Daniel Van Wyk, CEO of Quadro Solutions Inc., manages his company by employing winners, setting clear expectations and then following up to ensure the development and success of all employees. BIC Magazine recently visited with Van Wyk to learn more about key moments in his career and how he’s led Quadro to become a provider of high quality consulting, software and training solutions for the industry.
Q: What led you to start Quadro Solutions?
A: The initial intention was not to start a company, but to simply do consulting on SAP® implementation for a few clients, mostly one at a time. Then, as time progressed, I worked with a few great companies that were very focused on reliability and excellence in maintenance. This allowed me to develop well-defined work processes, configuration upgrades, training system/materials and software solutions. By working with these clients for a long period, I was able to understand the impact of what we implemented and decided it would be important for other companies to have access to these solutions. I started Quadro Solutions in 2003.
Q: What is the biggest news at Quadro Solutions right now?
A: We are working on the commercialization of reliability and maintenance solutions that are SAP plant maintenance (PM) centered, which help our clients to gain real benefits from their SAP implementations. Most manufacturing facilities have the same maintenance challenges, and over the years we learned how to help resolve those issues by creating standardized solutions. Our focus is to package and commercialize these solutions, while ensuring enough solution flexibility to support individual company or facility needs.
Q: What has been the most pivotal moment of your career?
A: Early in my career as a young SAP PM implementation consultant, I was shocked and awed to find the work processes and software solutions we designed as part of corporate initiatives were actually used at the plant level. Seeing how the work we did impacted hundreds to thousands of people brought home the importance of doing everything correctly every time, without fail.
After implementation and training I am somewhat skeptical about the level of use and compliance, and to then see those solutions actually being used is very satisfying. I also realized we had something in our possession that makes a difference in the workplace. You have to be very disciplined, structured, focused and persistent to give your clients the best while being able to maintain a balance toward your own personal and company’s growth.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote? Why is it your favorite?
A: I have several sayings and quotes to help motivate and focus people to work and persist toward the correct outcome. My favorites are probably “The gold is in the follow-up” and “Sixty percent of success is due to persistence.” I also like “Excellence is a journey that starts with a well-crafted vision!” I like these quotes because they help people to focus on the right principles.
Q: What are you reading right now?
A: I am reading two books by the same authors — “Influencer” and “Change Anything” by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron MacMillan and Al Switzler. These books give a framework for what changes people’s behavior, and how all of us contribute toward change. I like the “six sources of influence” outlined in the books as it provides a clear structure and predictable path toward “changing anything.” I find it useful in my personal life, and when helping organizations to change and improve their reliability and maintenance outcomes.
For more information, visit www.Quadro-Solutions.com or call (281) 978-4259.
