The Ireland Portugal Business Network is delighted to welcome new member Roland Kern, partner at Quentinho do Lis, the company bringing Austria’s Redwell infrared heating systems to Portugal and Spain. He is also and CEO of the Redwell Store in Portugal.

Roland’s journey into business in Portugal is as much personal as it is professional. With a Portuguese mother and a long career abroad, he knew from experience how challenging Portuguese winters can be. “It’s easier to spend the winter in Austria at -10°C than in Portugal at 5°C,” he explained in an interview with Anteprojetos Magazine this past April. “We needed a solution that would give us the same thermal comfort as dry environments.”

That solution turned out to be Redwell infrared heating—a system that warms objects and people directly, creating a natural warmth without relying on air convection. The result is greater efficiency, improved comfort, and, importantly, a reduction in problems caused by humidity. “With Redwell heating, you can enjoy high thermal comfort at a lower room temperature… in homes, stores, or offices heated by Redwell, there is no condensation, which reduces the effects of humidity.”

Roland brings a wealth of experience to the business. A graduate of the Austrian military academy and a former officer with seven years of active duty, he went on to spend nearly two decades in global logistics with cargo-partner, ultimately serving as COO for its worldwide air and ocean division. Fluent in French, Portuguese, English, and German—with working knowledge of Spanish and Italian—Roland is now applying his international expertise to growing Redwell’s presence across Iberia.

In recent years, Quentinho do Lis has installed Redwell systems in more than 160 homes across Portugal, with impressive results. In one case, a 160 m² house near Leiria was equipped with Redwell infrared heaters, keeping the home at a steady 20°C through the coldest months for just €120 per month. Customers report not only lower bills but also a marked improvement in comfort and air quality.

For Roland, the mission is clear: expand the distribution network in Portugal and Spain, while helping homeowners and businesses discover the benefits of a system that is efficient, elegant, and environmentally friendly.

Looking ahead, Roland says he is excited to engage with the IPBN community. “I am thankful to be able to join and am looking forward to a fruitful exchange of ideas,” he told us. With his mix of military precision, logistics expertise, and passion for innovative energy solutions, Roland is certain to bring fresh perspectives to the network.