Electric. Committed. Endenburg.
Interview with Rik Kant, Managing Director of Endenburg Elektrotechniek B.V.
From a lamp store to a specialist in electrical engineering: The history of Endenburg Elektrotechniek B.V. stretches back almost 100 years. In a discussion with Wirtschaftsforum, managing director Rik Kant provides insights into the company structure, its unique management model, and its consistent customer orientation, and reveals why he personally enjoys going to work every day.
The roots of Endenburg Holding B.V. date back to 1928, when the Kroef family founded a small lamp store. However, this retail business evolved into a highly specialized electro-technical service provider. "The decisive change came in 1959 when Gerard Endenburg junior shifted the company from retail business to B2B electrical services," says Managing Director Rik Kant. Endenburg now has approximately 130 employees and achieves an annual turnover of 22 to 23 million EUR. Since 1984, the company has also been employee-owned: "Our structure with a foundation as a partner allows us to run the company in the interest of everyone. We make decisions based on the consent principle: A decision is made when none of those present have substantiated and overriding objections to the decision and its implementation."
The Entire Range of Electrical Infrastructure
Endenburg offers a broad portfolio of electrical services, ranging from maintenance and inspections to large construction and renovation projects. "Whether transformers, emergency power systems, or intelligent charging solutions – we cover the entire range of electrical infrastructure in commercial and public buildings," says Rik Kant. The routine operations and emergency services are handled by the maintenance team, while the project team manages construction projects that can last from a few weeks to several years. Both teams operate independently, but closely coordinate with each other. A particular focus is on intelligent energy systems. "With our own data analysis tool ‘Cloud Crest’, we help customers efficiently manage energy flows – for example, during charging processes of electric vehicles," explains Rik Kant.
Convincing through Competence, Commitment and Quality
The customer portfolio of the company ranges from municipalities to educational institutions to investors and industrial companies. About half of the customers are public contractors. For Rik Kant, long-term relationships with clients are at the center of the company's philosophy: "We rely on customer teams with fixed contacts who maintain trusting relationships with our clients over the years," describes Rik Kant the approach. Customer events, networking meetings, and knowledge transfer supplement the technical work. Strict quality control by the company's own inspection engineers also ensures that customers place their trust in Endenburg – and do so for the long term. The success of this strategy is evident not least in the high rate of follow-up orders. "We convince with competence, commitment, and a high standard of quality. This ensures that we are remembered positively and that people keep coming back to us, with one successful project leading to the next," says Rik Kant.
Surprising with solutions, rather than just fulfilling requirements
What sets Endenburg apart for Rik Kant is not just the technical know-how that his company possesses to a high degree, but above all the corporate culture. "We are a family business in the best sense, even though we no longer have an owning family," says Rik Kant. Employee loyalty is high, many stay at the company for decades. The collegial atmosphere and the shared sense of responsibility are a clear competitive advantage. This is complemented by a pronounced culture of handling mistakes and the aim to surprise customers with solutions, rather than just ticking off requirements. "We do not aim for the cheapest solution, but for the best," stresses Rik Kant. This structure and this aspiration promote personal responsibility and a joy for innovation. The company is currently undergoing a transformation in leadership towards an understanding of leadership that serves, as described by Rik Kant: "Our leaders see themselves as enablers. They create an environment in which employees can develop and take responsibility," explains the CEO.
Not just empty words, but a lived commitment
Central components of the company strategy are digitalization, electrification, and sustainability. "These are more than just empty words for us, but things that we embody," explains Rik Kant. Therefore, he views sustainability not only from an ecological perspective, but as a holistic principle: "Sustainability also means taking on social responsibility as well as business continuity," he clarifies. "This ranges from healthy working conditions for our employees to long-term customer relationships." Endenburg sees electrification and digitalization as opportunities to further distinguish itself and contribute to societal progress. With its own developments such as intelligent wallbox systems or modular energy stations, the company actively drives forward the energy transition. "Our vision is a company that takes responsibility at all levels and is economically, socially, and environmentally effective," summarizes Rik Kant. The CEO himself sets a good example: "I look forward to going to work every day, because I see how we as a team are developing," he says. "Our company feels like a second home to many." It is from this spirit that success is born.