Meet the colleague: Erik Punte

At Heisterkamp Truckservice, Erik Punte ensures that everything in the workshop runs smoothly. As service coordinator, he acts as the link between customers and the mechanics and handles the scheduling. With his technical background, he knows exactly what is needed to prepare every job properly and keep the team running smoothly. In this interview, he talks about his work, the team spirit at Heisterkamp and his passion for technology and motorcycling.

What exactly does a service coordinator do?
“As a service coordinator, I’m responsible for creating work orders, recording hours, invoicing and scheduling. When the workshop manager isn’t there, I also allocate the work among the mechanics. That’s how I ensure everything runs smoothly in the workshop. I usually prepare the work orders a day in advance. I then check whether the necessary parts are in stock; if not, I make sure they are ordered. At the start of each working day, the mechanics are given their work orders, so they know exactly what needs to be done on which vehicle.''

How did you end up at Heisterkamp, and what exactly does your role involve?
“I joined Heisterkamp in January 2020 and ended up in this role. I come from a workshop background, where I worked as a mechanic for 11 years. That’s been a huge help, because you know exactly what the job entails. It took a bit of getting used to at first, but I’m now fully up to speed here.”

What’s the best thing you’ve learnt in your job, and what do you enjoy most about your role?
''Hard work pays off. When I show that I’m keen to learn and take responsibility, I really do get something in return. I’m growing in my role and gaining trust. What I enjoy most about my job is the variety: no two days are the same. The contact with customers, liaising with technicians and planning together make the work interesting. I’ve always said that I don’t want to do the same thing all day, and this job fits that perfectly.''

"If you show that you’re keen to learn and take responsibility, you’ll really get something in return."

Erik Punte - Service Coordinator at Truckservice

What are the essential skills required of a service coordinator?
''Technical knowledge is a must, that’s for sure. I also need to keep a clear overview, work in an organised manner and be able to handle stress. You’re faced with all sorts of things at once: customers calling or emailing, technicians with questions, and parts that need ordering. If I don’t stay calm, chaos quickly ensues. What also motivates me is the team. We have a close-knit and enjoyable team, and that makes every day a pleasure. What’s more, at Heisterkamp I’m given the space to develop. When I started, I knew very little about this role, but I was given the chance to grow, and that’s something that’s genuinely rewarded here.''

If you could swap lives with someone in Heisterkamp for a day, who would it be?
“The finance department sounds interesting to me. It would give me a better overall picture of Heisterkamp. I’ve always enjoyed economics, so that appeals to me.”

Which three words best describe you?
“Honest, driven and able to handle pressure. I stay calm, even when things get busy. I’m very solution-oriented. Even when things seem chaotic, I keep my cool and maintain a clear overview.”

What do you like to do in your free time?
''I love motorcycling, skiing and spending time with friends. Every year, a group of us go skiing in Austria. On Sundays, I love going for a walk with my girlfriend and the dogs, and then rounding off the day with a platter of snacks and a good TV series. I mainly go motorcycling with my dad. We enjoy going on touring trips; last summer we spent two weeks in Norway.''

Erik’s workday soundtrack
🎧 Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi
🎧 Faster - Within Temptation
🎧 Sweet Child O’mine - Guns N' Roses

Do you have any advice for someone who wants to become a service coordinator?
“Keep a clear overview, work in an organised manner and stay calm when things get busy. And perhaps most importantly: make sure you enjoy what you do. If you do that, the rest will follow naturally.”