Andreas Schindler, CEO of Don Limón, agrees that a company has to be profitable. He, however, believes that focusing on developing employees to reach their full potential is an important factor in making a successful company. “It is like a ecosystem”, he says. “You need to create an environment where people can grow, just like plants in a greenhouse.”
Andreas sees Don Limón as being the umbrella “ecosystem” for the various branches of the company. This means there are now “sub-systems” where people can be added, who will then add value to the company. They do this by understanding the details in the supply chain in production from breeding, pest management and packing or even in simply trading.
The fruit and vegetable trading business has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, it was merely buying and selling fresh produce. “Now it is a far more complex, multi-layered system”, he says. “You have to know about, among other things, agriculture, pest management, the political aspects, your retailers and consumers as well as how social media is integrated in the management of the supply chain. In an ever-changing environment, it is very important to understand the whole system, from production to consumption.”
Don Limón have several important projects at the moment. These include limes from Mexico, grapes from India and sweet potatoes from Central America and Africa. This is, according to Andreas, there most important project, volume-wise. “We want to see this develop into a sustainable year-round project in these under-developed areas, where people need income and jobs.”
Andreas sees the fruit and vegetable business in a holistic way. This is why it is important for him to develop good relationships with all Stakeholders – governments, universities, development institutions or others. And of course, with the farmers, whom he also sees as customers. This is the main reason the company is focusing on their employees. “The most difficult resource to find is people who bring value to our customers, including our farmers”, he says.
“Everything is linked and has to be understood as much as possible. Complexity like in nature has to be organized – like a business Ecosystem. But it can not really be controlled.
For more information:
Andreas Schindler
Pilz Schindler GmbH
Tel: +49 0 40 3095499 45
Mob: +49 0 171 8583 211