Thomas Lauwers
Manager Innovation Acceleration
Which sector do you focus on as a
MIA? What draws you to it?
I’m a business developer in construction. The industry just appeals to me. During my own two complete home renovations, I got more affinity with the supply chain and was eager to be a part of the badly needed digital transformation. Sustainability is also a major interest of mine, and of the whole Verhaert team. Now, I can witness and hopefully support the evolution towards a more circular building industry up close.
Sustainability is also a major interest of mine, and of the whole Verhaert team. Now, I can witness and hopefully support the evolution towards a more circular building industry up close.
What inspiring projects are you
currently working on?
Right now, we’re in the middle of negotiations with a company (the name is still top secret) that produces and builds recyclable biobased prefab elements to construct houses. Their mission is to achieve fully circular buildings. As you can guess, this fits perfectly with my own values. They came to us to digitalize their whole user journey, from project initiation to construction. This is a new business model where people choose a type of house and subsequently further personalize the design with an architect from that company. The homeowner thus benefits from lower and fixed costs and shorter delivery times. The Wienerberger project is also one of my favorites. We really offer added value by building direct digital relations with installers. And most importantly, not only to Wienerberger. The end user, the installer, really reaps the benefits. Thanks to All4Roof they only spend 15 minutes drafting a quote compared to 2 hours before.
What are your biggest passions,
outside work?
There are several. First, I love creating, from lamps made with scrap wood to landscaping and building a lounge in my garden, complete with homemade smart gadgets. The second one is music. It will always be a part of my life. We are currently touring the streets of Flanders with a band. Wherever we can perform without a license, we set up and start playing. For fun. Last but most important, my family of course. My wife and two daughters make my life so much richer and better.
Interested in becoming a Manager Innovation Acceleration or working at Verhaert Digital like Thomas?