Working at Onguard: Meet Xander

It’s the year 2015. Xander isn’t scanning job boards or sending out CVs. He is actually working as an Account Manager for new business in a different firm, and sometimes uses Onguard credit management software. “One day, I’ll work for them,” he is thinking. And the rest is history! 

Sandra Sarmpezi May 9, 2025
6 min read

He never gives up, he is a top-tier skier but not a big fan of cycling, and he was a regular user of the Onguard credit management software before he started selling it! This is Xander Michon, New Logo sales at Onguard. 

It’s the year 2015. Xander isn’t scanning job boards or sending out CVs. He is actually working as an Account Manager for new business in a different firm, and sometimes uses Onguard credit management software. “One day, I’ll work for them,” he is thinking. And the rest is history! 

Fast forward to a sales job vacancy from Onguard, Xander remembers: “I was satisfied in my role back at that time, but when I saw the job ad from Onguard, I didn’t think twice,” he laughs. “Onguard was the big name in credit management. I wrote the application letter, got the interviews, and got the job. It just felt right.” 

That’s how Xander ended up at Onguard’s legendary “castle” (if you know, you know). His new role? Easy. His enthusiastic energy and perseverance made him a perfect fit for new business, according to his managers at the time. 

And it shows. “I’m the New Logo guy,” he says proudly. “From first meeting to rollout, I love the whole journey.”

Read also: Working at Onguard: Meet Maarten

What is the best thing about working at Onguard?

One of his best memories is his first month at Onguard. 

“It was amazing. I started in November, and in December, the Christmas party was hosted by one of the founders. We even stayed overnight in a luxury hotel! My son, just four at the time, visited the castle too to celebrate Sinterklaas, and thought he was part of a fairytale. It was a magical start,” he says, grinning.

With his background as a ski instructor, the Onguard ski trip also couldn’t not be among his favourite memories: 

His day starts with a cheerful “helloooo”, as he strolls in with his laptop bag in hand after a 45-minute drive. Then it’s calls, proposals, demos, and meetings, both virtually and with face-to-face visits to prospective customers. 

“Face-to-face is just better. You get to feel the energy of the conversation. It’s the same with working from home. Of course, I’m happy I have the flexibility to do it, but I prefer being at the office. I get energy from being around my colleagues.”

The secret to winning (and losing) deals

New logo sales isn’t just about winning. And Xander knows that. “I’ve lost more deals than I’ve won, but that’s part of the job. I just bring my energy and never give up.”

But the job is not only bumps. One of his proudest moments? Converting a prospect into a European roll-out: “The customer was blown away. And they’re still a customer,” he remembers proudly. 

“It’s all about being honest. Be real. Be yourself. Never say never. And bring the energy with you- always.”

Do you want to learn more about working at Onguard? Visit our careers page, our job opportunities, or contact us directly.

Related
posts

Onguard change of MD

Onguard announces change of Managing Director

Onguard announces a change in its Managing Director leadership, effective 1 August 2026. Adriaan Kom, who led Onguard for the past six years, has stepped down to take on a new opportunity in Rotterdam, his hometown. He has been succeeded by Dennis Kromhout van der Meer, proposed by parent group Norvato, who has taken on the role of Managing Director.

Onguard 2025 office -43

3 lessons for credit management in 2026: What the FinTech Barometer shows about DSO ownership

Onguard’s FinTech Barometer 2026 surveyed 336 CFOs, finance managers and credit management professionals in the Netherlands. The data shows that DSO isn’t a data problem, it’s an ownership problem: 81% of credit teams only explain DSO after the fact, 48% can plan incoming cash with confidence no more than two weeks ahead, and 1 in 9 organisations has no one to call when a DSO target is missed. For finance teams that want to lower DSO in 2026, fixing ownership matters more than adding another dashboard.

erp vs credit management software

ERP vs credit management software: What ERP can’t do

ERP systems record financial transactions. Credit management software helps credit teams act on them. While ERP platforms like SAP, Oracle or Microsoft Dynamics store invoices, payments and customer data, they are not designed to prioritise collections work.