Meet Alex Petkov

In a recent interview for our “Life at AMPECO” series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Alex, a pivotal figure at AMPECO leading the Research and Lead Generation team. Not only does Alex hold the distinction of being the first employee the company ever hired, but he also plays a critical role in shaping its future. With a multifaceted set of responsibilities, Alex’s journey at AMPECO is unique and inspiring.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us more about what you do at AMPECO?

I was the first employee ever hired by AMPECO! My journey here has been nothing short of an adventure filled with learning and growth. I started my career in sales, and as the company evolved, so did my role. I now lead the charge as the Head of Research and Lead Generation. 

What I cherish most about my role is the blend of exploration and strategy. It allows me to explore market trends, identify prospective leads, and devise strategies to reach out to them. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to innovate our approach to reaching potential clients.

One of the unique aspects of my work at AMPECO is the approach adopted by our Outbound team. Unlike most companies, our team is dedicated solely to research and lead generation, and we work hand-in-hand with the marketing team. This is quite rare, as most companies blend these functions with other marketing activities, and this distinction has been a critical factor in our successful campaigns. It’s a collaborative effort that combines the analytical aspects of research with the creativity of marketing, which is incredibly rewarding and effective.

Why did you join AMPECO?

AMPECO was only six people when I joined the company! The main reason I joined can be summed up in one word: Stefan, our Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). I first heard about Stefan at a business event where his reputation for closing significant deals with major companies caught my interest. Despite not meeting him personally at the event, I was excited about working with someone of his calibre.

Our paths crossed later while working at Zero Waste Bulgaria, where I had the chance to collaborate with Stefan, who later became my mentor. He’s one of those rare individuals who excels professionally and also maintains a strong family life – something I deeply admire and strive for. Most people excel in either work or family, but Stefan manages both with grace. His ability to navigate complex business decisions while remaining compassionate in personal interactions has been an incredible learning experience for me. It’s these qualities that drew me to join him at AMPECO and continue learning from him.

The second draw to AMPECO was its vision-driven ethos, which was so distinct from the profit-focused industries like crypto, finance, and outsourcing projects at that time. AMPECO’s alignment with my personal values was a key factor in my decision. Seeing the industry flourish and AMPECO rise to the top has been incredible, and I’m immensely grateful to be part of this journey.

Tell us more about the Research & Lead Gen team and its role in AMPECO’s growth strategy

Unlike the traditional model, where sales professionals are responsible for generating their own leads and closing deals independently, at AMPECO, it’s a team effort from the start.

Each deal is a unique battle involving multiple teams and experts, including our solutions, technical architecture solutions, and integration teams, to close deals successfully. Our approach is deeply collaborative, a philosophy ingrained throughout the company. Unlike the typical sales approach of individual lead generation and outreach, our team focuses on a more integrated, efficient method.

Our Research and Lead Generation team adopts an Account-Based Marketing and Sales (ABM) approach. This involves thorough market research, list building of top potential clients, business model analysis, and syncing with industry experts to validate our assumptions. We then collaborate with the sales team to refine our approach and build a larger prospect list. The marketing team then devises tailored account-based marketing strategies.

This integrated approach allows us to understand our prospects’ specific challenges and regional issues, leading to more effective outreach. By bridging marketing and sales, we gather valuable insights and generate high-quality leads, amplifying our results. This cross-functional teamwork ensures a more effective and unified approach to achieving our objectives, contrasting the usual siloed operation of marketing and sales in many companies.

As emobility is an emerging industry, what skills are essential for success within your team and at AMPECO?

I believe the fundamental differentiator can be summed up in two simple words: “I care.” It’s about approaching your work with the same dedication and passion as if it were your own business. Team members at AMPECO strive to achieve their individual goals while keeping the larger company objectives in focus. Doing the bare minimum is not enough—it’s essential that you put in the work and that you want to grow alongside the company. At the end of the day, if you are passionate about what you are doing, this will come easy. If you can keep this mindset, you’ll most likely fit in and succeed.

Secondly, a thirst for knowledge is crucial. You must be ready to consume and make sense of a lot of information. You may think you’ll need to learn about EV charging, but you’ll quickly realize that you need to grasp the intricacies of about 20 other industries to gain the expertise you need. Being open to continuously acquiring new information is critical to thriving at AMPECO. But learning is a journey, and we, as a team, always help each other.

Why do you believe in AMPECO?

There are many reasons; some have to do with the industry and the company and its culture. The EV sector is an important area that draws in lots of attention and investments and is set to continue its growth and positive impact on society and the economy. Governments have recognized the importance of electrifying fleets, building the necessary infrastructure, and stimulating electric transport.

This also means that the industry presents an excellent opportunity for businesses to join in and use the numerous subsidies and incentive packages available in the EV and EV charging sector. It’s an equally good chance for drivers to switch to EVs while financial incentives and rebates are still available to those who want to enjoy the benefits of driving an electric vehicle. This equates to a market demand expected to go further with the benefits of entering the EV charging space.

Why do you continue to choose AMPECO?

AMPECO is the first company where I’ve found myself staying for more than a year, and I’ve now proudly been part of this team for four years. This speaks volumes about the sense of fulfillment and purpose I’ve found here.

I feel fortunate to work at AMPECO, as my job presents substantial challenges that help me constantly enhance my skills. Working here has taught me valuable lessons about business, sales, decision-making, leadership, and how to work effectively across diverse markets and industries. I am constantly acquiring essential skills that will serve me well at AMPECO and in my future endeavors. This is why I continue to choose AMPECO. The environment here fosters growth and development, which holds true for everyone working here.

What do you love about your role, and what’s your biggest motivation to keep showing up?

The aspect I cherish most in my role is the opportunity for personal and professional growth. AMPECO has excellent potential, and I’m keenly aware of the growth and development it offers me. I put a lot of extra hours into my work, which often extends beyond regular hours, not out of obligation but from a genuine desire to contribute and grow. This self-driven commitment is deeply rewarding, as I witness the tangible fruits of my labor every day. It’s this visible impact and continuous personal evolution that fuels my motivation.

What would you say to a friend considering working at AMPECO?

This one is easy. Just send your CV. As a matter of fact, why haven’t you already?

Here, your efforts will be appreciated, recognized, and rewarded. You’ll work at a company with a strong purpose, mission, and vision.

They’d be working in an inspiring and impactful industry with a real mission in front of it. We need to achieve so much by 2030. There are many challenges to solve regarding electrification, charging points, electricity distribution, and EV sales, especially now that chips and materials are scarce. This means that the EU and other countries will have to keep investing in this industry, so this space will continue growing for years to come.

Describe AMPECO in 3 words.

Grow fast now.