From Rookie to Respected Veteran
Just like managing director Tom Put, who got to know his company from the inside out (see joint interview), inside sales representative Daniël also worked his way through various departments over the years. And now, his retirement is just around the corner. When he says goodbye, he’ll be leaving with a heart full of memories.
“I originally joined SKP as a warehouse worker. My main task was assembling materials. I still remember how incredibly nervous I was during those first few weeks. I had come from the mines, where I used to shovel black coal.”
“Suddenly, I had to work with heavy lifting equipment and long steel cables. I’ll never forget it: one of the first customers who walked in brought one of those cables with him. I had to roll it up, but I just couldn’t manage. ‘Step aside,’ he snapped, ‘I can see you’ve got no idea what you’re doing.’ I stood there like a complete rookie (laughs).”
“After those first few weeks of nerves, I started to find my footing. Eventually, I moved up to warehouse supervisor. It became my responsibility to coordinate all incoming and outgoing material flows. It was in that role that I gained an incredible amount of technical knowledge.”
“Until one day, they were looking for someone to join the internal sales team — someone who could bridge the gap between the workshop and the office. The terminology they used at the office was often completely different from what we used on the shop floor. In that role, I immediately felt at home. When a customer came in with a chain, I often still had the urge to fix it myself (laughs).”
“All of these amazing experiences, I’ll take with me into life after SKP. Just like the warm, family-like atmosphere that defines this company. As a true family man, I’ll never forget that — or the fantastic people I’ve worked with.”
It quickly turned out to be a place where I truly felt at home
Young, driven, and fearless — three words that perfectly describe project manager Tom. After an adventure in Australia, he swapped the world of consultancy for life on the construction site. A life that proved to be so fulfilling that he’s now been part of our team for over seven years.
“I originally graduated as a mechanical designer. I’ve done all sorts of things — from designing steel staircases to drafting nuclear experiments. That might sound exciting, but it felt like I was drifting into a bore-out.”
“So I decided to take a year off to reflect in Australia. When I returned, I had made up my mind: I wanted to work with my hands. Through a recruitment agency, I ended up at SKP. Initially for just six months, but time flew. I was having such a great time here that they offered me a permanent contract.”
“The rest is history. Nearly seven years later, I’m still loving it. People here are supportive — if you’re eager to take on more, you’re given opportunities. That’s how I grew from technician to project manager. I get to work in incredible places and prove myself at dizzying heights. Who else can say that? Mounting lifelines on a new hall from a boom lift fifty meters above the ground. Or installing a jib arm on top of a towering silo. Amazing, right?”
“And then there are the colleagues. We may not be a big team, but we’re incredibly close-knit. You feel that every day on the work floor, and especially during our annual team outings — so much effort goes into making them memorable. My favorite memory? For our 45th anniversary, we all went to Sweden and Denmark — partners included — to visit Gunnebo, a lifting hook manufacturer. That was an unforgettable experience. But I look back just as fondly on a muddy rally race with a few beat-up Volvos. Anything can happen here (laughs).”