Sjaak Ros, Area Manager, Retires after Four Decades at PanAmerican Seed
A glimpse into the life of an Area Manager at PanAmerican Seed
At PanAmerican Seed, everything revolves around growth – not just of flowers, but also of people. In this blog post, we share the story of Sjaak Ros, Area Manager, who will soon be retiring after 43 years of loyal service. His story reveals what makes this position so special and why working in the flower seed industry is a unique opportunity.
From numbers to flowers
Sjaak began his career in 1983 as an account controller, fresh out of a HEAO (Higher Education in Economics and Business Administration) degree. “I loved numbers,” he says. However, an unexpected turn soon occurred: he switched to sales. “It felt right from day one. At first, it was just an inside job (including creating and sending quotes by telex), but later, it also involved working outside (like traveling to customers). That’s how I fell into it.”
What makes the job so enjoyable?
“The best part is that it’s a human industry,” says Sjaak. “You can still grab a bite to eat with a competitor, and almost everything revolves around trust and relationships. And yes, I’m numbers-driven: the bottom line at the end of the month gives me a thrill.” He also appreciates the international aspect: “I've never disliked traveling. Contact with clients worldwide, from South Africa to Israel, is and remains fascinating and makes the work dynamic and challenging.”
No two days are ever the same
A typical workday? There's no such thing. “I work partly from my office at home, but I’m also on the road a lot. You have to be flexible and definitely able to adapt quickly. Availability is key in this role – clients count on you,” says Sjaak.
Challenges and opportunities
What’s the biggest challenge? “Market politics. Sometimes you can’t win everything because clients also need other suppliers, since we don’t sell everything,” he says. “But that’s precisely what makes it interesting: looking for solutions and seeing opportunities.” According to Sjaak, PanAmerican offers plenty of opportunities for growth: “I started as an accountant and was given opportunities to develop myself. I still see that happening with colleagues.”
What skills do you need?
“It starts with the human element,” Sjaak emphasizes. “Building and maintaining trust (‘trust comes by foot and goes by horseback’), being honest, and yes – traveling is part of it, because ultimately, it often comes down to goodwill (and then personal contact is essential). It’s an experiential profession, so in the beginning, it’s mainly a matter of learning a lot (so, hear, see, and keep quiet), and then it’s mainly about doing.”
Why PanAmerican Seed?
“It’s the personal touch,” he says. “Despite being part of a large company (and American), it still feels like a family business. The atmosphere is open, and there’s a lot of sharing.”
His tip for applicants:
“Are you in doubt? Then I say go for it!” says Sjaak. “The seed industry is dynamic and innovative, and above all, a beautiful, wonderful industry. There are plenty of opportunities – from greenhouses to laboratories, from customer service to sales. Start somewhere, and you’ll soon see where your talent lies.”
