Interview with Harrie Van den Biggelaar, Netherlands
Hello Harrie, can you tell me something about yourself and what you do at work?
– I am married and I have 2 daughters, as well as 2 dogs, chickens, and rabbits. I am currently busy with renovating our home. I am working as an Account manager, so I am responsible for the Construction department in the Benelux region, and I often travel to visit clients.
How long have you been working at the company?
– 23.5 years.
What do you like most – or least – about your job?
– What I enjoy the most is securing a significant contract. A recent example of this is the major maintenance of the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam, this will be an exciting project.
What did you do before you started working with us?
– My first employer was “Hek Manufacturing”. I grew up with the company as my family had a long history in relation to Hek Manufacturing. My father, mother, and uncle used to work for Hek Manufacturing, and we lived next to the company building. As a child, I often went with my parents to work and I was also engaged as a temporary worker during school holidays and weekends.
– At the age of 19, I joined what was then Hek Manufacturing as a welder and later became a field Service Technician at Hek Netherlands. Seven years later, I was ready for my next step and I advanced to Project Manager. After another 7 years, the position of Account Manager became available, and I have been enjoying this role since then.
Why did you decide to work for Alimak Group?
– I grew up with Alimak. My grandfather was the owner of the land where Hek Manufacturing started. From a young age, I saw that Alimak was and is a good employer.
If someone is at the beginning of their career, just out of school, and thinking about becoming an Account Manager or Service Technician. What would you recommend? Can they learn everything on the job, or what would be a suitable education or experience would you say?
– With the right attitude, curiosity and drive you can learn and achieve a lot at Alimak group. My own career path within the company is a good example of this.
What makes you proud?
– I am proud of the personal and professional growth and the opportunities I have received and utilized at Alimak group.
Do you have a life motto?
– “You only know what you can do if you try.”