Jonathan
We must learn not to wait for inspiration to start something. Action always generates inspiration. Inspiration rarely leads to action.
A quote by Frank Tibolt, one I hung in my room back when I was a teenager. Whenever I have to briefly introduce myself, I invariably use this quote. I see myself as a highly pragmatic person, and I notice that I always keep this quote in mind when faced with challenges. It is important to think, to seek inspiration to tackle something, but ultimately, action is needed. Of course, there are other things that define me , as you can read further on, but if I have to pick one to highlight, it is without a doubt this one.
Professional
In higher education, I obtained the following two Master's degrees:
Master in Industrial Sciences: Chemistry
Master after Master in Environmental Remediation and Environmental Management
With this under my belt, after a period at Eurofins and Witteveen+Bos, I landed at the then Servaco Food Control, now Normec Foodcontrol, in 2019. Here, I was given the opportunity to start conducting Legionella risk audits and drawing up management plans in-house. At the time, this was outsourced to third parties, so following the acquisition of an established name in the market, they were looking for someone to set this up. Referring to the quote I shared above, this position seemed tailor-made for me: starting something with carte blanche. Ultimately, this character trait also led me to shape Safe Water Consult.
Spare time
It is often said: "Belgians live to work." Philosophically speaking, this is a very interesting theme to explore further. After all, I believe that work constitutes a large part of our happiness, but free time is inextricably linked to it as well. I enjoy spending a large part of this with my wife, daughter, and parrot Frodo. Don't worry, he is a small parrot who cannot talk, so phone conversations remain confidential.
I attach great importance to health, which is why I make it a point to spend sufficient time in the climbing gym or our home gym. I strongly believe that good physical health is important for good mental health, and vice versa. I therefore try to make time to pick up a book and read in peace, which is quite an exercise in itself with the parrot and daughter at home. The majority of the books on my list are psychological, philosophical, or scientific in nature. If I still find time after these, I step into my arena and let my creativity flow while making abstract paintings.
Fun fact
I once cancelled a meeting with Prada's then-casting director for a physics practice exam. Driven by science, or an obedient son to his parents, who can say.
Laura
A day without laughter is a day wasted .
If people around me were to describe me, you would likely often hear "cheerful." I find it important to maintain as positive an outlook on life as possible and to find something beautiful in every day. I also highly value humor, which often helps to put myself and life into perspective when necessary.
Professional
In higher education, as a great animal lover, I completed my Bachelor's in Agro-Biotechnology with a specialization in Animal Care.
Although I did not pursue these studies in my professional life, I did take my first steps in sales during my student days, specifically as a door-to-door salesperson for Pepperminds. An experience from which I have gained not only a large circle of friends but also a solid foundation to this day.
I also discovered what truly energizes me: having pleasant conversations with people and selling a product or service that I personally believe in.
After having done various jobs, however, I felt two important aspects were missing: growth and sales. So when my partner Jonatan was toying with the idea of starting his own business, it quickly became a no-brainer.
Spare time
In my free time, I prefer to be outdoors, out and about with our daughter and our parrot Frodo, who loves joining me on adventures from my shoulder. This way, we enjoy the fresh air, get our necessary daily steps in, and top up on our dose of vitamin D, although that isn't always easy in Belgium.
In addition, I derive great pleasure from cooking. It remains special to me how you can create something delicious with a few simple ingredients and make others happy with it as well.
Traveling is another passion close to my heart. For example, after my studies, I set off with a backpack for seven months to Australia and New Zealand – experiences that will stay with me forever. Meanwhile, countries like Mexico, India, Vietnam, Curaçao, and South Africa are also etched in my memory. So, I am really looking forward to picking up this love of discovery again, this time together with my family, as soon as our daughter is a little older.
Fun fact
My very first job was working with my father, who is an independent plumber. That also involves water, so I guess the circle is complete now.