Brandshop

The initial situation:

Interview with Elijan Buchbot

Could you please introduce yourself and you role in your company?

My name is Elijan Buchbot, Co-owner and Managing Director of Rotterdam Chemicals Group (RCG). I share this role with my business partner, Rick Kok.
We joined the management team in 2019, continuing RCG’s legacy as a family-owned business. The story of Rebain NL has deep personal and professional roots for me. My mother, Monique van Baardewijk, led Rebain NL in its early years, guided by my grandfather and uncle, Jan Van Baardewijk and Rene Van Baardewijk. At RCG, we continue to honor that legacy by fostering strong, personal relationships with our suppliers and clients, many of whom are family-owned businesses. This shared commitment to long-term growth and trust has been our unique advantage in the competitive chemicals industry.

What was the pushing power behind your decision when signing up on CheMondis, and could you walk us through how you first discovered the platform?

I would say that the pushing power was the enthusiastic approach of the CheMondis team. They are confident and excited about their business model and are able to transfer that same energy to potential clients. We learned about CheMondis via LinkedIn.

In what ways did CheMondis demonstrate exceptional support and assistance throughout your membership on CheMondis?

Our experience with CheMondis has been very positive. Our account manager, José Manuel, has been a great help, always ready with insights to optimize our listings and expand our reach within the CheMondis network, and open to a good chat. "Heel gezellig," as we say in Dutch! Thanks to his proactive assistance, we have been able to refine our approach and make the most of our Opportunities.

What improvements or benefits have you observed in your operations on CheMondis?

As a supplier, CheMondis has increased our visibility among qualified buyers that we might not have reached otherwise. The platform’s analytics tools allow us to track product performance, align with market needs, and strengthen our long-term business relationships.

Has CheMondis contributed to the growth of your business in measurable ways? Can you point to any milestones achieved with the platform’s help?

CheMondis has enabled us to explore new markets and regions that we previously avoided due to high risks. With the platform's verification tool, we gained greater security, allowing us to establish lasting relationships that we continue to serve to this day. This has undoubtedly been the most significant milestone we have achieved thanks to the CheMondis platform.

How would you summarize the overall value that CheMondis brought to your business?

CheMondis is becoming a valuable platform in our International Department where we get to connect with clients that would not be possible otherwise. While not every request translates into sales, it is still a powerful tool for us to connect and create a database of contacts for future opportunities.

How has CheMondis helped you stay ahead of your competitors in the digital procurement landscape?

This platform is unique in the way it offers real-time insights on buyer activity, enabling us to jump in and fine-tune our offerings based on demand. This keeps us responsive, promotes our key products, and enhances our visibility.

Do you currently use other digital procurement platforms alongside CheMondis? If so, what aspects make CheMondis stand out from the rest in your experience?

Certainly. However, CheMondis stands out with its specific focus on the chemical industry, a strong network of trusted, vetted partners, and its close, personalized service and support for us as a company.

Why would you recommend CheMondis?

I would recommend CheMondis because it helps businesses expand into new markets securely, and it provides strong and long-term partnerships.