"Communication is the key word."

Sustainability and Innovation Advisor Rougel Wienk

On Dec. 1, Rougel Wienk (57) joined VEKA. He has completed all VEKA processors already met. Now he goes out into the country to inform and advise architects, housing associations, owners' associations and real estate developers.

Anyone looking at his Linkedin profile can only conclude one thing: window frames hold no secrets for Rougel. "With my mbo diploma in Construction Engineering in my pocket, I went to work as an assembler of plastic window frames at TEHA Elements in Haaksbergen in 1988. There I learned all facets of the trade." In the more than 23 years at TEHA he held various positions, including work planner, calculator, head of work preparation, head of business office and project leader. As project leader, he later also worked for companies in the aluminum-frame industry and the wood-frame industry.

From technology to communication

"As a mechanic, I was purely concerned with engineering. In my work as a project leader, communication became the most important aspect: making sure that everyone is on the same page and that everyone knows what is expected of them. I always wanted to be involved in a project as early as possible, preferably in the preliminary phase. Because the earlier you are in discussion with the customer, the better the cooperation in the project runs." That the new challenge at VEKA greatly appeals to him is therefore no coincidence. "VEKA supports clients and architects in every conceivable way, not only with a wide range of information material and technical documentation, but also in direct contact. As a consultant, I now have the opportunity to support and direct product solutions, performance and new developments in the preliminary stage."

Active in the preliminary process

So in his role as Sustainability and Innovation consultant, communication is the key word. "We - Han Temmink and I - engage with clients, architects, housing associations, VvEs and real estate developers. We visit them by appointment and meet them at trade fairs, such as Architect@Work. Among other things, I will inform them about the technical aspects, energy performance, sustainability and TCO of VEKA profiles. New developments, such as VEKA Feinstruktur, will also be discussed. I also advise on the optimal application of VEKA profiles in sustainable and innovative projects." Targeted communication: "We increase VEKA's name recognition. In addition, we already make clear in the preliminary phase what you can do with VEKA profiles, but also what you cannot do. It's not helpful if there are still questions about this at the offer stage. Our aim is for VEKA to be prescribed in the specifications: manufacturer VEKA, profile SOFTLINE 82 NL, plus the colors and surface texture."

Private

Rougel loves his work, but also life outside of it. For example, he enjoys sports: "I used to play soccer, but because of an injury I had to stop. Then I started playing tennis: I play men's doubles and mixed doubles. On the weekends I regularly go golfing." Domestic and foreign soccer he follows closely; he is a supporter of FC Twente. "I no longer have a season ticket, but when it's convenient I go to the stadium."

Travel

Rougel is a father of two daughters, ages 28 and 25. "Since they left home, my partner and I have been able to travel a little further than Spain and Italy. Last year we went to the Dominican Republic. And we like to take city trips: we have already visited Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Valencia, Barcelona and Krakow, for example. And soon we are going to New York." Soaking up culture and good food: they enjoy it. They also admire the architecture of old churches and cathedrals: "To the architecture course I owe my interest in the history of architecture." Modern architecture, by the way, also holds his interest. He regularly watches MegaStructures on National Geographic. "Very special to see how, thanks to the computer, they design completely different structures that allow them to go even higher into the sky with buildings. You could never have designed that at the drawing board in the past."

Twente troika

With Rougel's arrival, VEKA Nederland now has a triumvirate that together can tackle all technical, commercial and sustainability questions. Another nice detail to conclude: "Han Temmink, Jeroen Holtkamp and I live near each other, within a 10 km radius."