DIRECTOR OF SALES - EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

1.  Where are you from?
I was born in Nijmegen and now live in a city called Arnhem in The Netherlands. This town is known from the movie "A Bridge Too Far" about WWII and the liberation of The Netherlands.

2.  How long have you worked for Continental Disc Corporation?
Since May 2008

3.  How did you get into the sales industry?
I started as an intern for Marriott in Washington, D.C. before I went to work for Bestfoods (Hellmans/Knorr). While there, I worked as Product & Sales Manager in several Sales & Marketing departments in the Food Service & Ready Meal Industry. After that, I set up Sales offices in the Food Equipment industry.

4.  Hardest part of being in sales?
I would say the challenging part for me is successfully juggling everything! I need to simultaneously manage my team of people, maintain communication with the two American offices, and meet with both customers and Continental Disc Corporation's sales representatives. 

5.  Best part? 
Each time I close a difficult sales deal, it gives me lots of energy.

6.  What do you love about working at Continental Disc Corporation?
I love that Continental Disc is a global player with excellent products. Everything they do is done with commitment and warmth from all involved. I love it!

7.  Tell me about a great customer experience you've had recently.
Recently we successfully turned around what at first seemed to be an impossible customer product demand. Our team spirit, extra hours and hard work was praised by the owner of the company afterward.

8.  What's a typical weekend for you like?
Weekends are always too short! On a Saturday morning I join my kids when they play Field Hockey (a popular sport in Holland). In the afternoon, I love to go to the local food market to buy fresh fish, meat and vegetables to cook dinner for my friends at night.When I have earned enough brownie points my wife allows me to play 18 holes of golf with some neighbors at my club. On Sunday evenings, we like to go out for some nice traditional French or Italian food at one of the many local restaurants. 

9.  How many languages do you speak and which ones?
Four - English, French, German and Dutch.