The story of Rudi

Hello Rudi, tell us a bit about yourself!

I work at Mervielde as a Cleaner. I'm from Kaprijke. Back in the day I followed my heart and now I live in Evergem. I am the father of 3 already grown-up children, 1 son and 2 daughters. My family is everything to me.

In my free time you will often find me in my greenhouse, where I draw up my garden plans and decide what I will be planting. Ultimately, taking care of my vegetable garden and watching it grow gives me great satisfaction and peace.

My wife and I also enjoy cycling. We then do various junction routes in the Netherlands and alternate with a drink along the way.

Enjoying the little things is something I learned while growing up. My mother is now 87 years old and uses a wheelchair. It is admirable how much zest for life she has and how she enjoys everything. A strong woman that I look up to. I like to surround myself with like-minded people who enjoy the little things and have a positive outlook on life.

How did you find your way to Mervielde?

More than 10 years ago, my wife worked in an association of which Virginie, Patrick Mervielde's wife, was also a member.
That is how we came into contact with each other, and I felt at ease. At Mervielde I got the chance to have a permanent and stable job with a good salary.

Besides a good salary, I also have job security. It is a strong and growing family business that cares about its people.

What does your job as a Cleaner entail?

We are responsible for cleaning our own tank trucks and those of external companies. As a cleaner you have an important role, because we ensure that no contamination occurs between successive products. This is not something that is taken lightly in the chemical sector, and rightly so!

It is a physical job with a lot of social contact, for example with the drivers. I like that diversity. In the meantime, I can also assist others with advice and assistance and that makes me happy.

We work in 2 shifts, which has its advantages. For customers too, because we can serve them better.

What do you think a Cleaner should be good at?

Whoa, good question. Besides the fact that you should like to roll up your sleeves, you will also benefit from a good dose of perspective.

At peak times there may be a queue, so you have to be able to keep a cool head. You also come into contact with many different types of people, where social skills are useful.

Who here is an absolute expert at his job?

There are a lot of them. For me personally, I think of a driver who has already retired, Guido. He was always so friendly and cheerful.

That warmth really makes a difference.

Why would you recommend Mervielde to others?

Mervielde has a strong and good name. The equipment here is top notch and they pay well. It is also a family-owned company. They are understanding when there is a problem and do their best for their employees.

Rudi, we ask everyone the same question. If you had all the courage in the world for 20 seconds. What would you do?

A dream of mine is to participate in the Tour de France. I have great respect for bicycle riders. They have to think immensely, commit themselves and also go very deeply physically for their colleagues. I find that sacrifice for each other and that cooperation admirable.