while maintaining strong growth and sustainability. ”The trading business provides us with the volumes necessary for competitive purchasing, allowing us to remain competitive with full loads while also optimally serving small and medium-sized customers through a tailored distribution setup. Our aim is to blend the best of both worlds, ensuring we continue to be competitive and customer-centric,” Ted states.
Closing Thoughts
Ted’s commitment to innovation and sustainability within the polymer industry extends beyond leading a company, it involves fostering a community and an industry that prioritize both human and environmental well-being. As this article concludes, you have hopefully gained insight into the driving forces behind Esvama and its people.
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