43 2025 - number 4 - promzvak.nl 4710 4755 4850 4708 4711 4750 STEP INTO AUTUMN SAFELY AND VISIBLY WITH OUR AUTUMN DEAL! Our safety vests combine high visibility with a professional look. This autumn, take advantage of exclusive discounted prices and no setup costs. The perfect time to upgrade your gear! SAFETY JACKET SAFETY VEST V-SHAPE RWS SAFETY JACKET BUDGET SAFETY JACKET Now at temporarily lower prices! Want more info or ready to order? Visit www.araco.co.uk PROMO SAFETY JACKET SAFETY JACKET WITH ZIPPER SAFETY JACKET RPET TRAINING JACKET 9 working with people — it gives me energy. Especially when the collaboration comes from a place of vulnerability. It’s important that the people who work here are personally motivated. When I’m not around, everything continues running smoothly.” What are your strengths and weaknesses? “When you go through a burnout period, you really learn who you are as a person. I always had this intense drive to go — ‘no’ was never an answer. That kind of dominant personality is both a strength and a weakness. I’m a perfectionist, which can be exhausting. I had to learn to give space to other people’s ideas, and to let go — even as the person responsible. I’ve realized there’s more than one way to get from A to B.” What do you enjoy most about this work? “The creative process — developing a concept and then working with others, like manufacturers, to find the right products to match. I’m not the ‘creator’ who knows exactly what it should look like from the start — that’s why I have others around me. But I do know where it should go. I have a good sense for what the market wants. And a good conversation also gives me energy — especially when it’s about solving a problem. Sometimes things get stuck. I do everything in my power to help fix them. That gives me energy — though it also costs energy. So it’s all about balance.” Meeting Do you enjoy cooking? “I enjoy messing around in the kitchen. When I go on my annual trip with a few friends, I’m the one behind the stove. I like to make dishes or snack platters just a bit different. At home, I sometimes cook for special occasions, but my wife is the better cook. I do help her pick out the ingredients. When we’re abroad, we love browsing small local shops to see what kinds of food products they offer. But for me, food is mostly about ‘meeting’ — sharing and enjoying good company. I truly love that.” What do you enjoy in your free time? “I have three daughters — 28, 25, and 23 — none of whom are interested in joining this industry. The oldest is a teacher, the second is a medical doctor, and the youngest is studying social work. I also have a 3-year-old grandson and a baby granddaughter. I love spending time with them. I enjoy getting away in our camper, and being in nature. We also have a lovely garden at home in Groot-Ammers. Sailing, hiking, skiing with a group, or playing cards with a nice glass of wine — I love it all. Sometimes I need to step back and recharge, but overall, I find real fulfilment in being around people.” Where do you see yourself in five years? “I’ve changed since the burnout, but at my core I’m still the same person. The drive is still there — so I need to remind myself to pause now and then. Maria de Jong, our marketing and product development manager, is gradually taking over some of my responsibilities. In 2024, Topbrands Europe — a retail specialist in personal and home care — acquired Tastemakers. We had already been developing food concepts for them for several years, so we knew each other’s expertise well. That acquisition is also part of safeguarding Tastemakers’ long-term development for the day I step back. I’m happy to take on more of a background role. And there are always new ideas and projects around the corner!” Responsibility “I feel a strong sense of responsibility for what happens within the company — but also for the world outside of it. That’s not just because of my Christian faith. I’ve been through a tough time, and I’ve been able to rebuild. Sure, I’ve worked hard for it — but I’ve also received a lot. And I want to give something back. I enjoy motivating people, helping them discover their strengths, and setting things in motion. Even if I’m no longer in this role, I’ll always stay involved — whether through foundations, or simply by helping my own children when they face challenges. Maybe I’ll take on a more reflective, advisory role. That too will be a beautiful phase — I’m convinced of that. Life just keeps getting better.” “We want to ‘tickle’, but it has to be appreciated”
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