We are proud to introduce you to Geert, a true citizen of the world who has been a vital part of our family since 2015. Originally from Belgium, Geert has spent decades navigating different cultures and continents, bringing a wealth of international experience to his role.
We sat down with Geert to discuss his journey from the port of Antwerp to Vietnam, his passion for connecting members, and why he believes logistics is one of the most exciting industries on the planet.
A Global Citizen with a Local Touch
Welcome, Geert! Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your role here?
Geert: Hello! I’m Geert. I am a Belgian citizen by birth, but I have been living overseas since 1993. My "out of Belgium" experience started in Egypt, after which I moved to Dubai. Presently, I’ve been residing in Vietnam for the last 23 years.
My main role in the company is the recruitment of new members, but I’m also deeply involved in assisting members with any questions or problems they might have regarding any of our networks. Furthermore, meeting members face-to-face at the annual network conferences is my absolute favorite part of the job.
You’ve been with us since 2015. How did your journey into logistics begin?
Geert: Logistics sparked my interest back in 1984. I was talking to someone who was already working in the maritime industry, and he invited me on board one of the many cargo ships in the port of Antwerp. That visit made me wonder what was on the other side of the world.
I realized there was only one way to find out. I decided to join a logistics company, and the rest is history, so to say.
The Adventure of Logistics
You mentioned living in Egypt, Dubai, and Vietnam. If you could live anywhere else for a year, where would it be?
Geert: I’ve been living overseas for most of my professional life. I’ve seen a lot of places, but there are still many countries left to visit or live in. I don’t have a specific country in mind, actually. I’m open to any suggestion. Surprise me!
Looking back at your career, is there a specific achievement you are particularly proud of?
Geert: Basically, having the guts to say goodbye to good old Belgium and look for a worldwide adventure. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing, but it’s an experience that I wouldn’t want to change ever. That decision defined my life and career.
What is one thing people outside the industry often get wrong about logistics?
Geert: I think this is different for everybody. My first logistics job was "documentation," which I initially found boring. But I soon found out that there is so much more to it. Meeting people from all over the world—different nationalities, religions, backgrounds—is so interesting.
In logistics, you always work with "the other side." Goods need to be moved. Sometimes within your own country, but mostly to different countries. There is so much fun in dealing with the world. It definitely isn’t a boring sector, but you have to work on it a little bit yourself to make it exciting.
Passion for the Job
What advice would you give to someone just starting in this line of work?
Geert: Don’t give up on a logistics job too quickly. It’s one of the most interesting sectors in the world. A lot of logisticians end up seeing the world and meeting tons of people. What is more exciting than that?
Finally, do you have any surprising passions or hobbies outside of work?
Geert: Logistics is my job, my hobby, and my passion. I love every minute of it.
My (not so) surprising skill might be having the occasional drink with fellow logisticians who are as passionate about the world of logistics as I am!
Final Thoughts
Geert’s story is a reminder that logistics is more than moving cargo; it’s about moving yourself and broadening your horizons. His adventurous spirit and dedication to helping our members succeed make him an indispensable part of the Atlas Logistic Network team.
Whether he is recruiting a new partner or sharing a story at our annual conference, Geert embodies the global connection that our network stands for.
