Some people find their path in textbooks and classrooms. For me, it has always been about rolling up my sleeves and getting to work. This is just how I am wired. 

I have been working since I was 13 years old, starting out as a milk boy filling up coolers in a local supermarket. Before finding my way to the corporate world, I spent three years in the military as a constable on the island of Bornholm. When the time came to decide on a career path, I had the option to make the traditional route by studying finance at the university or starting as a banking or real estate trainee. But sitting still, reading books, and writing essays just was not for me. 

Then the opportunity at ESS-FOOD presented itself. I met Jess, who has a very distinct and strong personality, and I immediately liked his energy. What really drew me in, though, was the international scope. The idea of traveling the world, doing business across borders, and maybe even working from one of our overseas offices in the US or Spain someday sounded far more exciting than anything else. So, I dropped my other plans and joined EFIT (ESS-FOOD International Trainee) Program. 

The transition was a bit of a culture shock. Going from running around in the woods with a rifle to sitting neatly on an office chair wearing a crisp shirt took some getting used to. Honestly, during the first couple of months, I did not completely grasp the mechanics of our business of buying in one place and selling in another. But slowly, I started building my foundation by contacting customers, reaching out to suppliers, and closing my first orders. 

If there is one major lesson I took away from the EFIT program, it is the absolute importance of relationships. You have to learn how to communicate and build genuine connections. In our industry, the people you work with every day are the ones who will go the extra mile for you. They are the ones who will make those four extra phone calls to secure the right goods or or help you close a tough deal. Our motto is "Trading is a matter of trust," and that applies just as much internally. When I place an order with a colleague, I need to know I can trust them completely to see it through. 

Fast forward almost five years, and I have gone from a trainee to a full time Trader. The beautiful thing about the journey here is the ownership you are given. As a trainee, you are guided and held by the hand, but once you are hired full time, it becomes your business. The responsibility shifts, and you naturally become deeply engaged because you want to see your own hard work succeed. 

But even with that independence, you are never alone. The culture in our department is incredibly strong. We do not just work together; we are friends. I am genuinely proud to say that I work alongside people I care about and trust completely. 

ESS-FOOD invests heavily in its people. Out of nearly a hundred applicants, only a select few make it into the trainee program, and the company fights to see every singly one of them succeed. Looking around our office, half of our department, my colleagues, and even our director started out as trainees just like me. We know that the best talent often comes from within, and I am excited to continue building my business here.