Cheers to 40 incredible years of Geert Danneels with our company!

Today we’re raising a virtual toast to our amazing colleague, Geert Danneels, who is already 40 years an integral part of our team as the After Sales Service administrator.

Geert’s infectious humor and perpetually good vibes never fail to brighten our days. His attentiveness, personalized approach, and technical expertise have made him an absolute favorite amongst our cherished customers.

To commemorate this remarkable milestone, we sat down with Geert for a quick interview.

• Can you share your journey with us? How did your career with the company begin, and how did it evolve over the past 40 years?

I was hired by the founder, mr. Devolder in August 1983 as metalworker. I worked on P.I.’s first CNC milling machine ‘Maho 500-C’ from 1984 until 1989.

Than I was proposed to do work preparation. This is the link between the mechanical engineers and the production team. From 1999 until today
I am After Sales Service administrator.

• What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your time with the company, and how did you overcome them?

One of my favorite jobs was programming the CNC milling machine after a 3-days training in Brussels.

Early years 2000, I started making digital pictures to make the technical files more detailed. These pictures made it much more easier to answer technical related questions to our customers.

Not much later, to support our sales team, I started making video films of our custom-made installations with a simple ‘home video’ camera.

• Have you witnessed any significant changes or transformations within the company throughout your career? If so, can you elaborate on them?

Selling our extended range of standard printing machines was our main activity in the early eighties.

The developing and the construction of a ‘custom made’ installation was rather exceptional.

The efforts to develop machines equipped with increasingly efficient and modern technologies.

This applies to mechanics, electronics, software and environmental challenges.

• What are some memorable moments or achievements that stand out from your 40 years with the company?

That makes me proud being a small part of the great improvements over the past 40 years, being witnessed the evolution from our manually operated printing machines

to our up-to-date fully automated installations that now print all kinds of products in all kinds of industries.

• Were there any mentors or colleagues who played a significant role in shaping your professional growth?

Thanks to the trust and support of the management, I was able to achieve my goals.

• What values and principles have always guided you in your work, and how did they contribute to your success?

As the son of an entrepreneur, I was raised to always be at the service of the customer.

That is why I consider myself a bit as a micro entrepreneur within Printing International.

Whatever issue needs to be solved, I always try to find a solution that both parties feel good about.

• Can you recall any difficult decisions you had to make during your career, and how did they impact your journey?

Knowing exactly which direction I wanted to take and which I certainly don’t want to take made this journey a lot easier for me.

• Lastly, what advice would you give to young professionals who are just starting their careers today, based on your wealth of experience?

Having an open mind and accepting challenges keeps the career exciting.

Eagerness to learn and the pursuit of quality in your specific job will result in appreciation by   the people who you work with.