With a background in electromechanics, Vingerhoets got his start repairing consumer gaming controls before moving to a company selling 2D and 3D machine control technology. After a few years in a sales position there, he was tapped to become product manager for Komatsu Europe’s intelligent machine control (IMC) department.
At the time, Vingerhoets was feeling ready for a new challenge. “I thought maybe I wanted to do something bigger, more Europe-wide, more global. I wanted more new experiences.” Komatsu fit the bill — but he quickly realized it was also a stretch.
“Coming from a smaller organization, I had a lot to learn,” he said. After years focusing only on sales, he now found himself juggling sales goals, profit projections and cost calculations. He had moments when he wondered if it was the right job for him, but they were dispelled after talking to his manager — a conversation that was followed by training, coaching and encouragement.
Vingerhoets went on to accept growing levels of responsibility as Komatsu’s IMC business grew, eventually moving to the Smart Construction team when that line of products and solutions was launched. Today, he is Senior Commercial Manager for Komatsu Europe, leading sales and business development for Komatsu products and solutions. It’s a role that puts him and his team at the fast-paced center of innovation as they introduce Komatsu’s cutting-edge advancements to distributors and customers. No day is the same, the technology is evolving all the time and business practices are always changing, too. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I need those innovative products. I can't live in an environment where it is day-in, day-out, the same business. That wouldn't work for me,” Vingerhoets said. “And I have found these challenges from day one at Komatsu.”
When he met a new challenge in the form of his first child, Vingerhoets learned to appreciate Komatsu in other ways. He’s grateful the company understands that two working parents need flexibility at times. His son, now 5, keeps him on the run more than ever, Vingerhoets said with a laugh. "It's not easy from time to time, but it is easier to manage if you work for a company like Komatsu.”
