Erza Mehmeti: How long have you been with KYBURZ?

Francesco Bagnato: Since September 2022.

Erza: How did you hear about us?

Francesco: I have known KYBURZ since the mid-90s. Martin Kyburz came to me for the first chargers for his projects. I delivered them "off the loading dock"...

Erza: What did you do before KYBURZ?

Francesco: Basically something similar. In a small 5 man engineering office we developed, produced and sold electronics and chargers for industrial floor cleaning machines. Who hasn't seen this in swimming pools, airports and shopping centres. My activities were purchasing, sales, customer service, project management and helping in development/engineering. In a small company you have your nose in everything...

Erza: What are your activities?

Francesco: I am in strategic purchasing. This includes looking for new suppliers, evaluating new parts, negotiating prices, etc. And since we are very busy at the moment, I also help out in operational purchasing.

Erza: What are your strengths?

Francesco: One of my strengths is listening. I try to put myself in the other person's shoes. That way I understand better where the shoe pinches and can, for example, discuss a problem or a concern in depth. Another strength is "fiddling". An example: I take some object in my hand or look at something and imagine how it came about. Is it good, would I have done it differently, can I improve it? In today's throwaway society, I am exactly the opposite. When something breaks or no longer works, it comes into my hands and I try to fix it. Only when I am unsuccessful does it go into the rubbish. My chances of success are about 85%! Otherwise, I describe myself as a very sociable person. I'm always in a good mood and always thinking positively. And I think my fellow men recognise that too.

Erza: What motivates you?

Francesco: People who are cheerful, who enjoy life, who don't "grumble" about everything, who take every day as if it were their last, because that's how I am too. I always try to make the best of every situation. Of course, I don't always succeed, there are always hurdles, but hurdles are there to be overcome and not to stop in front of them.

Erza: What is your typical daily routine?

Francesco: I am usually an early riser, one of the first in the office. This way I can check emails in peace and set the priorities for the working day. Once set, the daily routine "emerges". It can be telephone calls, clarifications regarding deliveries or orders, problem solving and discussions with colleagues as well as meetings. No day is like the other, each one has its own charm.

Erza: What do you like? What not so much?

Francesco: I like the work itself, I like working together as a team. Also the composition of the team, consisting of many different cultures, different age groups, but still the atmosphere is very good and collegial, also friendly.

Erza: What do you like to do in your free time?

Francesco: Everything that has to do with outdoor activities: Gardening, cycling, visiting castles and cities with my wife, etc. I am also a proud owner of an old 67 Vespa 150 Sprint, which my father bought back then. I take it out for a stroll when the weather is nice! And not to forget: Football! I'm an SSC Napoli fan and go to the club's home games at the Stadio Maradona in Naples with my son!

Erza: What are your plans for the future?

Francesco: My future plans are simply explained. I try to continue to keep fit. I am grateful to God for every day he gives me. It is important for me to maintain good relationships - especially with my family. A big event is already being planned. In November this year, we are going to Australia with my wife. It's our 30th anniversary.