This August 2022, our warehouse keeper, Christian, will begin a well-deserved retirement. The whole de Buedemleër team would like to thank him for all these years of working together and wishes him a happy and enjoyable retirement.
Employed as a floor layer and blind fitter from November 2001 to March 2013, he had to go through external redeployment because of knee problems, but Ben Jungers asked him to rejoin the team in July 2016.
Christian returned as warehouse keeper, a new position created as the company’s workforce grew. We needed someone with extensive experience of our trades, our philosophy, the procedures to follow and the products we use.
“Christian, what will you remember most about your time at de Buedemleër?”
“My first memory goes back to the job interview. Of course, I had brought copies of my diplomas and qualifications. But when I wanted to show them, I was told: ‘We’re not really interested in diplomas; it’s your hands-on experience that we judge you by’.
An attitude that made an impression on Christian, that he appreciated – and that we still practise to this day.
“You don’t stay 17 years at a company you don’t like. It’s a real family business, where employees aren’t just numbers but are treated with respect, and the management is always willing to listen and open to discussion.”
“One of the best memories of my working life was when Ben called me back in 2016 to ask me to rejoin the company as warehouse keeper (after my external redeployment, I’d really struggled to find work).”
And now, what are your plans? “To make the most of being a grandad and to renovate a small house in the south of France, where I will spend my retirement once my wife has retired too.”
Ben & Martine, how do you feel about Christian’s retirement?
“A chapter is certainly closing – working with someone for 17 years is no small thing! We will miss Christian’s good humour, his know-how and his willingness to help others, but even in retirement he will remain part of the de Buedemleër family.”
“We’ll have the chance to see him again at the parties we hold every year at Christmas and at the start of our summer holidays, when the whole team, including our retirees, comes together to share some convivial moments.”
“Creating a good working atmosphere between team members is very important to us. That’s why, in addition to managing relationships between colleagues respectfully day to day, we organise themed days several times a year, such as fun outings, training sessions and company visits.”
Thank you, Christian, and enjoy your retirement!