A Local Patriot On and Off the Bleachers
Say hello to our energetic Sales and Project Manager, Henning Lende!
Henning has been with us at Arctic Steel since October 2020, when he first joined the company as part of Aarbakke AS. Over time, as the steel division expanded and branched off into its own entity, Arctic Steel was born, and Henning found himself right in the middle of it all.
But Henning’s journey with us isn’t just about numbers, projects, and material logistics. His story is one of versatility and a touch of humor that lights up the office.
The return of the prodigal steel enthusiast
Henning started his career at Aarbakke AS back in 2014. Back then he stared as an apprentice in sales and earned his trade certificate by 2016. After that he broadened his horizons by operating heavy machinery at Risa AS and then later joined a start-up company selling heat pumps and outdoor hot tubs. But eventually he returned to Aarbakke’s steel department and is now thriving in his role with us at Arctic Steel, where he blends his hands-on experience with strategic project management.
To keep things even more interesting, Henning also serves part-time in the fire department. It’s safe to say that between project management and firefighting, his desk chair doesn’t get too comfortable.
The daily grind – Sales, projects, and plenty of variety
As Sales and Project Manager, Henning’s day is anything but dull. His work involves everything from calculating costs, ensuring the highest quality of materials, to working out offers and delivery times for customers.
– Every case is unique. One day, I might be working with our production partners, and the next, liaising with suppliers abroad. It’s all about making sure everything flows smoothly from start to finish, Henning explains.
Henning thrives on the variety of his role, where no two days are alike. With a wide network of suppliers and partners, he ensures customers get exactly what they need, whether it’s cutting-edge materials or additional services like drilling and machining.
When asked about the best part about working at Arctic Steel, Henning doesn’t hesitate.
– Every day is a challenge. There’s always something new to learn, especially in a growing company like this one. The people here are fantastic – great colleagues with a wealth of knowledge. Plus, it’s incredibly rewarding to make the customers happy.
The thrill of a challenge
On the subject of his favorite project, Henning can tell you about one particularly challenging request.
– We had a customer who needed material that was nearly impossible to source, with incredibly strict requirements, Henning recalls.
But with the expertise at Arctic Steel, they managed to find the perfect material and meet the exacting standards.
– It’s moments like that where you feel you’ve really made a difference – helping the customer get an edge in their business.
Football banter and steel loyalty
One thing Henning does take seriously is his football. While his colleague André may have questionable allegiances, Henning is steadfast in his support for Bryne FK, with a sharp memory for their victory over Viking FK. In fact, his favorite steel grade, AISI 420M, serves as a cheeky reminder of that win.
– It reminds all of us here that Bryne FK beat viking 4-2 last time they met in Stavanger, and that it’s been almost 24 years since Bryne last lost to viking in a competitive match, he says with a grin before he adds:
– And by the way, viking is always spelled with a lowercase ‘v’. Don’t correct that!