Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation, on his role as a maker within the team
At the Kloepfel Group, we are the place for makers. THE MAKER’S PLACE stands for pragmatic procurement consulting and results-driven solutions – developed by makers, for makers.
Frank Wischnewski, Head of Transformation at Kloepfel Consulting, is the driving force behind sustainable transformation processes in companies. He develops practical solutions that help organizations optimize their procurement and supply chain functions for efficiency and future readiness. In this interview, he shares his personal “I’ll do it” story and explains what it means to not only advise at Kloepfel but to drive real change – and what motivates him to create new solutions every day.
The Art of Making or The Power of the MAKER’S PLACE
1. What’s your personal “I’ll do it” story?
My name is Frank, and I’m Head of Transformation at Kloepfel Consulting. Our mission is to help companies take their procurement and supply chain organizations to the next level. With our “6 Pillars of Transformation” – strategy, organization, processes, people development, systems & tools, and performance management – we offer a holistic solution that doesn’t just analyze but also implements.
What sets us apart? We are not consultants who only deliver PowerPoint presentations. We stand for The Power of the Maker’s Place. That means: after assessing the current state, we roll up our sleeves, support our clients operationally, and ensure that changes are actually implemented. Our practical approach, combined with deep expertise in procurement and supply chain management, makes us an indispensable partner for companies seeking measurable results – true “on-the-job training” with integrated coaching and change support. We are hands-on!
Challenges – Relevant Megatrends
2. The economy is facing major challenges. Why is now the right time to work with you?
The economy is facing unprecedented uncertainty and challenges: rising raw material costs, volatile markets, and increasing sustainability demands are putting companies under immense pressure. At the same time, digitalization and artificial intelligence are unlocking new potential at an astonishing pace – yet many companies are struggling with outdated processes, limited resources, and a lack of time.
Now is exactly the right time to work with Kloepfel Consulting. We help companies turn challenges into opportunities – by sustainably reducing costs and securing them through strategic sourcing, strengthening supply chain resilience, and implementing digital solutions that maximize efficiency and transparency. But we go further: we don’t just develop strategies – we implement them as well, pragmatically, rapidly, and sustainably. As partners on equal footing, we act as colleagues, additional capacity, coaches, and sparring partners to create real change together.
3. Which global megatrends are impacting your area the most – for example: digitalization, skills shortages, geopolitical crises, sustainability?
Procurement is undergoing profound changes: digitalization through AI, automation, and data analytics enables data-driven decisions and optimized processes. The skills shortage demands the continuous development of teams and promotion of digital competencies. Geopolitical crises make resilient supply chains essential. At the same time, sustainability and ESG criteria are coming into sharper focus. Companies must implement sustainable sourcing strategies, reduce CO₂ emissions, and ensure transparency.
My Career as a Maker
4. Can you share a project that particularly illustrates how Kloepfel solves client problems? 
A recent project clearly demonstrates how Kloepfel Consulting drives targeted development. For one client, we conducted a maturity assessment, created a shared understanding of the procurement status, and developed a roadmap for efficiency gains through digitalization and talent development. Through a competency profile analysis, we identified development gaps, while our AI team automated time-intensive processes. The result: increased team motivation, clear target agreements with measurable KPIs, and more time for strategic tasks – instead of operational chaos, the focus is now on sustainable development.
5. What advice would you give to someone starting a career in consulting?
For entry-level consultants, analytical skills, communication strength, and problem-solving competence are essential.
- Be curious and open to learning – you’ll work in different industries and constantly acquire new knowledge. Openness to new technologies and thinking outside the box are crucial.
- Develop your soft skills – communication, teamwork, and empathy are just as important as technical know-how. The ability to clearly convey complex topics and present yourself professionally is a must.
- Build your network – connections with experienced consultants and clients are valuable sources of knowledge and can open doors. Stay up to date on trends and maintain contact with clients even after projects end.
Working at Kloepfel is especially exciting because we don’t just consult – we also implement. That’s The Power of the Maker’s Place.
Key skills for success with us:
- Pragmatism & Implementation Strength – We get things done and deliver results.
- Analytical Thinking – Quickly understanding complex issues and developing data-based solutions.
- Flexibility & Resilience – Medium-sized companies mean dynamic projects and variety.
- Tech Affinity – Procurement digitalization requires know-how in e-procurement, data analytics, or AI.
A Day in the Life
6. What does a typical workday look like for you?
The day-to-day of a transformation consultant is diverse and demanding. Motivation comes from visible results and the opportunity to drive real change for clients. Clear structures, routines for self-organization, and close collaboration are essential for developing new concepts and actively driving transformation – for us and our clients.
Rituals and Must-Haves:
- Daily Reflection: A brief ritual at the end of the day sharpens focus and makes progress visible – individually and as a team.
- Celebrating Small Wins: Whether through a team meeting or a quick thank-you message – celebrating milestones keeps motivation high, even in long projects.
- Creative Breaks: Inspiration through walks or creative exercises helps gain new perspectives. Our workday isn’t nine-to-five – conceptual work requires flexible, creative phases. For me, that can be early in the morning from 5 to 9 a.m., but everyone finds their own rhythm.
The Person Behind the Maker
7. What was your last personal highlight at Kloepfel?
There are many special moments – like the Christmas party where I brought my kids, and we all felt completely at home. Or satisfied clients who call me months after a coaching session to share their successes, now that they’re experiencing the transformation firsthand. That’s what it’s all about: a great, family-like team atmosphere and the feeling of truly making an impact.
8. What do you appreciate most about your team?
At Kloepfel, I particularly value openness, honesty, and directness – those are the most important things to me in any context. It inspires me not to overcomplicate things unnecessarily, because that helps neither internally nor with clients. How you do one thing is how you do everything.
9. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My first boss in strategic procurement once told me: “Knowing how to do something is important. But knowing when to do something is even more important.” Always wait for the right timing – that’s key for me. Since I’m naturally quite impatient, this approach often helps me manage my impatience effectively.
10. What are three things (or apps) you can’t live without?
- Planner and To-Do App (by Microsoft): Since I manage many topics simultaneously, these help me structure my week and stay on top of everything.
- OneNote: I’ve been keeping 94% of my notes digitally for the past two years.
- Music and Podcasts: To unwind in between, headphones are a must.
Contact:
Kloepfel Group
Damir Berberovic
Tel: +49 211 941 984 33 – Email: rendite@kloepfel-consulting.com