Jonathan de Cartier - Participant 2020-2021
“The main challenges I encountered were understanding a new industry, in a foreign country with a different business approach.”
Role
Jonathan’s mission was to work on the transition of Renson Inc from a Belgian company that exports its products to the US market to a company with a local and dedicated US market approach and strategy.
Responsibilities
Jonathan defined several objectives that needed to be achieved such as mapping the existing route-to-market and customer footprint, conducted an analysis of the competition, identified best practices and evaluated geographical sales potential. Finally, he had to implement the strategy he had defined, a 3-year business plan, after it was validated by the company’s management.
How he benefited
Despite the obstacles and difficulties that Jonathan had to face, his Prince Albert Fund project was successful, “making me feel that I can tackle any future professional challenge”, he adds.
Working in the US also taught him a new perspective: always be one step ahead of the others, think outside the box and don’t be afraid of exporting your business.
The company – Renson
Renson’s mission is ‘Creating Healthy Spaces’. Since 1909, this Belgian family business has created a comfortable and healthy living and working environment with sophisticated ventilation, sun protection and outdoor solutions. Increasingly focused on its own research and innovation, Renson has since become internationally renowned and a fast-growing knowledgeable company.
“Jonathan’s added value was dual. On the one hand, he helped the company to define its US trajectory and needs, on the other hand, he had a more direct, hands-on and solution driven added value. He helped us to take a hard look in the mirror and rethink certain truths. In the end, the outcome was exactly what we hoped it would be, and what we actually strive for.”