Meet Mike
“I am proud of the challenges we have overcome as a team.”
Mike Boon, Direct Import PlannerHi! Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Mike, I’m 28 years old, and I live in Enkhuizen. I started at Action nine years ago as an order picker at one of the distribution centres. I'm now a direct import planner at the headquarters in Zwaagdijk, which is nice and close to home.
What exactly do you do as a direct import planner?
Together with a team of 15 colleagues, I make sure the right containers of products are in the right place at the right time. To give you an idea: our suppliers deliver around 500 to 600 containers to our network every week. This is a network that is continuing to grow, as we are opening new stores almost every day. I myself am responsible from start to finish for the delivery of around 20 containers per day to two distribution centres in France. There’s a lot involved, so our work is never boring. Ensuring the logistics flow continues to run smoothly by coming up with solutions for every possible scenario is what gives me energy!
What challenges do you face in your work?
For the flow and availability of our products, it is important for the containers to arrive at our distribution centres on time. Of course, anything can happen on the way. In France, for example, I still have to deal with strikes, such as in the ports. When that happens, I quickly contact various partners in the transport sector to see how we can get the containers out of the ports using other parties. Sometimes, a driver may become delayed, which is why I look ahead as much as possible together with my colleagues. For instance, more containers are shipped during the Christmas season. You can imagine that this creates additional challenges at our distribution centres. Together with the team, we do our utmost to inform all parties involved as soon as possible.
"What is great is that you truly get the opportunity to grow here if you want to. "
Why did you join Action?
I was looking for a side job and was tipped off by friends who worked at Action as order pickers. It paid well and I was able to work indoors. I quickly realised I wanted to continue working at Action. I told HR I was ready for a challenge. With the help of HR, I got a job at headquarters. What is great is that you truly get the opportunity to grow here if you want to. My colleagues also help me to develop. I can ask them anything.
Has anything surprised you at Action?
The growth Action has experienced in recent years. The pleasant working atmosphere is another one. I quickly felt at home at Action. This is also due to the 'West Friesian mentality', which is still there despite Action’s rapid growth. What is this mentality? Telling each other what's going on, being open to feedback, and working together for the greater good. What also surprised me in a positive way is that colleagues speak honestly about what is going well and what can be improved. We also invest in providing constructive feedback. For example, we recently attended a training course as a team.
What are you proud of at work?
As a team, we've overcome many major challenges. In recent years, the coronavirus pandemic and the stuck container ship in the Suez Canal posed significant challenges. As a team, we showed a lot of resilience during these crises. I am very proud of that. We don't just throw in the towel; we look for solutions. So our team spirit is very strong. It's one for all and all for one here. If you put your back into it together, you can also accept it if something doesn't work out. After all, you know everyone has done their best.
What's the atmosphere like?
Everyone is there for each other and makes time for you. Contact with your manager is also easy. Every Friday I have a one-on-one meeting with my manager. This conversation is not only about work; he also asks me how things are going at home. I like it that they also take your private situation into account. I feel I can say what I want at Action and my ideas are valued. And if you're feeling down once in a while, your colleagues are there for you. There’s also time for that kind of thing.
Do you have any tips for future colleagues?
Apply today! It’s a great team where you will quickly feel at ease. You get the space and freedom to be yourself and keep learning.