This week, we sat down with Alex Hofer, our Technical Sales Representative and a prominent member of the Rochem US team. Delve into his day-to-day routine and his contributions during his nearly decade-long journey at Rochem.
Can you tell us more about your role and what you do?
I’m a Technical Sales Representative for the Gulf Coast Region. My goal is to support our customers with the best quality products and solutions, with excellent customer service. I’ll meet with our clients, conduct site surveys, inspect the equipment, and prepare quotes and proposals to address the needs at the site.
What does a typical day at Rochem look like for you?
There’s no such thing as a typical day, this role keeps you on your toes! But, in all seriousness, my days can be categorized as “in the office”, or “out in the field.”
While in the office I’m spending my time communicating with clients, coordinating with our production and engineering team, setting appointments and arranging travel for meetings and industry conferences.
While out in the field I may be simply catching up with a customer over lunch, or I could be attending a wash to see if improvements can be made to the procedure, or a walk down of the unit may be required to provide our team with technical data for specifying the correct equipment. Every day is different, which I enjoy.
What do you specialize in?
Before starting at Rochem, I had previously worked in procurement. I believe holding that position helped me understand the perspective of the person sitting in the other chair. Perspective and understanding the need to listen, just as much as I speak, have been important in building good customer relationships.
What is the most valuable piece of advice anyone ever gave you?
“If you don’t know the answer, just be honest.” I have a background in aviation and had classes on gas turbine theory but didn’t fully understand the industrial application. Early in my career, I often would have to say, “I don’t know the answer, but I’ll find out.” Many of our customers took the time to explain to me the power generation business and how the plant works. By being the “new guy”, taking an interest and asking a lot of questions I’ve met many mentors that have helped me along the way.
What do you think the future of the industry looks like?
I think gas generation has a bright future and will continue to play a major role in reliability. With advances in technology, increases in efficiency and dispatchability there will be a continued need for clean and efficient compressors.
What is your favourite part of your role?
Every project is different, I enjoy travelling and meeting new people. Helping people reach a goal, or objective, collaborating through the process and seeing the end result is the most rewarding.
What makes Rochem a great company to work for?
Definitely. The team's comradery and the support from everyone at the company. In the US, we are a relatively small operation, but with technology making it easier than ever to connect we can collaborate with all our people across the world.
What are some of your passions outside of work?
Anything that gets me outside! I played a lot of team sports growing up, so I enjoy some friendly competition and now I stay involved in a couple of leagues. On the weekend, you can find me on the course playing a round of eighteen with good friends, or out on the water with a fishing pole in my hands.