Making product engineering, manufacturing and maintenance More Rewarding

About me

I’m a technically minded, creative problem-solver with over 25 years of experience in complex product industries.

I founded, built, and sold a Forbes/FTE Top 15 niche consulting and professional services firm, proving that the right mix of strategy, execution, culture, customer focus and leadership delivers real impact.

As a multinational professional, I’ve worked across industries and cultures, building an extensive global network and a deep understanding of how people, processes, and technology intersect.

A strong communicator and presenter, I bring clarity to complexity, whether advising businesses on product data, mentoring start-ups, or inspiring teams through engaging training.

My services

  • I help businesses define, articulate, and execute bold visions that drive real impact. With a blend of creative thinking and strategic clarity, I bring fresh perspectives that challenge conventional wisdom while remaining grounded in pragmatism. I excel at making complex ideas accessible, energising teams with clear, compelling narratives that inspire action. Whether it’s fostering innovation, unlocking new opportunities, or refining existing strategies, I provide a critical yet constructive lens—ensuring that great ideas don’t just stay on paper but translate into meaningful results.

  • I help businesses sharpen their business development strategy, refine their messaging, and drive sustainable growth. Having played a key role in scaling my company from 2 to 500 employees, I understand what it takes to win and expand accounts, develop effective marketing strategies, and build strong customer relationships. From crafting compelling sales narratives and pitch materials to standing up business development operations, I bring both hands-on experience and formal training from a leading professional services sales academy. Whether it's refining how you engage with customers, supporting high-stakes pitches, or ensuring your messaging resonates, I provide the tools and insight to help businesses stand out and succeed.

  • I help businesses to set-up and manage complex Product Data flows, ensuring seamless collaboration between engineering, procurement, production and service teams. I thrive on solving intricate process, system, and data challenges, helping businesses streamline operations and improve performance. Passionate about people and problem-solving, I believe the key to transformation lies not just in technology and data, but in how we empower individuals to drive change.

  • Having built and successfully sold a Forbes top 15 niche consulting and professional services company, I understand first-hand the challenges of scaling a business, from refining a vision to managing growth and navigating setbacks. My experience across industries, from start-ups to large-scale manufacturing, allows me to offer practical, no-nonsense advice tailored to real-world challenges. I help founders and business leaders cut through complexity, make smarter decisions, and build strong, resilient companies.

  • I bring energy, clarity, and storytelling to every presentation and training session, whether engaging a live audience, leading workshops, or delivering online content. Having designed learning frameworks and delivered countless learning modules, ranging from technical subjects to leadership and soft skills, I know how to make complex ideas accessible and impactful. My background as an actor and live entertainer, combined with experience in TV, radio, and podcast interviews, has honed my ability to captivate audiences, adapt dynamically, and inspire action. Whether presenting to employees, customers, or conference attendees, I don’t just share information, I create engaging, memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Referrals

“Working with Rob has always been a pleasure. His ability to focus on people and drive their success through a pragmatic consultancy approach is truly inspiring. The concept of 'digital plumbing' is a brilliant metaphor for what businesses aim to achieve, and Rob brings it to life with deep understanding, a people-centric mindset, compelling storytelling, and a touch of humour. He excels in all these areas, making business transformation both effective and engaging.”

— Jos Voskuil, TacIT

“Always a pleasure to work with Rob, a true gentleman and business leader who truly put people first in solving enterprise data problem.”

— Lionel Grealou, Xlifecycle

“Rob gave the most amazing guest lecture I have ever seen. He leaves his audience in awe – mixing inspiring insights, hands-on knowledge, and energizing stories in his unique way. His positive attitude brings the best out of the students (and people in general). Rob´s success story with Quick Release left my students not only motivated – they now finally saw what is possible if one puts a focus on human relationships.”

— Roman Briker, Assistant Professor in Organizational Behavior & HRM at Maastricht University, School of Economics and Business (SBE)

“Rob Ferrone brings a unique and creative approach to PLM, constantly challenging traditional thinking with fresh ideas. He has a remarkable ability to rethink concepts and introduce new ways of looking at PLM data challenges. Rob always brings the most creative terminology I’ve ever encountered to describe these complexities, making him one of the most original voices in the industry. If you're looking for a perspective that goes beyond the usual PLM discussions, Rob is someone to follow.”

— Oleg Shilovitsky, CEO Open BoM and Beyond PLM

Connect with me on LinkedIn

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