From Football Fields to Tech Sales: Ludde's Fun-Filled Journey

Ludvig Andersson, or as everyone at Purply affectionately calls him, Ludde, has a career path that's anything but ordinary. From playing football at a high level as a youth to a backend developer, and now a key figure in technical sales.

Ludde’s journey is a perfect blend of athletic discipline, technical expertise, and his trademark laugh that you can hear echoing through the office multiple times a day. His laugh is infectious, lifting the spirits of the entire team, making Purply’s office a truly happy place.

With a background from elite athlete program in economics and a degree in Information Systems from Uppsala University, Ludde has a solid foundation in both IT and system development. His education provided him with deep insights into integrating different systems and databases and analyzing data to create valuable technical solutions. This technical expertise, combined with his extroverted personality, naturally led him to a role in sales.

Tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up in your current role.

Well, it's been quite the ride! I started off playing football at a high youth level, part of an elite athlete program where I also studied economics. After hanging up my boots, I jumped into the world of IT by studying Information Systems at Uppsala University. Moving from sports to tech, and then into sales, felt like a natural progression for me. I’ve always loved connecting with people, and now I get to combine that with my technical skills.

Ludde primarily works with POS partners and retail analytics companies, as well as other Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) customers who understand the importance of the data Purply provides. He’s a big believer in the power of teamwork and collaboration, a lesson he learned on the football field.

"Anyone can't change the whole industry alone, but with our partners and customers, we can do it together. That’s the idea," he says with his usual enthusiasm.

What motivated you to move from being a backend developer to a technical sales specialist?

As a backend developer and integrations engineer, I got to build and integrate some pretty cool technical solutions. But I realized that my extroverted personality and love for building relationships could be put to better use. I enjoy solving problems and explaining complex technical concepts in a way that clients can really get. Moving into technical sales allowed me to combine my tech skills with my passion for working with people, helping them find solutions that truly meet their needs.

Ludde is particularly enthusiastic about working with data professionals in other companies.

"It’s so great to speak the same language with data pros from different firms," he shares.

The collaboration and shared understanding of data's potential are not just professionally rewarding but also crucial in driving the industry forward. The advent of AI and its integration with data analytics is something Ludde finds incredibly exciting.

"You can see that it is so obvious how important data is in the future. Being also part of that and this huge change is so motivating," he adds with a big grin.

Can you elaborate on how your background as an elite athlete has influenced your work ethic and approach in your current role?

Football taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These qualities are essential in both backend development and sales. The drive to constantly improve and push my limits has been a key factor in my professional growth. In sales, staying motivated, handling setbacks, and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial. My experience in sports has given me a competitive edge and the ability to stay focused on achieving my goals.

Ludde’s role at Purply is central to the company’s mission to transform retail industry through data services more profitable and sustainable. He ensures that the technical solutions offered are both innovative and practical, tailored to the specific needs of Purply’s clients. By leveraging his technical background and sales skills, Ludde bridges the gap between development teams and clients, ensuring seamless integration of systems and effective data utilization.

“It’s quite cool that simultaneously I get to help make fashion industry more sustainable, contributing to saving our planet. By harnessing data, we can optimize operations, reduce waste, and significantly lower the environmental impact of the fashion industry.”

What are your ambitions for the future with Purply?

My ambitions with Purply are to keep driving growth and innovation within the company. I aim to expand our client base and strengthen our market position by delivering outstanding technical solutions that meet the evolving needs of the fashion industry. Personally, I strive to keep enhancing my technical and sales skills, ensuring that I can continue to provide exceptional value to our clients. Ultimately, I want to help Purply achieve its mission of transforming the fashion industry through data-driven solutions, making a significant positive impact on both profitability and sustainability.

With a blend of technical prowess, sales acumen, and a collaborative spirit, Ludde, is greatly contributing to Purply's success. His journey from football fields to the forefront of tech sales is a testament to his versatility and dedication. Plus, his laugh is the glue that keeps the dream team at Purply smiling and motivated. When he's not busy closing deals, you might find him training for his next half marathon, another challenge he’s taking on with the same gusto.