The foundation of KCi Group was built upon the belief that they could achieve what others couldn’t. This ambition didn’t stem solely from their exceptional business acumen, but rather from a shared vision for the future of their companies and clients that has been 10 years in the making since its inauguration. Their journey commenced as a modest family holding and has since blossomed into a multinational conglomerate with diverse expertise in international trade and trade consulting. As a global entity, they acknowledge the unique challenges stemming from their diversification and approach every interaction with this awareness.
With over two decades of expertise in the industry, Ben Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has main goals for the company which are to continually improve its concurrent operations, make it simpler for the group of companies to enter new markets.
His work is highlighted by accuracy in analysis, the creation of specific plans, and the carrying out of a customized strategy to tailor to each situation. Ben has continually demonstrated via his broad experience a profound awareness of other cultures, remarkable social skills, powerful leadership talents, and an amazing can-do attitude. These characteristics have helped him carry out multiple projects successfully on a worldwide scale. His passion and efficiency in thriving and growing the KCi brand is testified to by his international reputation as a business leader and expert in his field.
The KCi Group is a multinational conglomerate specializing in a variety of fields that we happily continue to serve our customers to the best of our abilities.
Our corporate umbrella includes many subsidiaries that operate in the following industries:
- Machinery & Equipment
- Mining & Metals
- Oil & Energy
- Healthcare & Life Sciences
- Food & Beverages
- Real Estate & Investments
- Logging & Agriculture
- Recycling & Recovery
The company’s primary focus has always been on ensuring that each of its businesses possesses a strong presence and brand value, regardless of its location worldwide. It has adopted a multifaceted business mindset, excelling in various fields, which has enabled the company to chart new paths in a multitude of operations. Its portfolio includes businesses engaged in precious metals mining and refining, sustainable energy solutions and implementations, as well as general commodities trading, among others.
The KCi Group’s extensive global network, encompassing interconnected businesses, clients, and team members, is the driving force behind its reputation for swift deal-making and the company’s ability to seize novel opportunities long before the competition. Their dedication to diversification and excellence has set them apart in the business world.
Prior Experiences
At the core, Ben has always been an entrepreneur and a champion of entrepreneurs. He initially leveraged being a sales and public relations expert for high-profile clientele who trusted his expertise in sales boosting, crisis communication, and market entry into building the foundation for KCi. Concurrently, he took an active role in organizations such as the European Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs, the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance, and other NGOs advocating for entrepreneurship.
Ben’s involvement includes roles across many board memberships and presidencies of organizations representing young entrepreneurs in interactions with the international business and political establishment. Notably he acted as the advisor to the EU Commission and as General Secretary of various national and international organizations. These experiences provided him with valuable insights and the essential skill set for negotiating and closing deals at the highest levels.
Team-Driven Success
The team takes immense pride in the reputation that precedes the company(s), emphasizing that the name “KCi” is synonymous with qualities like trust, transparency, and honesty. These attributes are the cornerstone of their success and have played a pivotal role in their journey. While they have achieved significant profitability, their approach to every business endeavor remains rooted in humility and clear intentions to foster growth, a philosophy that has guided them since the inception of their brand.
One of the key factors contributing to the company’s success is its management style. At the KCi Group, the company maintains a flat hierarchy where seniority is more of a title than a barrier. Open communication is a hallmark of the company’s team, fostering an environment where team members can openly address mistakes and leverage their unique strengths. This approach ensures the team functions cohesively, efficiently addressing challenges with solutions rather than resorting to complaints or blame.
This sense of community within the team is cultivated because the company recognizes that the continuous and dedicated efforts of its team members are the driving force behind KCi Group’s success. By harnessing everyone’s distinct abilities and a wealth of ideas, the company ensures a bright future, cementing KCi Group as a formidable presence in the corporate world and a contemporary exemplar of corporate success.
Sharing the Power of Teamwork
Ben believes that empathy and reliability should be the main focus of anyone leading a larger organization. Ben sees his success comes from a simple realization: no matter how much experience he gains, he’s not infallible. Every day, his team teaches him new things and sharpens his skills. His key choice has been to always surround himself with bright minds, a choice evident in their team. He’s concerned about something missing in many leaders today: humility, a strong mindset, and a sense of personal connection. Ben thinks you can’t expect people to follow you if you see them as disposable or beneath you, or if you blame them for your decisions. Instead, he believes in encouraging, taking responsibility for mistakes, and investing in earning your team’s respect. This, in his view, pays off in the long run.
Hiring Philosophy
Ben thinks that a successful hiring strategy goes beyond measurable statistics like years of experience or educational qualifications. While these attributes are important, what truly makes an excellent hire is someone who is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to their role. Dependability, trustworthiness, and a problem-solving mindset are also essential qualities. A skilled interviewer can identify these traits and recognize that sometimes, candidates just need a chance to demonstrate their potential. Ben has seen some of the most valuable colleagues in the company emerge from unconventional hiring choices, proving that taking a chance on promising individuals can be a winning decision in many cases.
Transformative Shifts in the Metals Industry
According to Ben, the precious metals mining and recycling industry is at the time being definitely one of the most significantly changing industries under our corporate umbrella. The emerging technologies being utilized to improve safety, production yield, data analysis and sustainability improvements are genuinely quite remarkable and has increased our confidence in our mining operations to secure important assets and mining sites for the foreseeable future. At the same time the industrial changes needed to fulfil the global climate goals are increased demands of certain metals in recent times which is changing the demand-supply situation internationally and making investments into mining highly attractive again.
Building Resilience, and Shaping KCi Group’s Future
Ben acknowledges that taking risks is an inherent part of being a leader and entrepreneur. The most significant risk in his career was placing his trust in his abilities, especially after experiencing a dramatic failure. This decision was both smart and ignorant. It was smart because it led him to his current position, but also ignorant because when all statistical odds were against him, he persisted. This experience taught him that with enough determination, any challenge can be overcome, a principle now ingrained in KCi Group’s core values. Looking ahead, the company’s focus for the next five years is on expanding existing operations and investments while remaining open to new business opportunities, even beyond their comfort zone, solidifying their position as a central hub for commodity trading between the West and East.
Setting Example
Ben is driven by a desire to set an example for future entrepreneurs and business leaders. He aims to ensure that the company’s global operations are conducted with a strong focus on ethics and sustainability. Additionally, he’s committed to adopting hiring policies that prioritize the knowledge and expertise of the local workforce in all locations where the company operates, recognizing that this isn’t always the norm.
Expanding Global Influence
Ben’s vision for the future of KCi Group has always revolved around the goal of nurturing the growth of existing operations, allowing them to realize their maximum potential. A key aspect of this vision is to sustain the company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge customer support and expertise, aligning with the high standards its clients have grown to anticipate from it. “We will continue to expand by leveraging our success and brand image to ensuring that we become the central trading expert and trade consulting enterprise for an emerging global market,” says Ben.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
