INVENT Stories from IFAT
IFAT is always an exciting challenge for INVENT – be it during preparation, realization, or on the days of the exhibition itself. Everyone at INVENT is enthusiastic to provide our visitors with a unique experience. In this interview series, INVENT employees share their own stories about IFAT. Today, Fabian Popp (Technical Sales) and Walter Steidl (Head of Technical Sales)’s turn.
Could you tell us more about yourselves and your roles at INVENT?
Fabian Popp: I’ve been working as a sales engineer at INVENT for five years, mainly looking after customers in Scandinavia and the Balkans. My preferred areas of expertise are MBBRs and lagoon applications.
Walter Steidl: I have been working at INVENT for over 25 years and have therefore been to IFAT countless times. I have been head of the Technical Sales department, which is responsible for preparing quotations, for over 10 years. Since my beginnings at INVENT, I have been the contact person for all questions relating to mixing tasks.
Walter, why do you believe an exhibition is so important?
Walter Steidl: I think exhibitions like IFAT offer everyone in the industry the opportunity to obtain comprehensive information about innovations. In addition to exhibiting new products, the focus is on exchanging ideas with existing and potential customers and sales partners. But it’s also always a kind of community that meets every two years to discuss water-related topics.
Fabian, why do you prefer an exhibition over the office?
Fabian Popp: Because you can interact directly with customers and understand their needs. At the trade fair, you can also see the latest trends and developments in the industry up close. The exhibition also has a lively atmosphere that boosts my creativity and motivation.
“Why are you asking me so much, all I need is a mixer…” – Please tell us what’s actually behind it.
Walter Steidl: That is simply our philosophy, to take a holistic approach to a task. We don’t just want to sell any product, but the one that best suits the customer’s requirements. To do this, we have to understand the entire process and weigh it up accordingly – always in dialog with the customer. Naturally, we have to ask a lot of questions in order to understand everything down to the last detail.
Fabian Popp: Our core competence lies in accepting and overcoming challenges. We deal intensively with every inquiry and strive to understand the process thoroughly. We select products that meet the highest standards for each specific case.
What are your favorite products at the INVENT booth and why?
Fabian Popp: Definitely the HYPERCLASSIC®-Mixing and Aeration System in a cage construction. It offers numerous advantages; it can be lifted out of a tank, has a large operating range and offers effective aeration performance with low wear. In addition, it can be equipped with various options to efficiently clean even highly contaminated wastewater.
Walter Steidl: My favorite product is also the HYPERCLASSIC®-Mixing and Aeration System in a cage construction. It simply has a few features that can only be found in this system. Our exhibit is on display in its original size and as a functional model. This gives us the opportunity to clearly explain the functionality to potential customers.
