Posted on April 27, 2021
A DredgeWire exclusive
DredgeWire Publisher Peter Bowe and Associate Publisher Heiko Osterchrist just sat down (virtually) with the founders of the new maritime services company Proxima Innovation, Rafael Habib and Rafael Vorcaro, to hear their story. Here’s their very first exposure to the maritime community.
Peter:
How would you describe your new business to someone who has no knowledge of your existence?
Rafael Habib:
Proxima Innovation is a company founded in 2021 by two executives both with more than 15 years of experience in the Maritime & Shipbuilding, Onshore & Offshore Energy and Dredging & Mining industry. Our market knowledge and relationship, technical expertise, practical experience, and technical capabilities empower us to provide clients with the most comprehensive and efficient solutions across various industries. By applying our experience and creativity, we can find solutions and support our customers increasing their efficiency and profitability. Our main focus is to offer our customers solutions in the following areas: Project Management, Engineering Specialized Services, and Sales/Representation.
Heiko:
Why did you choose Proxima Innovation as your business name?
Rafael Vorcaro:
The name is a reference of Proxima Centauri, which is the nearest star to the Sun. It suggests that we are pursuing something bigger, something new. At the same time that it represents our next next challenge, it also represents our clients’ next projects seeking innovative solutions. Furthermore, “Proxima’s” meaning connotes the idea of our intention to be like an extension of our clients’ capabilities, developing a closer and stronger relationship with them.
Peter:
Well that’s very interesting. How did you meet each other?
Rafael H
Both of us came from equipment manufacturing companies serving the Oil & Gas market, most recently Royal IHC, starting in the engineering department until flying to higher grounds managing projects and sales activities respectively. Back in 2013 we met each other through the startup of SAS Offshore in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro. At that time, we started our relationship as company colleagues and since have became close friends. We started together from scratch a company (SAS) that turned in less than 3 years into a sizable organization and afterwards grew as an international group with feet in US soil. To put in simple words, a successful story. This has led us to establish trust and a strong relationship, the solid foundations to start Proxima Innovation.
Heiko:
Why are you starting up this new business now?
Rafael V
The year 2020 came with its own share of problems. If there is one thing we learned from living through this pandemic and lockdowns, it’s that a lot can change in a year. So we decided to explore something new and also to follow our ambition to start our own business in which we could add all of our knowledge and experience learned from years working in the industry, providing our customers with high quality services and support. Starting a company is hard. A lot of time has to be put into planning and executing, but after a good balance of hard work and dedication we believe we are on the right path. What also brings us the passion and satisfaction for this business is to use the engineering principles and technology to create and develop innovative solutions to our industry, solving challenging problems, resulting in a happy customer.
Heiko:
What’s the opportunity and the need?
Rafael V
In today’s world, companies have to operate as possible, attuned to efficiency with a focus on the results. In this environment Proxima Innovation can be helpful, filling all the gaps when high level expertise and knowledge are required to achieve sales, develop a product, and successfully perform execution of projects. By doing business with Proxima, our clients will have access to high level experienced knowledge and dedicated project management support, instead of hiring or developing this knowledge in-house which can be more costly and always takes more time. Also, in many cases, our customers will receive insights from specific/specialized resources which could help them increasing their efficiency and profitability.
Heiko:
What makes this a good time to start a new business?
– what resources did you need?
Rafael H
Normally we tend to start businesses when the economy is stable or soaring. A lot of people might not consider 2021 the year to launch a business, as the world is just picking itself up after a pandemic that impacted most economies. While those points influence 2021 to maybe not seem like a great time to start a business, we believe that with the right plan and approach, we can thrive and grow the business, and take the opportunity that this challenging moment could bring to us. We are setting up the company initially in a small but efficient shape in terms of size and resources and putting in place all the necessary bricks and foundations to bring it to the next stage, turning it into a bigger organization in a short term. Making strong partnerships is of major importance at this moment since this will be supporting us to grow and deliver the highest quality standard services and
Peter:
I was on the Supervisory Board of IHC 30 years ago. They went through trauma but always seemed to emerge stronger and better. How has your experience at IHC prepared you for this challenge!
Rafael H
Our main added value is based on the use of our engineering technical background and the practical experience to bring innovative ideas and outstanding results to our clients. We also have a strong belief that using the right project management methods and tools with proper care are the key to achieve a successful delivery with quality, in time, and on budget. Having been part of Royal IHC for almost a decade has surely given us a strong base of experience, knowledge and market network that will help us building our own path. We are grateful for working with Royal IHC, we have learned a lot from this company that is a reference and strong name in the market. The time with Royal IHC was great, and now is the moment for our new challenge.
Heiko:
Why Houston?
Rafael V
Besides being already our home since 2018, Houston is a diverse and vibrant metro city. The economy is strong, the cultures are many, and the quality of life is outstanding. Furthermore, the state of Texas offers us a business-friendly climate and tax incentives along with a highly skilled workforce, easy access to global markets, robust infrastructure, and predictable regulations. In having our office in Houston, we can be closer to major customers and suppliers on Energy and Maritime industries based in the Southern region, and also with easy access to any cities/states and abroad countries by use of a major airport hub. Our office is located at the historic Esperson Buildings, a significant landmark in downtown Houston. The decision was based on finding a strategic central location and also a place that would bring to our company a connection with the history of the city which received us warmly well since day one.
Peter
One last thing: With the same name of “Rafael,” do people ever confuse the two of you?
Rafael/Rafael
That’s nothing. Our wives each have the same name as well: Ana!
Heiko and Peter:
How about that? Well, good luck! Sounds like Proxima Innovation is poised for success. Entrepreneurialism is part of the American dream.
(L-R) – Peter Bowe and Heiko Osterchrist
