‘I am not rich enough to buy cheap product’!
Ike Topselvi, hygienic products manager at Dixon Group Europe – a manufacturer and supplier of hose and coupling products to the food and drink industry – talks economic challenges and why he’s not a dreamer
Describe yourself in three words
Ambitious, fun, straightforward.
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
Starting the hygienic products program for Dixon Valve and Coupling under Dixon Group Europe and growing it to where it is today. Five years ago we barely knew what the European market needed, but today we have a full range of hygienic process components.
How did you get to where you are today?
By hard work, determination and a little bit of luck. From 1994 to 1998, I was with the Air Force working on the jet engines of F4s and, subsequently, the mighty KC135 Air Tanker. However, I loved business so in 2000 I joined Dixon Sanitary as a sales representative, before an opportunity came up to work for our European division in 2007.
What is your pet hate?
Sub-par products that are flooding the industry, and being told we must compete. In my professional life, as well as personal, I live by my father’s words: “I am not rich enough to buy cheap product!”
Give us a positive prediction for the industry over the next 12 months
Due to economic challenges, many companies have delayed or cancelled new process projects in recent years. However, we are now seeing a dramatic increase in new projects as the processing industry feels more secure and willing to invest.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Ask the right questions, build the right team and trust that the people will make the right decisions on their own.
Who do you most admire?
My father, who grew up on the streets as an orphan to become a master tailor and head of our family. He never stopped working or improving, and learned how to read and write at the age of 60 – which taught me that it is never too late.
Which people or organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
Organisations that contribute to the industry by innovating products, utilising apprentice programmes, and holding industry seminars and training sessions are the ones that will succeed. One such company is The Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers Association, which serves our industry at every level.
Which words do you most overuse?
‘Vision’, possibly because people call me a dreamer and this is my way of correcting them. To me, a dreamer is someone who buys a lottery ticket and then dreams of things they are going to do when they win. Conversely, I visualise what I would like to achieve, and plan out the steps required to get there. In short, a vision is a dream that includes a well laid-out plan.
If you weren’t at Dixon Valve, what else might you be doing?
Running an animal sanctuary. I’ve always had a soft spot for those who cannot fend for themselves, and I believe that there’s too much cruelty against living creatures.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know
I can speak fluent Turkish and some German. Also, my wife tells me that I make the best chicken stew, but I think this is just her way of getting me to cook!
Any vices?
I enjoy both playing and watching basketball, and can spend hours in front of the television watching any kind of sport. Also, I can’t survive without chocolate.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
A unified global hygienic standard that everyone adheres to.
How do you relax?
My family is my sanctuary. Nothing beats coming home to my wife, son and two man-size dogs with unconditional love and wet noses!
How would you like to be remembered?
I believe I have to focus on my life, my family, and my work. I will do so honestly, passionately, and with a vision to better it to the day it’s all over. How I will be remembered has no importance to me.
