In merely six years, Take The Lead co-founders Kristof van Roy, Glenn Billiau, and Tom de Schutter have carved a significant pathway in the e-commerce landscape of Belgium and the Netherlands. Now, they stand as the pivotal partners for online merchants, navigating customers through the intricate terrains of e-commerce. With a dynamic team of 21, they specialize in creating webshops, product and order platforms, and integrating various business tools—immersing themselves passionately in everything related to commercial applications. This passion resonates with the payment solutions offered by Mollie, a synergy they’ve harnessed since their initial projects, fostering a partnership that simply "works well."

Kristof van Roy vividly recalls the immediate connection with Mollie. "At Take The Lead, we’re consumed by complex, technical tasks—it's ingrained in our DNA, and it energizes us. We noticed a similar drive in Mollie. They have grown immensely, but the core developer’s mindset remains firmly intact."

A refreshing perspective coupled with profound expertise defines the essence of Take The Lead and Mollie, according to Kristof. “The synergy is palpable, a crucial aspect of partnership. Mollie’s solutions stand out due to their ease of integration, flexibility, and compatibility with the e-commerce platform Shopware.”

The new kid on the block

It’s no surprise that Kristof mentions Shopware, as Take The Lead exclusively collaborates with this German e-commerce platform. A deliberate choice, as Kristof elucidates, "Shopware is inherently designed to adapt and evolve. Starting small and scaling up doesn’t necessitate a platform switch. Shopware encompasses functionalities conducive to customer growth, enabling us to cater to our clients with a singular, comprehensive package."

Shopware, although not a novice, is revitalizing its global footprint. Kristof observes it as "the new kid on the block," heralding a refreshing breeze through the e-commerce landscape. The team at Take The Lead has meticulously mastered the platform, leveraging its full potential to benefit their clients. "It aligns well with Mollie, facilitated by their Shopware-plugin, allowing us to efficiently integrate both systems," Kristof adds.

Working with a diverse array of companies keeps the journey exhilarating. Each project is a novel engagement—whether it’s optimizing furniture sales for Gero Wonen through a webshop or representing care products effectively online.

A new client, a new thought exercise

Ease and speed resonate well with Take The Lead’s clientele, encompassing both B2B and B2C sectors. Occasionally, these domains intertwine within a project, exemplified by their work for Barbecook. They have established a B2C webshop for direct consumer engagements, alongside a platform catering to B2B clients, streamlining the ordering and payment processes through Mollie.

Take The Lead’s prowess isn’t confined to select industries. Their broad spectrum of expertise is showcased through collaborations with various organizations such as Zorgbedrijf Antwerpen and Medibib, cultivating diverse e-commerce platforms and apps. “Our e-commerce knowledge is versatile and expansive, making each project uniquely fascinating,” Kristof expresses.

Switching platforms

Numerous clients approach Take The Lead when outgrowing their initial e-commerce packages. Transitioning platforms, however, isn’t a cumbersome process. It spans approximately three to six months, depending on the project’s magnitude. Take The Lead advocates a sustained partnership over transient engagements, accompanying clients through the evolving landscapes of e-commerce.

Building e-commerce homes

Traditional ‘brick and mortar’ stores seeking online transitions often find themselves at a crossroads. For Take The Lead, it’s a canvas of endless possibilities. However, they empathize with the challenges faced by these businesses in solidifying their online presence. A robust platform like Shopware and a reliable payment system like Mollie are instrumental in this transition.

Embracing the online realm resembles building a house for many clients, a process often perceived as daunting and stressful. But with Take The Lead’s extensive experience, the journey is meticulously navigated, ensuring clients aren’t overwhelmed. Through dedicated boot camps, clients are immersed and enlightened in the realms of e-commerce, cultivating inspiration and focus.