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In the industry, Erwin Krekels has been the familiar face of the trade magazine *Profiel* for many years now. For the past 14 years, Erwin has served as its passionate project manager. It’s a great job, of course. Not only because he has final responsibility for the annual production of six high-quality trade magazines—with everything that entails—but also because Erwin is the driving force behind the wonderful partnerships that are formed with and around Profiel.
“Yes, there’s a certain sense of pride in that,” he says. “Although the credit for getting the project off the ground and building it up definitely goes to my predecessor, Sjoerd Vis, I’m glad I’ve been able to continue all those partnerships.”
Erwin is referring not only to the partners that readers regularly see in the publications or online, but also to the role that Profiel has often taken on—working with industry associations or advocacy groups, for example—to communicate exciting developments in the field. “Over the years, we’ve become a trusted partner for various trade show organizers. Of course, those organizations also have their own channels through which they communicate, but they see significant added value in working with us because we also have a large part of the network. In addition, I also cherish the relationships we have with various leading industry organizations. We collaborate with them regularly as well, and precisely because we’re so close to the action, we know very well what’s happening in the market and how we can tailor all our communications accordingly. The goal? To inform readers as effectively as possible.”
When Erwin is asked about specific memories, he can’t help but laugh. “I really have so many, but I’m not going to mention any in particular. You might end up leaving someone else out, but I can certainly say a few things in general. Of course, I’ve also built personal relationships with many of our clients and customers. And that’s what makes the work so much fun. When I’m visiting someone, we talk about other things, too. Sometimes happy things: births and weddings. But sometimes sad things, too. Yes, people have passed away from time to time. And that can really shake me up. At moments like that, you realize that your work as a project manager actually goes beyond just ‘Profiel.’ One day—when I eventually retire—I’ll miss that connection with everyone tremendously.”
Still, Erwin emphasizes that he doesn’t do it alone. “Of course, there’s a whole team behind me. First and foremost, my colleagues here at Louwers Mediagroep in Weert. Especially when deadlines are looming, we’re always able to work together seamlessly. After all, everyone wants the same thing: to put together the best possible trade magazine.” In addition, we have great appreciation for the countless freelancers we work with. The editors, of course, as well as the moderators for the roundtable discussions we occasionally organize. Those, too, are wonderful collaborations.”
And then, with a smile: “20 years is a wonderful age. We’re actually still very young. But at the same time, we’re flexible. Because the media landscape is changing incredibly fast. It’s almost impossible to keep up with technological developments. At the same time, I’m not worried about that. Profiel is ready for that future. Just as Louwers Mediagroep is. And just as everyone else involved is. I’m already looking forward to the next 20 years!”
