Nelleke started at C4T in June 2018 as an intern while she was earning her BS in Logistics Management at Karel de Grote Hogeschool in Antwerp. She was hired to work at the Service Desk, C4T’s first line of support for CAS users, and quickly learned the many features and functionalities of the software. As Nelleke’s studies drew to a close, she began looking for job opportunities and saw a sales representative opening on the C4T website.
“I missed the commercial side of business. No two days are the same,” said Nelleke. “I had learned about the customs process in school, but we only dealt with manual declarations. After learning how CAS automates the customs process and hearing first-hand the positive responses customers were having to it, I wanted to be a part of the sales process, building relationships with customers and convincing them how C4T can really revolutionise their customs operations.”
“When Nelleke initially expressed her interest in becoming a sales representative I’ll admit I was hesitant. She was recently out of school and had only been with the company a short time,” shared Chief Revenue Officer Maarten Laruelle. “Then she completely sold me with her ambition and confidence. Her perseverance and determination to move into the role convinced me she was the right person for it.”
During her transition to the sales representative position, Nelleke wore two hats—still supporting the CAS Service Desk in the mornings and spending her afternoons contacting customers and prospects. “Sometimes the two positions overlap, but that’s how it is in any small company. It all works out and is a continuous learning process.”
Nelleke indeed proved herself in sales, moving up to Sales Development Representative Lead, helping onboard and mentor new hires like Jana. Then, in December of 2020, it was all hands on deck to get customers onboarded before Brexit. Few know CAS better than Nelleke, having supported customers through her role with the Service Desk team and walking dozens of interested prospects through demos of what CAS can do. She offered to support one of the most hectic times C4T has experienced to date, working nights and weekends on the Onboarding team to prepare customers for Brexit.
In early 2021, things really shifted for Nelleke. She was presented with the opportunity to pursue her dream: working with children and animals. She will take over Farm On Wheels, the petting zoo that comes to you! It is the first mobile petting zoo in Belgium, visiting schools, hospitals, and residential care centers to spread the joy animals bring to people—a particularly pressing need right now, when so many have been isolated due to the pandemic.
“It’s certainly going to be a big change, with early mornings spent herding sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits, and chickens into the travel trailer, driving to a new location every time, and setting up. It will be a completely different experience than my career at C4T, but there have been valuable takeaways. I learned sales skills that I will need to book business as well as patience—something that’s definitely necessary when working with children and animals. Plus—as with C4T—no two days will be the same!”
“Nelleke has been a true ambassador, representing Customs4trade at recruiting events and referring her extensive network,” shares Ilse Vermeersch, COO. “I respect her for having the courage to follow her passion and entrepreneurial ambitions. Passion is a core value at C4T and we are always proud of our people following their dreams, even when it means losing a member of our tribe.”
Nelleke’s last day is April 1 and we wish her the best of luck! During her transition she will be dedicating each Monday to Farm On Wheels events to prepare her for taking over the business.