MEET THE FAMILY | Harralt van den Braak
Who is Harralt?
48 years old, born, raised and living in Tilburg "a real Kruikenzeiker". I try to play sports several times a week; tennis and kickboxing.
I am also a big Audi enthusiast. I bought my 1st Audi in 2006: a TT coupe. At the time, when my daughter - now 10 years old - started squealing with her knees in her neck that she could no longer fit in the back seat, I switched to another model.
With friends, I visited the Audi factory in Ingolstadt several times. Similarly, I have been to BMW Welt in Munich. In addition, I am a big fan of Formula 1 and have visited several circuits.
Of course, family and friends are also very important!
How did you end up at Hanko?
After Mavo and Havo, I spent 15 months in the Air Force 502 Squadron in Stoltzenau. One Thursday in 1993, I waved goodbye and the next day I went for an interview at Akisol bv through a temporary employment agency and started immediately. I delivered material with a van, and I will never forget my first trip: first to LIM in Eindhoven, then on to de Bruin in Venray and on the way back loading at Thermisol. On my return, Geert Hage said I got a contract right away. Eventually, I moved on to the warehouse and production.
After about five years, a spot became available in the sales department, where Antoon Kolen took me under his wing. Via various evening courses, I brushed up my knowledge, including Logistics management, NIMA sales, Warehouse management and finally Quality management at Lloyds Register.
Hans van Gastel (former director of Akisol bv) started at Hanko in 2009 and in February 2010, I had a meeting with Marijn and Hans at Hanko. I immediately felt at home; it really is a warm nest I ended up in.
What is your position at Hanko?
Sales, specialising in insulation, which I also purchase. I also have a lot of contact with the warehouse in Etten Leur in connection with daily procedures and shipments. More like a spider in the web. I also do many larger projects in insulation and make sure everything is in the right place at the right time.
What makes the work so fun for you?
Insulation is really in my blood; I have grown into it. Hanko is really a family business; the atmosphere and colleagues make it very nice. It's hard work, but we also have a lot of fun. No day is the same: it is fast-paced, you never know at 9 o'clock what you will be doing at 10 o'clock. I also really like the great diversity of customers.
Where does your strength lie?
I remain calm, positive and believe in possibilities. No' is really not an option with me: I always look for a solution together with the customer/supplier.
What does the Hanko Family mean to you?
Hanko is one big family; everyone is there for each other and the lines of communication are short. The door is always open at the van Gastel family!
What does Dedication for Insulation mean to you?
For me, it's a way of life: enthusiasm and love for your profession. And achieving the desired result together with the customers.