Working for Barenbrug continues to be an exciting adventure in both my professional and personal life. While working for Barenbrug I have held several different positions which have allowed for extensive travel around the world. These tremendous opportunities are the result of The Management Development Program

Christiaan Arends, Turf Product Manager, Barenbrug USA

In 1997 I started at Barenbrug Holland while I was still in college (HBO). I was chosen for an internship through Barenbrug’s Production department. Upon completion of the internship I returned to school to finish my degree. Barenbrug offered me a position soon after graduation and I started in January 1998 at Barenbrug’s Holland location. I worked in the logistics department for 1.5 years. During this period I recognized the freedom we have to further develop our job and departments.

While working for logistics I was offered the position of Product and Territory Manager. I accepted and over the next 4 years I had the opportunity to continue building the turf market for Barenbrug. It was primarily sales and marketing and I enjoyed that position quite a bit.

During this period the MD manager and I decided it would be beneficial for me to do a Post HBO study in Business Administration. Two years later I graduated.

One aspect of my development that was missing though was international experience. Once again the MD manager and I decided that I needed to transition to a position with more international exposure. Shortly there after, I accepted the position of International Turf Product Manager. While in the Export department at Barenbrug Holland I worked with customers, production, marketing, sales and research. This was a great position that allowed me travel all over Europe, from St. Andrews in Scotland to Rostov Na Don in Russia.

In all of my conversations with the MD manager I emphasized my (me and my family) interest in working abroad. In January 2006 the MD manager offered me a job in Oregon, USA as Turf Product Manager and Assistant Sales Manager. After discussions at home and visiting Barenbrug USA with my family we accepted the challenge. And we are very happy we did it. In September 2006 we moved to the US. My wife studies at the University of Oregon. Barenbrug arranged an E2 visa that allows my wife to work locally. She plans on returning to work later this year after she has completed her studies.

My job here is fantastic; I travel a great deal both domestically and abroad all while meeting a lot of different people.

I think I can say working for Barenbrug has been an adventure. Living in another country and working with so many different people on different positions within Barenbrug has helped me both in my job and my private life. Thanks to Barenbrug and the MD program.

(terug..)