As a born Rijnsburger, working at the flower auction was part of his education.

Colleague Rick van Duijn did not follow in his father's footsteps as a flower driver, but started working as a salesman at WBE in 2017. No flowers but foliage!

Yet he did not completely trade in the love of flowers for greenery. Rick always likes to make a bouquet, something the marketing team of WBE is always very happy with!

Curious about the entire interview with colleague Rick? Then read on quickly.

Tell us about yourself (age, relationship, place of residence, etc.) 

My name is Rick van Duijn. I am 27 years old and I was born in Rijnsburg, where I have also been living with my girlfriend Leonie for two years.

What are your hobbies (besides working hard at WBE)?

I play soccer with a team of friends at Rijnsburgse Boys. I played football in the selection for years, but I stopped. In addition, I like to do sports. For example, a trip on my mountain bike. I also like going out for dinner or having dinner at home with friends. Lighting the BBQ is always fun to do.

What did you study? 

After primary school I went to do the HAVO at the Pieter Groen College in Katwijk. I transferred from 4 HAVO to MBO at Wellant College.

I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do after school. Just that I liked to work with my hands. My father is a flower driver and that's how I got into the flowers.

What did you do before you started working at WBE?

For my education I did an internship at John de Koning, a Cash & Carry in Roelofarendsveen. They offered me a job after my internship. After a while I got tired of driving up and down and looked for a job closer to home. I ended up at Green Connect. Then I got a good offer from WBE. The young team, the quality of the products and the wide range of growers and products appealed to me and ensured that I made the switch.

In which department do you work at WBE?

I mainly do sales. Nowadays I also order some products for WBE Rijnsburg. For example, I order products from Central America such as Leather leaf fern and Aralia.

At which branch do you work?

WBE Rijnsburg.

What does your average working day look like? 

Usually my alarm goes off at 04:00. Only a little earlier on Monday and Friday. I start by checking orders in my mail and whatsapp. I put this in our system. Then I'm going to call the customers and go past customers on the auction clock. On Wednesday and Thursday I also make time to order products.

What do you like best about your job? 

The best thing about my job is selling seasonal products. These products are not available all year round, so I like it when I can offer them again and if someone buys them too.

What do you like least about your job? 

The least enjoyable part of my job is that sometimes you have to disappoint the customers.

For example, when products are no longer available.

What is your favorite product? Why? 

I like the blooming products. Favorites are Chaenomeles and Magnolia branches.

These blossom branches are nice and colourful. Also very nice to take with you home and decorate the house with!

Do you have any ambitions within WBE? 

I want to keep learning new things! I would think it would be cool if I became an important link within the company.