† July 2020. Dear Johan, we will never forget you ♥

Johan Vloeberghs

I am Johan, 52 years young and attached to the printing industry all my professional life. For two years I have been sailing under the banner of Buroform as a project manager.

At Buroform, I am responsible for…

I work as a project manager, which basically means I guide our clients through their project from start to finish. This ranges from the initial contact on the phone and preparing the quotation to the delivery of the final product and everything in between. I advise the customer on paper choices, printing techniques and finishing forms, engage any external partners and ensure that the relevant teams get the correct info. In fact, you could say that much of what is organizationally necessary to add sparkle and glamour to a product falls into my duties.

I got my job at Buroform through…

By now I have been here for two years. Before that, I worked for eighteen years at Copycat in Wilrijk, a company I helped build. But at some point it ran out there, as far as I was concerned. After much thought, I spontaneously applied to Buroform. I knew the company by name, knew it was a place that wanted to grow and look: took the plunge and am extremely satisfied with it!

My morning ritual is…

Waking up very slowly 😊. I like to start the day as calm and relaxed as possible. To the extent possible, because actually I’ve been doing my job from the moment I get up. Even during the traditional choco sandwich, my work rarely leaves me. Nature of the beast surely?

What people don’t know about my position is….

The entire process leading up to printing is too often underestimated. Printing is about more than pushing a button so that several sheets of paper roll out of the presses. It’s a very technical thing. Many people don’t realize that. The know-how today is incredibly high. Printing goes a long way, and the slightest mistake can ruin an entire job. Each choice is important to give the final product the right look. There are untold numbers of paper types, printing techniques and finishes. As a project manager, but also as a company in general, you have to guide the client very well in this. That’s what makes Buroform so strong: we really take people by the hand so that every aspect of the final product exceeds their expectations.

My proudest moment at Buroform is….

This interview! 😊 No, in itself, the first project you bring in is still special. Lead the customer through that entire process until delivery. You are quite proud of that. But actually, I have that feeling with every project. I am happy, relieved and satisfied every time a client beams and looks back on the collaboration with satisfaction.

What I like most about working at Buroform is….

By choosing Buroform two years ago, I took a giant leap. I had my own business and suddenly, at 50, I became an “employee” again. I was extremely well received and taken care of here, both by the management and the other colleagues. What a team spirit. On my first day, there was a sign on my keyboard, “Welcome to Buroform. Such details still make this company rise above the ground. I also sincerely believe in the vision of the future here. Management has a well-defined idea of where Buroform wants to go. I fully subscribe to that philosophy. If you want to survive in this industry, you have to do things differently. Then you have to jump out. I am convinced that the future is up for grabs.

On weekends you’ll find me…

In the winter I work my way through the house, in the summer I like to roll up my sleeves in the garden. In addition, I regularly go out with my wife: visiting a city, going for a walk or a bike ride. A terrace and a fresh pint should not be missed then. Or I venture out to a festival during the summer months; that too is part and parcel of time. We are lucky to have a large group of friends, there is always something to do.

If I wasn’t a “project manager,” I’d be…

Teacher, according to my wife. A missed opportunity she continues to claim. But that has never been my ambition. I studied graphics at Saint-Lucas and then worked in a publishing house and print shop. Graphics is in my blood.

The best career advice I have ever received….

I am rather stubborn, so I don’t remember much advice 😊. But I just think it’s important to make my own decisions. What you choose for yourself, you cannot regret. I am someone who does not like to look back, I prefer to turn the gaze forward toward the beautiful things to come.

Variety abounds within the Buroform crew. Wondering what it’s like to work with us? Then take a look behind the scenes.

Robin de Ceuster

I am Robin and have been working at Buroform for more than four years now. Feel free to call me the jack of all trades within the finishing team.

At Buroform, I am responsible for…

I am part of the team that “finishes” the printing. Within that, my function is actually twofold. Primarily, I am responsible for the Horizon StitchLiner, which amounts to cutting, stapling, gluing, stitching and folding brochures and leaflets. So I put the finishing touches on the printing myself. On the other hand, I serve as our foreman’s right hand. I am the point of contact for my colleagues and help coordinate the work, adjust the machines, you name it.

I got my job at Buroform through…

After my studies, I worked as a graphic designer and digital printer for five years. Then I operated the folding machine in another company for six months. The latter challenge suited me less. Not because of the work per se, but because we worked in a shift system. I had to cut back considerably on my social life, and that is exactly what I find so important. At some point I got in touch with Jesse, manager at Buroform. He was looking for someone for both the graphics team and the finishing team. Since I had experience in both fields, I was allowed to choose. I chose to finish. I like having control over the final product. Every detail has to be right. What disappears in the box toward the customer must be taken care of to perfection.

My morning ritual is…

I get up around 6 am, quietly get ready and leave for Mechelen where I start my work day at 8 am. I have half an hour to bulldoze, so I drive on in time to try to avoid the busiest part of the traffic jam anyway.

What people don’t know about my position is….

I have to pay attention to a lot of things, and sometimes they are minuscule details. Thus, my job is to help ensure that my colleagues can do their jobs perfectly. I check that the paper came in properly, that the printing was packed as requested by the customer, that everything happened as stated on the work orders. All small things that can have major consequences if not meticulously followed.

My proudest moment at Buroform is….

A while ago, our foreman was on vacation. Then I was given the task of replacing him for a week. Being allowed to bear that responsibility really stirred something in me. I have been working here for a good four years and suddenly I was put in charge. Surely I saw that as a form of recognition. If the colleagues also say afterwards how well you did, you should be proud 😊.

What I like most about working at Buroform is….

Colleagues. The atmosphere in our team is fantastic. There is work to be done, but laughter is also allowed. Within our team, everyone pulls the same rope. Even when criticism is once given, we try to see the positive in it. It reflects perfectly how well matched we are.

On weekends you’ll find me…

Rarely at home! I work out, play soccer and like to hang out with friends. My social life is incredibly important. Also during the week, I am constantly out of the house: soccer practices, indoor soccer… When I am among people, I am happy.

If I wasn’t a member of the finishing crew, I’d be….

Maybe cartoonist. As early as elementary school, I constantly heard how good I was at drawing. Later I went on to study graphic design and there, too, my talent must have caught people’s eye. At one point I was even asked by a company in Ostend as a cartoonist. But I was still young, I didn’t want to be so far away from home. Leaving everyone behind, I didn’t see the point. I didn’t take the step then, and although many still don’t understand that, I don’t regret it. I made other choices and I am still very happy about that.

The best career advice I have ever received….

“That I’m a stupid chicken because I never got into that comic book story!” :D
No, I don’t know very well. Personally, I just believe that you should use your mind and always keep going for it. My motto is: give 100% and don’t regret anything. I might have been a cartoonist. I chose the graphic arts field. And I enjoy doing my job immensely.

Stay tuned. We continue to share stories about each member of our team. That’s how you get to know what it’s really like to work at Buroform.

Would you like to be part of our #buroform team? Then take a quick look at our job openings and there might be something for you.

See you soon!