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Interview with Sven SteffensenThis year, f.a.x. celebrates its 20th anniversary. For us, this is an excellent opportunity to allow you a quick look behind our scenes. On this page, the story of Sven Steffensen, the Danish founder of f.a.x. Translations b.v. |
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Article about Sven's translation agency in a local newspaper in 1989
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Why did you start your own translation agency? In the years prior to 1987, I tried my luck in several other business sectors. Each time I almost succeeded, but each time lack of capital was my biggest problem and made things just a bit too complicated. Therefore, I was searching for something less capital intensive, so to speak. Because of my Danish background, I was asked in 1987 to work on a Dutch into Danish dictionary. They even gave me a computer to do my job right. I was impressed, this computer made things so much easier! And that was what got me started. I had already done some translation work on a typewriter, but this was very inefficient in terms of corrections and such. The computer enabled me to increase my production tremendously. At the same time, I soon discovered that there was a chronic lack of Dutch into Danish translators. In other words: with a relatively small amount of money, I was able to fill a hole in the market. That's how it all started. I started out with translation work into Danish, but the other Scandinavian languages soon followed. Before we knew it, we were translating into I don't know how many languages. Why the name f.a.x.? I needed a short name for my business. And since the fax machine had just made its appearance in the Dutch offices and this machine was a considerable part of my investments, I choose f.a.x. This was meant to indicate that we could deliver very fast and that we worked with the most modern equipment. What was the first year like? Work, work, work and work again. I already had some customers. They were the basis for my new business. At first, I received four requests per month. The first two months were decisive. I bought computers and created my own database of (possible) customers. I made it a point to use the computer in all my processes and in those days, that was not as common as today. I sent out many different mailings, called all kinds of prospects and in the end, things started to turn my way. I also discovered the modem. Those things were incredibly expensive and slow. Not many customers had a modem, but throughout the years, that quickly changed. Who was your first big customer? That was the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I had called them before and they told me they had no translation work. I decided to take my chances and pushed them a little bit. In the end I succeeded in making an appointment. One thing turned into the next and before I knew it, I translated quite some texts for them. In 1988, I participated in the business fair in Groningen and lots of new customers visited my stand. We were also present at the business fair in Oldenburg, Germany. Have all your expectations been met? Yes! Being there while your company keeps on growing is a tremendous kick. It was sometimes difficult to find the right people, but in the end, things turned out fine. After a car accident, I realised that I no longer wanted to work day and night, I was no longer able to concentrate and that is why I decided to sell my business to three of my employees. What I like best is that they continue to do business based on the same principles as I used to do. Quality and reliability. Try to expand a little bit each year without having to ask the banks for money. What project did you like best? A big interpreting assignment during the Paralympics in Groningen. As a very small company we managed to get such a big assignment, that was great! |
Article about Sven's translation agency in a local newspaper in 1991
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