Oliver Konrad’s journey to Sales Director
Time flies when you are passionate about what you do. When Oliver Konrad first joined Profiltra three and a half years ago as a Technical Sales Manager, it marked a major milestone in his career. After spending over 25 years with a single company, stepping into a completely new environment was a true leap of faith.
Today, Oliver has not only seamlessly integrated into the Profiltra family but has stepped up as the company’s Color Solutions Sales Director. We sat down with Oliver to look back at his transition, discuss his evolving role, and explore where he plans to lead the sales team next.
From direct impact to strategic mentorship
While Oliver still manages his key market in Germany, his daily routine now centers on empowering others. “The biggest change in my daily work is that I am no longer just responsible for my own results, which I can influence directly,” Oliver explains. “Now, it’s about indirect responsibility and ensuring our colleagues across different regions are equally successful.
My function has evolved into finding the perfect balance: giving the team the freedom to operate under their own regional responsibilities, while guiding them toward a shared target.” For Oliver, this new mentorship role brings a deep sense of fulfillment. “Being a mentor to our newer team members, sharing my knowledge, and helping them improve their performance is incredibly satisfying,” he smiles.
The Power of a Colorful Team
When asked about the ultimate strength of the Profiltra sales team, Oliver doesn’t hesitate to credit the diverse personalities within the department. He views this diversity as their greatest asset when tackling the specialized B2B landscape. “Our greatest strength is that we have completely different characters on board,” says Oliver. “Everyone has their own unique style, which is wonderful. We aren’t just black or white; our team is incredibly colorful.
While everyone is unique, we are all heading in the same direction and following the same target: delivering excellent results for our clients and the company.” To achieve these targets, Oliver works in close collaboration with Business Director Remco Roest, carefully balancing Profiltra’s ambitious goals with the practical realities of the market. “On one hand, you have the growth ambitions from the board,” Oliver notes. “On the other hand, you have the reality of the market with the natural ups and downs of the global economic environment.
My role is to bring these two worlds together. I believe in being as realistic as possible. Making promises you can never keep is not my style. We discuss challenges openly with Remco, and we always find a common, workable solution.”
Passion as the Foundation for Success
With nearly 30 years of industry experience, Oliver is no stranger to the natural pressures that come with a director-level role. His secret to managing it? A genuine joy for the work. “You need to deliver results, yes, but you should never lose the happiness in what you do,” Oliver says. “If you don’t like waking up in the morning to start working, you cannot be successful. Even today, I wake up looking forward to the challenges of the day. No two days are ever the same. You can plan your schedule, but a call from a colleague or an unexpected customer request can change everything.
I love that dynamic. I am definitely not made to sit in an office just putting stamps on paper!” When asked what advice he would give to colleagues aspiring to make their own career steps within Profiltra, Oliver answers: “Always try to put yourself in the shoes of your counterpart. Whether that is a colleague, a customer, or a supplier. Trying to truly understand the position of the other person, choosing the right words and finding that empathetic balance is what ultimately helps you develop. When you maintain that mindset, growth follows naturally.”
Grow your career at Profiltra!
Inspired by Oliver’s story? We are always on the lookout for new talent to strengthen our team and share in our success. Find your next challenge here and become part of TeamProfiltra!