Some careers follow a straight line. Others take a turn you never expected and end up exactly where you are meant to be.

That has been my story.

When I joined ESS-FOOD in 2008, I came from a long career in the transport and logistics industry. I had worked as a freight forwarder and dispatcher at companies like Schenker, Freja and DSV. For years, I had been on one side of the table. I felt the need for something new and wanted to experience what it was like on the other side.

That decision has now turned into more than 17 years.

At ESS-FOOD, I have been working with purchasing transport solutions, primarily by truck. It was never something I had planned, but time moves quickly when you enjoy what you do. If your work feels meaningful, challenging and engaging, you stop counting the years. I know I did.

One of the first things I noticed was the way people are treated here. Small things, like good coffee, tea and breakfast every day, might seem simple, but they matter. The level of care and service towards employees is something I had not experienced before. It sets a tone for everything else.

ESS-FOOD is, quite simply, a good place to work. There is freedom, trust and a strong sense of community. Especially in my own team, where we support each other and step in when needed. Even when things get busy and the pressure is high, we manage to keep a smile on our faces.

Success in my role is when everything comes together. When orders are ready on time, picked up as planned and delivered as agreed. When suppliers, customers and colleagues are all satisfied. That is the goal every day.

But it does not always go as planned. And that is where the job becomes truly interesting. When something unexpected happens, you have to think differently, find new solutions and balance the needs of many stakeholders at once. That challenge is what keeps the work exciting.

What I am most proud of is the opportunities ESS-FOOD gives to young people. From day one, they are trusted with responsibility and taken seriously. There is a strong, youthful culture where colleagues become friends, also outside of work. It is something special, and honestly, something I wish I had experienced earlier in my own career.

It is also one of the reasons I have stayed for so many years.

Outside of work, I spend a lot of time cycling. For the second year, I am part of Cykelnerven, a cycling event supporting research into multiple sclerosis. Each year, we ride the legendary mountains from the Tour de France to raise funds.

This cause is very personal to me. My wife, Tina, was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis in 2016. It is a disease that deeply affects everyday life and changes everything, from work to relationships. That is why this fight matters so much to me.

In 2025, we rode in the Pyrenees. This year, we will take on the Alps.

I cover all my own expenses for the trip. Every donation goes directly to research.

If you choose to support it, it truly makes a difference.

And after all these years, I can still say the same about my work. It matters.