Job & Edwin: 25 years Mennens
The beginning: from workshop to service bus
For Job, the Mennens adventure began in the workshop. He stepped into a whole new world from the motorcycle trade. “Henk van den Berg, who had just retired, taught me all about steel cables with great passion. Everything was rougher than I was used to, but the atmosphere was good and everyone helped you get started.” Soon he had his own van, phone, and routes: “It felt like I was running my own business.”
Edwin doesn't remember his first day exactly. That's understandable after 25 years, but he hasn't forgotten how it all started: “An application by fax, a short interview, a handwriting check, and the next week I was in the service van.” His first mechanics' meeting made an impression: “A well-organized club. It felt right immediately.”
Career in motion
Both started as service technicians in the field. For Edwin, that meant long days, lots of variety, and regularly dirty or beautiful work locations. “From slaughterhouses to boat lifts with a view.”
Job enjoyed the customer contact, the dynamics, and the independence: “When everything was working again, I drove home with a good feeling.”
But after a few years, he started to feel restless.
Job progressed through account management to the management team and eventually became service manager in Rotterdam. “Every step felt like a personal victory. Leading that first meeting in front of 35 colleagues... it kept me awake at night. But afterwards, I was mainly proud.”
Edwin moved from work preparation to the role of service manager in Groningen. “When my predecessor left, David asked me if I was interested. It was a great opportunity. Since then, no two days have been the same.” Edwin now also temporarily supports Mennens Amsterdam for S&I.
A world of change
Where both started with tools in hand, it is now mainly people and processes that demand their attention. The technology remains interesting, but the work has changed. For Edwin, for example, this is reflected in the enormous digitization process: “From pagers to laptops. That transition was a real turning point.”
Job points out the cultural change within his branch: “The move to Vlaardingen has really brought us closer together. More cooperation, more laughter. We're here 40 hours a week, so it has to be fun.”
What makes Mennens special
When asked what makes working at Mennens so special, they are remarkably unanimous: the people.
Job: “It's a flat organization with genuine attention. With new colleagues, we consciously look for a good fit; we'll teach them the technical side.”
Edwin: “I've always had great colleagues around me. Cooperation and respect, that's the basis. Even if you don't always agree with each other.”
And then, of course, there are the anecdotes. Edwin: “There are plenty of those, but I always say: you should have been there. And once I start talking...”
Job thinks back with a broad smile to a company outing with runaway horses: “Screaming colleagues on an open sandy plain, bruises, one horse missing... but we had such a laugh.”
25 years of pride and looking ahead
What motivates them? The variety, the people, the room to grow. And yes, there are also bad days, but that's part of it. Edwin is proud of his entire career path, of the opportunities he has been given and seized.
Job cites the growth of his team and colleagues as the best part of his job: “If I can contribute to that in some small way, then I'm a happy man.”
They are optimistic about the future. Edwin hopes to help Mennens expand further, relocate the Groningen branch, and eventually retire in good health.
Job wants the atmosphere and cooperation to remain as they are now: warm, human, and strong.
Finally: the best tips for starters
Based on their experience, they are both happy to share a few lessons:
Edwin: “Make yourself heard, indicate what you need. Action is reaction. Make sure you stand out in a positive way.”
Job: “Invest in yourself and be curious. Always ask questions at the source. And: honesty is the best policy.”
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