Radek Novotný
- Tell me how you first got involved with Greenbuddies?
My first encounter with GreenBuddies was through a family friend who recommended me for this job. The company is full of very inspirational people. A lot of bright minds that have deep understanding of what they’re There’s a certain aura that emanates from a group of smart people working towards a common goal. And I would like to be a part of that. On top of that, there are plenty of people with a sharp sense of humour.
- What do you find most challenging about your job?
Working in sales is surprisingly creative work. You need to come up with solutions that make the deals go through, and that sometimes requires very strong imagination.
- What's your personal philosophy on what should be done about the renewables and solar industries?
I believe renewable energy should be the top priority on political agendas across the globe. Once we achieve post-energy scarcity, we can start to address other issues that are troubling our society.
- What do you do when you aren't working?
I mostly spend time with my dog and friends outdoors. I’m also a small-time musician and vintage car enthusiast.
Ilya Ermolenko
- When your friends or family find out that you work in the solar industry or renewables, what do they say or ask?
Friends and family are genuinely curious about what's happening behind the scenes in the solar industry. They hear a lot about it in the media, and some are even considering putting solar panels on their houses. In general, people are happy to learn more about what it's like to design and build solar power plants. Some seek consultations, while others ask about my opinion on the future of renewables in Europe. Overall, everyone is very supportive of my decision to work in this industry, especially after I tell them about the workplace culture at Greenbuddies.
- What do you find most challenging about your job?
The most challenging yet interesting aspect of my job as an engineer is handling difficult problems. By this, I mean the ones that can seem really hard when you first encounter them and you’re not sure how to act. However, after taking some time to think, doing some research, and asking colleagues for help, I often manage to find a simple and elegant solution. The feeling of overcoming difficult obstacles really fulfils me and makes me approach these challenges with a sense of readiness and a positive attitude.
- What has surprised you most about working with Greenbuddies?
What surprised me the most was the corporate culture. All the colleagues are so welcoming and nice that you actually feel like a part of something in this company. Before I got here, I had already expected Greenbuddies to be different from the others, but it still amazes me how a person can freely talk to anyone here, feel comfortable, and seek advice if needed. And that's not to mention the incredible team-building events both inside the Czech Republic and abroad.
Radek Kekrt
- Tell me how you first got involved with Greenbuddies?
Before I got my job at GB, I spent 25 years working in the car industry, mainly in the position of Senior Project Manager for the company MB Tech, working on the R&D site of the business, mainly for Daimler but also for other car manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers. Unfortunately, the demand for R&D services dropped in the last few years, and I had to start looking for a new job. I was looking for a project management position in any different industry, and so I got to my current position through GB.
- What was your first impression of Greenbuddies?
Very open, supportive, and friendly atmosphere.
- What's the best or worst thing to happen since you started working?
I appreciate the opportunity to start learning my new job directly on the field from the very beginning, step by step, under the supervision of more experienced colleagues.
- Is your family supporting you in your mission?
My family situation is quite suitable for this kind of job; my kids have already become my adult friends, and I do not face the usual problems with being abroad during the working days that other colleagues with small kids may face.
