Damien Cols

You can’t succeed alone — this business is built on strong relationships.

My journey with Kalmar started in 1985 at a heavy load handling equipment dealership in Belgium. The product I worked with back then later became the Kalmar straddle carrier — a machine that is still closest to my heart.

I’m a salesman at heart. I thrive on meeting customers, understanding their needs and closing deals. Some moments stay with you — like a first sale to a new customer. But beyond the deals, it’s the relationships that matter most.

Moving forward together

What I value most in my career are the people. Long-standing colleagues who think alike, trusted partners and customers, and teams whose expertise complements one another.
My advice to younger colleagues is simple: meet your customers face-to-face. Build the relationship. And remember — you don’t need to know everything yourself. Success comes from working alongside good people, combining strengths and moving forward together.

That’s how real progress happens.