Klaus Dargahi

Episode 2: Klaus Dargahi, Managing Director

When asked what Klaus Dargahi particularly likes about his job, he didn't have to think twice.

"The successful organization and development of a company in an innovative, dynamic and promising economic and technological environment"

smart-TEC is now a recognized provider of customer-specific RFID and NFC transponders. When I started at smart-TEC 14 years ago, there were two of us. Today, more than 20 people in the entire RATHGEBER Group are involved in the development, production and sale of RFID products. This growth was made possible by competent and visionary employees. But great reference projects, a stable network of partners, suppliers and customers, many years of involvement as a board member of the industry association AIM, fast product development cycles and bold investments have also made this growth possible.

I am convinced that we will establish ourselves even more strongly as an industry specialist. We laid the organizational foundation for this several years ago. We are now a recognized RFID specialist in the railroad, railroad supplier and railroad operator sectors. We are also a well-known name in the field of occupational safety and personal protective equipment. Other sectors are already emerging that are ideally suited to our RFID and NFC expertise. The construction industry and the wood processing industry... to name just two examples.

"We will position and establish ourselves even more as an industry specialist in the future."

When I'm not working, I'm doing sport, enjoying Munich's cultural life or traveling. I used to be an ambitious track and field athlete. Today, I mainly do weight training and jog through the English Garden every morning with my dog. Culturally, I'm mainly interested in opera, concerts, contemporary painting and museums. My favorite travel destinations are Cape Town, London, Berlin and Miami. Balancing sport, culture and travel with my everyday working life is important to me and keeps me happy at work.

Three questions for Klaus Dargahi, which he answers spontaneously:

Question 1: What does a typical working day at smart-TEC look like?

Klaus Dargahi: "If I'm honest, there is a high degree of external control in day-to-day business due to unforeseen trips, visits, meetings and projects. Nevertheless, I try to create the necessary freedom for strategic topics and considerations outside of day-to-day business."

Question 2: What was your favorite project at smart-TEC and why

Klaus Dargahi: "At the moment, I'm passionate about NFC projects. RATHGEBER has been producing customized marking solutions such as logos, emblems and lettering for over 70 years. The focus is usually on beauty of form, aesthetics and haptics. My wish and vision was to make these beautiful emblems intelligent as well. The combination of beauty and intelligence seemed to me to be an optimal combination. NFC technology has made this wish a reality.
Many customers of the RATHGEBER Group who purchase emblems and lettering are asking about the integration of NFC technology, with the aim of being able to offer their customers added value even after the purchase."

Question 3: What is your professional motto?

Klaus Dargahi: "Better a fast 80% solution than a slow 100% solution."

Finally, Klaus Dargahi reveals his fun fact:

"Eyes OPEN and through :-)"

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