INTERVIEWER: So we’re here to grab a couple of minutes with Sebastiaan Bargeman, who started with PPE a couple of weeks ago. How are you finding everything so far?
SB: Busy but very enjoyable! I’ve found everyone to be very welcoming and cheerful!
That might just be because it’s nearly Christmas!
Ah yes maybe. Ask me again in January haha!
What is it you’re going to be doing here at PPE?
I’m a Regional Sales Manager, which means I get to visit end users and gain a deep understanding of the sealing challenges these businesses are facing. I’m really looking forward to getting started.
Sounds like a lot of travelling! Is that something you like to do?
Definitely, I love experiencing all kinds of cultures and cuisines. I love Italy and Spain for all kinds of reasons, but I’ll always keep going back for the food! I was also amazed by the variety of flavours when I went to Indonesia.
Are you much of a chef yourself?
I do enjoy cooking – my kids don’t seem to complain too much! I’ve also got a 1942 cookbook from my grandmother, which gives a great everyday insight into what was such a challenging time.
What else do you like to do in your spare time?
My kids think I’m the most boring person ever! But I do enjoy reading and hiking. I also ride motorcycles!
Motorcycles don’t sound very boring to me!
I once participated in a dirtbike race at the beach in Scheveningen – probably the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done!
Any other hidden talents from this supposedly boring dad?
I think any other talents are very well hidden! I am pretty heavily into my rock and metal though.
Really? Any favourite bands?
I’ll listen to anything, but I grew up in the late 80s and early 90s with bands like Metallica so anything around that era really. Seeing Guns n Roses at the Goffert Park in Nijmegen was a formative experience for me!
Did Axl Rose turn up on time for that one?
Fashionably late.
So your karaoke set is loud, then?
Definitely niche. But I’ll throw in Enter Sandman for a mainstream singalong.
What’s your favourite movie or TV show?
I’m a self-confessed Tolkien nerd. There’s never a bad time to go back into Middle Earth!
Agreed. Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or the Silmarillion?
Tough one! But the LOTR extended editions are always special!
We’d best stop here so we don’t fall down a rabbit hole and alienate everyone! What are you looking to achieve next?
Well maybe not next, but a nice vacation home in Italy is near the top of my list. With all the family and my dog Leia.
Tell me about Leia!
She’s a cartoon dog – bright white, black ears. And dumb as a bag of rocks. But she’s a real princess!
We’ll have to include a picture on the interview.
Instead of me?
It’s tempting but am sure we can manage both! A couple of quick fire questions now before I let you go… dogs or cats? I think we know the answer.
Yep. Dogs.
Tea or coffee?
Tea.
Sweet or savoury?
Savoury.
Morning person or night owl?
Morning person.
I’ll let you get back to your customers now, Sebastiaan!
Not a problem, any excuse to talk about metal and Lord of the Rings! Speak again soon!
ABOVE: Leia, who is indeed a princess!