Shaping the future together

Entering a new era with Future Flo

We invite you to take a look behind the scenes at EARLY BRANDS and discover how we shape the future every day – and create value for future generations. Today we accompany Future Flo, who, together with his team, is setting the course for the digital future in a traditional industry…

EARLY BRANDS Insight: Flo, how are you shaping future at EARLY BRANDS?

“Shaping the future” is a complex task. Every action a person takes has an impact on the future. So we all help to shape it. If we see the future as a large canvas and ourselves as “artists”, then we at EARLY BRANDS are accelerators and supporters with the know-how and tried-and-tested tools to design creative paths and successfully implement them. To create a harmonious picture on our canvas rather than chaos, we need a “guiding star” that everyone involved understands – and thus pulls together.

Insights into successful corporate development – the path to digital transformation in the traditional industrial goods sector

How do I shape the future? One example: Retail companies with whom we are currently designing projects relating to digital purchasing and sales channels for industrial goods have historically evolved and established processes. However, digitalization and big data are gradually disrupting them: anyone who streamlines and digitally supports processes has an advantage. There are different players: those who started digitally aligning their company ten years ago. Those who are currently in the process. And those who are still struggling. They all have one thing in common: they are ready for new solutions. The challenge is to get everyone on the same page and shape the future together. Some markets are almost familiar. People know each another. Like an extended family – but where you don’t always trust everyone. As is so often the case here: the big ones eat the little ones… This is the case, for example, in trading with industrial goods such as rolling bearings, screws and linear technology.

With an initiative for direct digital trading in this traditional sector, we enable every participant to achieve “digital transformation” – regardless of size or capital. My role is coordination, conceptualization in a team with IT/technology partners – and close exchange with the trading companies. The result: With a decentralized trading platform, we support decentralization so that family businesses can trade independently and sustainably – i.e. buy and sell industrial goods such as bearings conveniently and directly among themselves. We provide a “digital tool” in the form of a digital direct purchasing platform and our expertise so that companies can be successful quickly and easily.

Shaping the future: Values for the Next Generation

With initiatives such as the “digital direct purchasing platform”, we enable small and medium-sized enterprises to grow and take advantage of the opportunities of the digital age. This promotes the SME economy and also strengthens the independence of companies. It creates value for future generations – because even young buyers and sellers without many years of retail experience – keyword: shortage of skilled workers – can easily use the simple, intuitive digital direct purchasing platform. Our vision is to create a trusting community of equals in which everyone involved can look to a sustainable and successful future.

EARLY BRANDS Insight: What inspires you mostly? What are the challenges?

What particularly inspires me is the realization that we are all active co-creators of a good, liveable future. And every action, no matter how small, can bring about positive change for the future. In my experience, if you have a big goal in mind and don’t lose sight of it, you can get enthusiastic about even initially unattractive tasks. The challenge lies in agreeing on the common goal and shaping the path to it with courage and a pioneering spirit.

Achieving common goals: communication and cooperation

Time = future, right? It is important to use time wisely in order to bring about sustainable change. Communication and collaboration are essential. We focus on transparency and openness. This ensures that everyone in the team understands the common goal and contributes to it. Flexibility and agility are key components for reacting quickly and always keeping the focus on the future.

This transparent communication is not only important internally. It is essential to actively involve users. Only together with the people who use new digital tools can we bring about positive changes that involve everyone. By openly sharing ideas and needs, we ensure from the outset that our solutions are practical and beneficial for everyone involved.

EARLY BRANDS Insight: In a nutshell: What is most important?

Every day brings new challenges and opportunities that we use to create sustainable value and to positively involve, inspire and empower the people we work with in our projects. Only through transparent communication and collaboration with all stakeholders can we create a positive and inclusive future.

Catch the Future…!