CRPTS - Key Persons
‘The nice thing about our trade is that you can develop things yourself. What I mean is that you can develop the thickness, quality and types of yarns, and also the technique, height, colour, drawing, sizes and shape. You can determine everything yourself, naturally in consultation with your suppliers. This also makes us stand out from everyone else in the market', said Edwin Tromp, owner of De Munk Carpets.
Ellen van Lent is at the heart of the carpet firm's administration. As the Office Manager, this sixty-year-old lady takes care of everything connected with orders at De Munk Carpets. ‘I feel perfectly at home here,' chuckled Ellen. ‘I enjoy the fact that we work in a small, tight-knit team. I also like it that you get the freedom to do things your way.'
Erwin van der Vegt is good with his hands and he was a welcome addition to the team at De Munk Carpets. Seven years ago, Erwin spent six months in the warehouse helping his neighbours Edwin and Mirjam out of a fix. ‘I was between jobs at the time and they were looking for a temporary employee. It was the perfect solution for everyone', said Erwin.
It's not only De Munk Carpets that is celebrating an anniversary. Jack Schouten, who is in charge of logistics, has been working at the company for thirty years. ‘I was nineteen when the former owner, Frans de Munk, who was a customer at my father's barbershop, asked me whether I'd like to work for him. That was in 1991, and I've never left,' laughs Jack.
John Brugge is an Account Manager and has been in the profession for over 35 years. It's clear that he has commercial blood running through his veins. He talks enthusiastically and bursts with passion about his life as a representative. ‘When I leave the house in the morning, I want to be working with my customers to get the best possible success rate'. It's wonderful to be able to put our carpets on the market and to bring in orders. It's really my mission.'
Mirjam Tromp, the owner of De Munk Carpet, went backpacking around the world when she was younger. She worked for Singapore Airlines for ten years, which she greatly enjoyed. In 1998, she met Edwin and in 2001 they decided to take over De Munk Carpets. ‘Edwin said: ‘I'll only do it if you want to do it too,' said Mirjam. ‘I'd never done order or financial administration before, but we developed rapid and convenient systems by thinking logically. I found my experience of working in the hectic world of Schiphol Airport was immensely helpful. I'm able to pick things up quickly and put them into practice immediately. At De Munk Carpets, I look after the drawings for the Nepal collection. I'm also in charge of financial matters and insurance and HR. In fact, I do everything that is not connected with the orders.'
‘Together with Edwin, I'm pleased to be a supporter at Sterre's volleyball tournaments. I also love to go for walks in the woods or along the beach with my labradoodles, Diesel and Bikkel. I find that having the dogs in the office is welcome relaxation for not only myself, but also for many of the others in the team.