"I've enjoyed working at Van Pelt Recycling since 2013. Actually, I ended up here through a detour: a friend recommended that I apply for a job at the time. The team and the warm atmosphere appealed immediately and soon I felt completely at home here. Originally my plan was to join Defence, but I soon found that Van Pelt offered me new challenges and experiences every day. I was determined to stay."

"Striving for optimal logistical throughput is essential in my work. As manager of purchasing, I am basically always on site and keep a close eye on the schedule, paying special attention to coordinating large incoming shipments. I ask other departments what materials and electronics are expected so that I can estimate when the workshop should be clean and tidy after previous processing. Because of my experience, I know relatively well when to expect what loads at what time and what the estimated quantity is. Small business loads, such as metal waste from construction workers, plumbers and roofers often come by at the end of the workday. Timing remains essential so that all types of loads can be sourced efficiently.

While working on this, I mentor colleagues on quality, material selection and valuation so that they can get the best out of themselves and continue to develop."

"No day is the same. Although there are certain routines, the process at the yard - for both individuals and small and large companies - is mostly the same way: materials are turned in to the Drive-Thru, weighed, after which I set the price and the materials move on to the sorting process. This varies from small to large lots and requires considerable accuracy. And then there is customer contact in the meantime."

"The way of contacting customers is perhaps the most important link in the process. Some customers have many questions about the value, process or type of material, while others want quick action. There are also customers who like to share their stories of why they come to bring something in, such as when turning in an heirloom or a trailer full of stuff from a home remodel. It gives me great satisfaction to inform them well and listen to their story with full attention. They really appreciate this and I am happy to relieve them during the return process."

"As I said earlier, no day is the same. So are customer questions and expectations. A major challenge is to properly inform them about how best to deliver material and its value. Many customers are pleasantly surprised with the yield value, especially when they understand how our process works and what factors determine the value. Sometimes this requires some additional explanation, but it's always nice to see how transparency and a good conversation contribute to a positive customer experience."

"How do I approach this? I always use my knowledge, of course, and explain step by step the impact of turning in materials. With a smartphone, for example, I tell them that Van Pelt carefully removes the data. Customers actually always appreciate background information and find it reassuring to know what happens to their data. When I explain that our business processes are fully certified and that we thereby guarantee the safety and responsible execution of the process, the question about the "value" often disappears of its own accord. Customers then understand that the value of the material goes beyond just the yield. It's also about sustainability and safe, careful processing.
Whatever the question, I always take responsibility for ensuring that customers leave the Drive-Thru with a smile. You only have one chance to make a good impression and I always grab it with both hands."

"What motivates me most of all is when I look back over the past 12 years. It makes me proud of what we have achieved together as a team. By helping to optimize processes, we have not only increased the number of customers, but also improved quality. Where we used to have 10 customers per day, we now serve between 80 and 100 daily. The working environment is therefore also characterized by its unprecedented commitment and enthusiasm, where everyone looks out for each other. This makes it possible to continue working together with pleasure toward the same goal."
Whatever the question, I always take responsibility for ensuring that customers leave the Drive-Thru with a smile. You only have one chance to make a good impression and I always grab it with both hands."