A new challenge in a growing company
Regiane de Santana is the partner of owner Ruben van Schoor and works as an accountant at SolarWash. Together, they are driving the strong growth of the company, which is still quite a challenge with a daughter who is less than a year old.
Regiane is from Brazil. There, she worked as a nurse in a hospital for ten years. A profession in which precision, care and responsibility are key. These are the qualities that now also help her in SolarWash's financial administration.
"When I moved to the Netherlands, I entered a completely different profession," Regiane explains. "One and a half years ago, I started working as an accountant. It's new to me, but I learn every day."
That eagerness to learn is paying off. With help from colleagues at another organisation where she also works a few days, she is systematically building up her knowledge. "If I have doubts about tax matters or accounting rules, help is always close at hand," she says.
More than just numbers
At SolarWash, Regiane is primarily responsible for accounting, but as Ruben's partner, she plays a broader role in the organisation. "I also help Ruben with quotations and liaise with customers on various queries," she says. Those customer contacts range from practical matters to first-line support; like Ruben, she is close to the customer.
Two days a week she works for SolarWash, three days for another company. Combining this work with caring for their young daughter requires some organisation, but Regiane knows how to manage her time well.
Experiencing growth from within
What motivates Regiane most in her work is the growth she experiences up close. "What I enjoy most is seeing the company grow. That is very beautiful. We both work hard, but then when I also see the results, it makes me very happy."
She says this growth is not coming out of the blue. "It comes from the efficiency of the company and because we are easily accessible to customers. If someone has a question, they don't first have to go through a whole procedure or a service desk with a telephone menu. With us, you immediately speak to the people who help you directly. That inspires confidence," says Regiane. And that says it all about SolarWash's corporate culture.
Working with your partner
Asked what it is like to work with your partner, Regiane replies that they handle it very professionally and are able to keep business and private life well separated. "Of course we also talk about things at SolarWash outside working hours. She spars with Ruben, but ultimately he is ultimately responsible.
This clear division of roles works well for SolarWash. Regiane brings in her own expertise, her careful approach and her growing knowledge of the administrative processes in the solar industry. "We know that in this young company we have to work very hard to build it up. I support where needed. Together we can achieve more."
This 'together' also manifests itself in practice. Whereas Ruben is mainly in the field and maintains customer relations, Regiane makes sure the administrative side runs smoothly. "The beauty of our company is that we cover both sides well, the practice as well as the administration and service. Clients notice that we have everything in order."
Learning in a new industry
Although Regiane has no technical background in solar energy, she is becoming increasingly involved in the field. "I get to learn a lot and learn about solar panels, energy systems, different problems that can occur and how to solve them."
She builds that knowledge through various channels. "I went to trade fairs a few times, nationally and internationally. Also at solar panel factories. It's very interesting to see and learn how it all works."
She also learns from working with partners and suppliers on a daily basis. "If someone has a question and Ruben provides an answer, I often look along and learn from that in turn. From all the people around you, you learn something."
Looking to the future
For Regiane, working at SolarWash is more than a job, it is investing in the future. "We started not so long ago, but we already have seriously big customers. We see a lot of potential and future in this business. We can and expect to grow significantly in the coming years."
Besides work
And besides work? Then Regiane and Ruben enjoy their shared hobby: looking after their animals. On SolarWash's premises, they run llamas and deer, among others. "That's our hobby together," she says with a laugh. "I don't have a favourite among the animals, all animals are dear to us."
With her combination of diligence, eagerness to learn and commitment, Regiane is an important link in the growing SolarWash. From nurse to accountant, sometimes a new challenge leads to the most wonderful opportunities.