Speaking with | Martine Woesthoff

Let me introduce you! Who is Martine?

My name is Martine Woesthoff and I work as a Senior customer service representative at TICA in Aalsmeer. I was born in Uithoorn and moved several times over the years before settling down in De Kwakel in 2015, where I live with me partner Kevin and my two children Esmee and Collin. Besides work, I love to go for a bike ride and have lunch somewhere. I also exercise regularly at Team Champ, do Kickboxing and take an Astrology course.

How did you join TICA 25 years ago?

In 1998, I came across an article about TICA in the newspaper. Despite living around the corner from TICA, I had never heard of it. At the time, I was working in home care, yet I decided to apply for a job at TICA. On 25 October 1998, I started as a general cashier and exhibitor service assistant. At that time, these positions were still combined. I remember well how I often helped unpack exhibitors’ pallets. Because of the combination of tasks, my work was very diverse.

What can you remember well from that time?

The building where TICA was located back then was very different from the current one. It was an old greenhouse where it could get extremely hot in summer and freezing cold in winter. The TICAfé then consisted of just five tables, it is almost unimaginable. After a few years, we moved to our current premises and I got the position of Senior customer service assistant. A lot changed. The premises were incredibly large, which meant we could continue to grow. Moreover, working conditions improved considerably. The move was really a milestone.

Location Aalsmeer

Martine’s favourite brands

Collectiv_warehouse_inpakpapier_cadeau_pretty — Collectiv Warehouse

Typisch TICA Kitchen Trend — Kitchen Trend Product

What do you like best about your job at TICA?

Working at TICA is extremely diverse. This is partly due to the changes in team leaders, which means the working methods change regularly, but also to the diversity of TICA members. It is cliché, but absolutely true: no two days are the same at TICA. Besides Dutch TICA-Members, we also have many international TICA-members, which makes the work even more interesting because of the many aspects involved. Besides contacting TICA-Members, we also have a lot of interaction with exhibitors and colleagues. In short, there is no other company like TICA where so much diversity can be found.

Which milestones of the past 25 years have stuck with you the most?

In 2016, TICA, Trends & Trade, Fashion Extras and TICA online continued as one company name: TICA. As Senior customer service representative, we did not make a huge impact from this change, except that we are working to equalise working practices in all areas. This is sometimes a matter of give and take.

For you, what is ‘Typical TICA’?

Typical TICA, is the conviviality that is always present, regardless of the situation. A solution is always sought; fortunately, it is not black and white. Besides this geniality, it is, as mentioned earlier, incredibly diverse. Dealing with so many different people from different backgrounds has allowed me to grow personally.