Our guest for this issue of the New Generation interview series, where we listen to successful young managers in the Turkish woodworking machinery sector about their perspectives, outlook on the future, goals, and advice, was Can Akkuş, International Sales and Marketing Manager at Fen-iş Machinery. Akkuş, stating that over the 54 years of production at Fen-iş Machinery, they have exported to over 50 countries, said, “As Turkish woodworking machinery manufacturers, the value we place on innovation, our increasing quality, evolving brand image, and branding vision have allowed us to gain significant global market share. Considering the balance of price and quality, we are a major competitor to European brands. In fact, it is even possible to see that we are ahead of Europe in some markets and product categories.
As part of the New Generation, we conducted an interview with Can Akkuş, International Sales and Marketing Manager at Fen-iş Machinery, who brought attention to Türkiye’s rising brand image and export success in the woodworking machinery sector. Akkuş highlighted the importance of R&D and innovation for increasing export figures and diversifying markets. He also noted that the WoodTech Fair, which they participate in every year, is a valuable meeting point for industry professionals.
- First, could you tell us a bit about yourself? How many years have you been in the professional business world?
First of all, I would like to thank AİMSAD, one of the most important organizations in our sector, for the value and importance it places on us, the second and third-generation representatives who are the future of our country’s esteemed companies. I am pleased to share my perspective on the sector and the future. I am Can Akkuş, the son of Tuncay Akkuş, a second-generation representative of Fen-iş Machinery. I am a third-generation member of the company. I am 30 years old and it has been six years since I have started my professional career within our company and the sector. Since my childhood, I have had the chance to be involved in different roles within our company. Thanks to my dear father, Tuncay Akkuş, I have always had the opportunity to be part of various aspects of the business and benefit from the experiences of our founder, my grandfather Durmuş Akkuş, and my father. I completed my education in International Trade at Beykent University in Istanbul. After finishing my education, I started my full-time professional career at our company. Currently, I am working as the International Sales and Marketing Manager at our company.
“54 years, over 50 export markets”
- As a young manager, how do you assess the current state of the woodworking machinery sector? What should be done to increase export figures and diversify markets?
It is quite gratifying to see our sector, which has a significant share in the global economy, developing day by day in Türkiye as well. Previously, Europe held a larger share of the market, but as Turkish woodworking machinery manufacturers, the value we place on innovation, our increasing quality, evolving brand image, and branding vision have allowed us to gain significant global market share over time. Considering the balance of price and quality, we are a major competitor to European brands. In fact, it is even possible to see that we are ahead of Europe in some markets and product categories. I appreciate AİMSAD’s ongoing efforts to promote Turkish machinery manufacturers to the world through fairs, magazines, and various materials in international markets. At Fen-iş Machinery, we take pride in advancing our country in external markets by exporting to over 50 countries over our 54 years of production. As Turkish machinery manufacturers, we always prioritize quality, functionality, and design concerns over cost in our R&D and innovation efforts, continuing to showcase our products in the best possible way at international industry fairs. I believe this progress will continue rapidly.
“We strive to integrate new technologies into our business processes”
- Could you provide information about the efforts you are making to adapt to new technologies in both company management and production, and how you are using these to give your company a competitive edge?
In our company, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. We listen to our employees’ ideas, understand the needs of our customers in the market, research new technologies, and make efforts to integrate them into our business processes. Additionally, we continually invest in R&D, keeping up with and implementing the latest technologies available in the market. This allows us to make our production processes more efficient. We also support these processes with production and management software, enhancing productivity and control in production through digital means.
“Communication and motivation come first in everything”
- As a young manager, what management strategies do you implement to motivate your team and enhance their performance?
First and foremost, communication and motivation come first. Whether you are a manager or an employee, it is essential to prioritize communication and, consequently, motivation. Everyone working at our company, including ourselves, is part of the Fen-iş Machinery family, and it is this collective motivation that has allowed us to advance successfully for 54 years. To inspire the team, clearly present the company’s goals and the bigger picture, and increase the team’s enthusiasm for contributing to these goals, I set clear and measurable goals and openly share with the team how to achieve these goals. I ensure that progress is regularly monitored and feedback is provided. These steps are important motivators that strengthen our culture of collaboration. As a team, our greatest motivation is having an innovative perspective on the future based on our experience from the past.
“I take inspiration from Gianni Agnelli’s innovative perspective”
- Is there a leader you are inspired by in your professional life? What have you learned from this leader?
There are actually many leaders I look up to in my professional life. My father is the most important leader that inspires me. His boundless energy, dedication to work, innovative mindset open to new ideas, emphasis on communication, ability to make quick decisions, and unwavering commitment to honesty have made significant contributions to my professional life. In the industrial world, I am Gianni Agnelli inspires me.
He is a significant leader known for his innovative perspective in the business world. By leading Fiat from the early 1960s to the early 2000s, he transformed the company into a global automotive giant. Agnelli is known for his leadership style, strategic vision, and bold decisions. He also played a decisive role in the modernization of Italian industry and its impact on the global market. Agnelli was a leader who not only played an active role in the business world but also contributed to Italy’s economic and social development through his involvement in social responsibility.
“A healthy mind and body are the most important factors for sustainability”
- How do you approach maintaining a balance between career and personal life amidst a busy work schedule?
The key to success in life is maintaining a balance between work and personal life. We work in a very intense environment, and inevitably, sometimes work can take precedence over personal life. However, I always ensure that outside of work hours, I allocate time for myself, my family, and hobbies I enjoy to sustain my motivation. I plan and prioritize my work and personal activities on a weekly or daily basis. By identifying key tasks, I use my time more efficiently. A healthy mind and body are the most important factors for sustainability.
- What are your recommendations for young professionals regarding networking?
Networking is a strategic skill that plays an important role in the careers of young professionals. This process is a critical tool for gaining access to job opportunities, acquiring new knowledge and perspectives, and building long-term relationships. As a first step, build diverse networks by connecting with people from different sectors and disciplines. This provides you with opportunities for different perspectives and collaborations. Secondly, attend networking events regularly and engage actively. These events allow you to meet potential employers or mentors, learn about the latest industry developments, and distinguish yourself. Finally, prioritize maintaining relationships. After the initial interaction, regularly update your connections, share valuable information, and try to help others. This process can play a significant role in your career development and lay a strong foundation for long-term success.
5 goals in 5 years
- What are your top 5 goals for the next 5 years in your professional life?
- Increase export figures to create more users of Fen-iş Machinery in international markets.
- Enhance brand value through marketing and communication strategies to strengthen the company’s recognition in the sector.
- Follow technology trends and develop digital transformation and innovation projects to boost the company’s competitive edge.
- Provide more employment.
- Actively participate in and support social responsibility projects that benefit the society and the environment.
“We are very pleased to participate in the WoodTech Fair every year”
- Can you provide a general assessment of the WoodTech Fair?
We are very pleased to participate in the WoodTech Fair every year, which is one of the most important fairs in the industry. The WoodTech Fair has become a key meeting point for Europe, the Balkans, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, with increasing numbers of visitors and quality each year. Currently, many more Turkish machine manufacturers are showcasing their products at this fair with much larger exhibit spaces. This reflects the growing interest and trust of professional participants in Turkish machines.
