The history of Vincent Kleintjens as an entrepreneur!
On November 17, 2023, Entrepreneur Day, we celebrate Vincent Kleintjens. An entrepreneur who has left his mark on the battery world for three decades. In this article, we not only share the success story of Intercel but also highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of Vincent Kleintjens. His vision, courage, and ability to recognize opportunities make him not only a business leader but also a true entrepreneur at heart.
Three decades of pioneering
Intercel began in 1988 as a small enterprise in a living room in Bloemendaal. Vincent quickly took the lead in introducing new battery technologies. In a time when the market was still selling traditional batteries, Intercel became the first to launch fully sealed battery systems, eliminating the need for refilling. This move caught the attention of clients in critical sectors such as banking, insurance, and travel. Vincent’s early recognition of market trends and the courage to take unconventional paths characterize him as a trailblazing entrepreneur.
Entrepreneurship in times of change
In 2000, Vincent took over Intercel amidst the millennium bug and the introduction of the euro, no small feat. However, Vincent did not shy away. He led the team through challenging periods, such as the 2001/2002 crisis, with determination and resilience. His entrepreneurship proved to be the catalyst behind Intercel’s rapid growth.
In a rapidly changing world, Vincent continued to adapt to new challenges. His understanding of the importance of automated processes led to the implementation of an ERP system, making Intercel more agile and flexible. This ability to pivot quickly and adapt operations illustrates his entrepreneurship.
The evolution of Intercel
Vincent’s entrepreneurship is evident in the choices he made to respond to market changes. He saw Intercel not only as a company enabling electrification but as a transformative force in the market. This vision led to the establishment of three key business units within Intercel.
- Intercel: Batteries
Vincent’s leadership ensured that Intercel Batteries remained focused on delivering high-quality, sustainable batteries. The constant commitment to quality and willingness to adapt to changing market conditions reflect Vincent’s entrepreneurial vision. Under his guidance, Intercel Batteries continues to be a standard-setting force in the world of energy storage.Vincent Kleintjens’ entrepreneurship has shaped Intercel Batteries into an essential player in energy storage, where innovation and customer-centricity go hand in hand. The story of Intercel Batteries reflects Vincent’s ability to recognize opportunities, innovate, and grow his business.
- Intercel: Electrification
With changing market dynamics, there arose a need to electrify machinery traditionally running on diesel. This resulted in the creation of Intercel’s Electrification business unit. Here, custom-made batteries are developed to facilitate the transition from diesel to electric for various equipment. Vincent’s visionary approach positions Intercel as a pioneer in this shift toward sustainable energy.
- Intercel: Energy Storage Systems (ESS)
Another significant development under Vincent’s leadership is the establishment of the Energy Storage Systems (ESS) business unit. This unit provides battery systems ranging from refrigerator to sea container sizes. Energy storage systems play a crucial role in current issues of grid congestion and storing sustainably generated energy from solar parks or wind turbines.
Vincent Kleintjens: more than just an entrepreneur
Vincent’s strategic decisions have transformed Intercel into a versatile company that not only anticipates today’s needs but also paves the way for a sustainable future. His entrepreneurial spirit and innovative direction form the basis for Intercel’s mission: “Developing, producing, and delivering the most suitable energy solution, using high-quality batteries and accessories and building valuable long-term relationships.”
But Vincent stands out not only in the workplace but also beyond. He is a colleague you’d enjoy having a beer with, always up for a good conversation, not only about work but also about what’s happening outside. His approachability and enthusiasm create an atmosphere where you immediately feel at ease.
He is not just the Managing Director setting the course; he is also the man ensuring that we don’t forget to celebrate. As the organizer of parties and events, he elevates team spirit to new heights. Recently, we celebrated Intercel’s 35th anniversary on Terschelling, an experience we won’t soon forget. Vincent makes it clear that at Intercel, it’s not just about work; it’s also about the people who make that work possible.
