COO OF ONE FLORA GROUP, HOW DOES THAT FEEL?
I am very excited about this role, or actually about this company. A lot of things are new. I really enjoy learning new things, every day. Additionally, it's also special to realize how you can add a lot of value with a slightly different perspective. I am an example of someone hired from outside the sector. Because of that, I look at things differently, and that can bring a fresh perspective.
WHAT WILL YOU BE MAINLY FOCUSING ON?
Together with Lennard, I am responsible for the operational side. Lennard has a wealth of experience, which is very helpful. I am very familiar with processes, but not yet with the content. Sometimes I am in a meeting, and the terms are flying around. I think, what is this about? But by asking questions, we often break out of the usual routine. There are plenty of challenges to tackle, and I feel free to get started on them.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACHIEVE?
Improving processes together. Tackling the issues we're facing now and solving them together. I have a strong background in automation, so I also have the knowledge to improve processes.
THAT SOUNDS GOOD! CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW YOU ENDED UP HERE?
As a child, I lived abroad a lot. Before I turned 18, I had lived in 16 different houses across four continents. When we returned to the Netherlands, I studied logistics in Haarlem. After graduation, I ended up at a software company where I eventually became a co-owner. In 2019, I was really ready for something new. I thought, I’ll take a couple of months off, relax, and figure out what I want to do next. During that time, I was in touch with a recruiter who said, “Make it a year, just relax and do nothing. It's March now, and we’ll talk again in September.” That was literally the best advice I’ve ever received.
After that year, I started at Ruigrok, a staffing agency. I look back on that very positively. Through that job, I also became familiar with One Flora Group. When I left Ruigrok, we had coffee to see what we could do for each other, and this is the result. For me, work is all about the challenge and the people, and I felt that we were very much on the same page. The match was there, and I went for it. I’ve felt incredibly welcome here from day one.
WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT WORK?
Mostly at home in Leimuiden. I’ve been with my wife Angela for 33 years. We’ve been together since high school and have no children. We live by the water and have a boat, a sloop with a small cabin. We travel a lot and are always looking for new destinations. Whether inside or outside Europe, a few days in a city or a week of doing nothing. It can be anything, and we enjoy it together.
WHEN IS A WORKDAY SUCCESSFUL FOR YOU?
When I’ve been able to help someone and when I’ve achieved the next step in the efficiency process.
With his fresh perspective and strong focus on process improvement, Nick Tol brings valuable input to the team at One Flora Group. His enthusiasm for tackling new challenges and working together on more efficient solutions is a great addition to our organization. We look forward to building the future together with Nick!
