... with Hans Herms
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Hans Herms is a young professional at Den Hartogh Logistics. He works at the office in Oss. Although he says he's not overly ambitious, he's a serious and undertaking colleague. 'You have to be on the move, learn things and evolve when you're young.' |
1. How did you come to work for Den Hartogh Logistics?
I worked for another logistics company as a planner. Although I enjoyed it, after three years I had reached the limit of my possibilities, in terms of growth and challenges. So when I saw the vacancy for a transport planner at Den Hartogh Logistics, I applied. It led to a very interesting conversation, after which I was very enthusiastic about the industry, which was new to me, and the possibilities I saw at Den Hartogh Logistics. Within two weeks all was settled, and I could start in my job a month later.
2. What's your education background?
I studied Logistics and IT in Enschede. I've always been fascinated by road maps and maps in general, even as a child. The first book I ever read was an atlas. So that interest brought me to logistics earlier than I could finish my education.
3. What do you think is the power of Den Hartogh Logistics as opposed to competitors in the field?
It's difficult to say anything about the competitors, because I just recently started in my job for Den Hartogh Logistics. But what seems to be the biggest advantage is how we use technical innovation and new technologies. It makes Den Hartogh Logistics very flexible and knowledgeable: we tend to extract a lot of information and knowledge from these new systems.
4. And from the inside?
How is Den Hartogh Logistics different from other employers? Den Hartogh Logistics is a very decisive entity. A quality I also see as a result of the choices that were made in the field of technology and innovation. Den Hartogh Logistics started out as a family business; effectively it still is, but so much more professional and bigger than an authentic family business like the one my former employer runs. Family businesses tend to have problems with decision making. Den Hartogh Logistics stays far away from those problems. It's very flexible and open for good ideas from any layer within. And apart from that, employees are offered all the chances to learn and develop their skills.
5. Would you consider moving to another country to work at another Den Hartogh Logistics office?
Well, I am a Francophile in every sense of the word. And since Den Hartogh Logistics is expanding its business to France, I definitely see possibilities there. If they ever need a pioneer for a new France business, I will be in the front row.
