In June 2024; Johan de Bie joined the global network of ERA Group as a partner. In his profile text; you can read a brief summary of his time before ERA and the expertise he brings with him.
To get to know our new people a little better; we ask each new partner six questions after they join. Read Johan's spontaneous response:
1. Why this new step in your career?
I had been considering starting my own business for a number of years. As my own boss; I can determine the content and variety of my work myself and focus fully on what I enjoy doing: implementing improvements.
In my last job; where I was responsible for due diligence; management and business integration as a project director; I noticed that my drive was being stifled by changes in policy. That's when I knew it was time to take the helm myself.
At that moment; ERA Group came along and everything fell into place...
2. Was this what you wanted to be when you were a little boy?
Even as a little boy; I wanted to take on jobs myself 😉. But as the director of a construction company; just like my father and my grandfathers. As a partner at ERA; part of my childhood dream is now coming true.
3. Every career has its ups and downs. What are you proud of? And what would you like to do over?
I am proud of many things; but the most successful achievements in my career have always been the result of optimal collaboration by an entire team. Although I led and facilitated such a team; the most important thing is that you need other people to make it a success.
And do something over; with the wisdom of hindsight...? Every choice I've made has shaped me into who I am. Perhaps I should have joined ERA Group earlier.
4. What kind of (work) challenge would get you out of bed?
I always get a lot of energy when I can help solve or prevent a problem. Especially when something doesn't seem right. Those kinds of situations even keep me awake at night.
For example; I once experienced a situation where the rates for a project were excellent; as was the end result. Yet; for unclear reasons; the margin for the company as a whole remained below par. By diving into the details; I discovered that this was due to an incorrect booking; which meant that everything cost more than it yielded. Find me a bleeder like that; and you can wake me up!
5. Who is your role model?
There are so many people I admire for what they have achieved. But if I had to choose one; I am especially proud of my wife. Through her commitment to quality; her perseverance and her loving passion for sheep; she has succeeded in building a wonderful landscape management business.
6. What is your ERA dream?
To work on many assignments and thus contribute successfully to the growth of the ERA Group network. But that is; of course; very general.
During my MBA research; I discovered that a long-term and successful collaboration between asset owner and contractor is fertile ground for cost savings. The informal network plays a crucial role in this because it promotes trust; which is essential for good collaboration.
My dream is to gain this trust among ERA customers and help them with solutions that are a godsend.
ERA is delighted that Johan will be strengthening the network and wishes him every success and enjoyment; in line with his motto: 'Success is achieved together'.
