Celebrating 12 years – Meet Rob Veith
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A giant in the renewable energy recruitment industry, Robert Veith has been a key component in AltGen’s success. A highly skilled negotiator and first-class giver of advice, we think Rob is an all-round cool dude and we’re grateful for everything he has given to AltGen.
Rob is well-versed in all renewable energy disciplines from solar, to wind, to green hydrogen. Well-loved amongst clients and candidates alike, Rob is your go-to guy for any recruitment solution.
Trekking through the bush for an interview was a new one for our marketing team, but wow was it an experience!
Tell us a bit about what it was like growing up with AltGen?
Hard work and dedication from day one – eye on the ball at all times. AltGen underwent a lot of changes over the years and being part of that is both exciting and daunting – it is not for everyone. Having a birds-eye view on the market is exhilarating, you become familiar with the macro-environment and learn to deal with all stakeholders on a high-level.
What were some of the growing pains of starting out in the renewable energy recruitment space?
When I joined in 2014, the business had already been established within the REIPPPP space, the market was however still very young and skills were limited, we relied more on transferrable skills. I focused on the C&I market in 2015, which had been developing for several years prior but at an incredibly slow rate – wasn’t an easy market to develop.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Seeing businesses flourish as a result of my incredible match making power 😊 Ok, I am sure they also play a part in that.
Do you have a favourite memory from the early days of working at AltGen?
Don’t know if I would call this a “favourite memory”, but I recall at one point the entire recruitment team consisting of myself and another consultant – we had to achieve extremely tough targets in a questionable and shaky market at the time, to keep the boat afloat, and we worked day and night – all I can say is, AltGen is still kicking 😊
What do you do for fun?
If you asked me 5 years ago, my answer would have been very different! I enjoy the bush, the clean air and outside activities like running, hiking and sports.
Did AltGen have a big-brother kind of company in the early stages? Someone to look up to?
Not that I can recall – AltGen is a different kind of beast, we have learnt from others and follow the market trends, but invent and play our own game!
What technology do you anticipate making the biggest bang in the industry this year?
Green Hydrogen is making headway in Africa, I would say that we haven’t seen anything yet. Storage is a very important storage component for base load, I am anticipating accelerated growth there as well.
What would you say is the most special thing about AltGen?
Ability to adapt to market and company changes!
What advice would you give to youngsters looking to get into the renewable energy space?
The market is forever changing and fluctuating – specialisation in one field is great, especially if your heart is in it, but ideally you would like to have your fingers in many pies to adapt with the market to avoid stagnation and redundancy.
How do you feel about implementing 4pm end of workday on a Friday?
I feel that consultants should dictate their workflow (unless they are unable to do so themselves, which is cause for concern) – if you manage your week and your role effectively, reach your weekly goals, and have a qualitative ongoing work mentality, the hour of the day is irrelevant.
If you could share one pearl of wisdom, one golden nugget of advice for those coming after you, what would it be?
I would have to repeat myself, “hard work and dedication from day one”. You cannot survive in this business without a “can do” attitude and confidence in your abilities.
