At Dekker Chrysanten in Hensbroek, we work with over 170 professionals. In Face of the Family, we feature one of these professionals every month. Based on various questions, we would like to introduce you to our colleagues and offer insight into the various functions within our family business. This month, we spoke with Gerrit Baris, a familiar face in the flower trade.

The Beginning

Gerrit Baris, born in Katwijk and now living in Valkenburg, started at the age of 14 as a part-time job at one of Holland's chrysanthemum breeders. There, his love for chrysanthemums grew. Gerrit worked there until after his studies and gained a lot of knowledge about the breeding and cultivation of the crop. But it didn't stop at cultivation alone. His grandfather, a grower himself, took him to the Rijnsburg auction from the age of five, where his love for the trade was born.

After a short diversions, he returned to the flower world. 'I tried working in an office for a month, but that was not for me. I need to be able to go out. Through a tip-off, I ended up at Dekker and I now work there with great pleasure.'

Every morning Gerrit starts between six and six-thirty. A glance at the clock is followed by a busy day of visits to growers and trading partners. In which, among other things, he informs trading parties about our varieties, and updates our grower on relevant market information. He also ensures a meeting between the grower and trade, by taking trade parties to growers. Or by a specific action where a trading party is linked to a grower with, for example, a giveaway.

Gerrit finds the dynamics of the flower trade most fascinating. 'Every day is different because of the weather and market conditions. If people want to know how the economy works, they should come along to the trade once at 4am. The buyers go past the cold stores, see what they want to buy, and then the clock starts. Everything happens quickly because the products are fresh. That's really fascinating.'

International impact

Gerrit travels to Germany every quarter to highlight our varieties and maintain relationships. He has a keen eye for trends and market developments, and his observations help trading parties with their product range.

Passion and pride

Gerrit loves all aspects of his work, especially as the world of flowers is always changing. One of his fondest memories is when he and Gerben, trade marketer Madiba, went to the BFA fair in England. 'We showed there that the chrysanthemum is more than just a white flower. We stood with our showpieces and attracted a lot of attention.'

Straightforward

According to Gerrit, Dekker Chrysanten is a wonderful company where down-to-earthness and directness are key. 'Don't talk too much, but tackle it,' he says with a laugh. He appreciates the close cooperation within the team and the joint steps they make.

Highly recommended

Gerrit experiences Dekker Chrysanten as a fine employer and hopes to continue working with the same passion and drive for many years to come!

Are you curious about what Dekker Chrysanten has to offer you?

Then take a look at our vacancies page: Overview of vacancies at Dekker Chrysanten. You can also contact Erika directly by sending your response to apply@dekkerchrysanten.recruitee.com or by calling 0226 - 45 60 60.