Figo is introducing
06.12.2018 / About Figo
Steckbrief
Name: Jürgen Eikmeyer-Bloch
Age: 56
Position Chief Sales Officer
| open-minded | empathetic | success-oriented |
WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY ABOUT?
On the one hand for my customers and their wishes, on the other hand for new chances and possibilities at my job and also in my free time. And last but not least: (italian) opera. I have probably seen and listened to 30 different musical works on stage over the course of 10 years. The atmosphere in the theatre is incomparable to me. I get my goose bump feeling the moment the orchestra starts tuning.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM?
To ride the trekking bike on the European bike path number 1: starting from the Channel down to St. Petersburg. That is approximately 3.600 km from West to East, hopefully with a slight tailwind. For the last ten years, my wife and I have taken action and done trips for several days on the bike: Oder – Neisse, east coast, Berlin – Copenhagen, Ems – bike path. For me, vacation on the bike means relaxation starting from the first minute.
On the bike saddle you are very close to land and people and of course to the weather.
WHY DO YOU WORK FOR FIGO?
Over 30 years ago, I started my career in the field of shopfitting, interior design and facility furnishing.
I have worked for six different companies by now. I started as a trainee by a furniture maker. After the typical journeyman’s years, I have completed my further training as a woodworking technician and master carpenter, followed by activities as constructor, project manager, calculator, technical leader and as a chief executive. I am now a chief sales officer at Figo. And that exactly seemed to be my professional goal. I enjoy the independent work, the uncomplicated interaction and the mutual trust.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB OR YOUR TASK IN FOUR SENTENCES:
Of course I am trying to supervise our clients in the most helpful way. That also means to me, cooperating my own ideas, experiences and sometimes even criticism. In an ideal situation, shared projects lead to development and progress for both sides. Thanks to my long-lasting experience in various fields, I am able to give comprehensive advice and guide our clients.
My (secret) pet issue is to tinker with details in construction and execution.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN AT FIGO?
Even though with a work experience of so many years, every project asks for new ideas and solutions. That means there is always something new to learn. For me, a special experience is the teamwork with colleagues from different countries.
Once a week I have language training in the office. My teacher was born in the Middle East and lived in England for several years. Alongside the subject-specific exercises, of course there are always discussions over politics and society. You can only learn how to speak English, if you actually speak English. So please, go ahead!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE AT FIGO GMBH COMPARED TO OTHER EMPLOYERS?
We are faster, more flexible, more customer-oriented, younger, more modern, more tolerant and open-minded. We are on the state of the art. In short: Figo? Yeah!
FAMILY AND OFFICE – HOW DOES IT WORK?
As people who are keenly family-oriented, I have been trying to manage work, family, sports and other hobbies for many, many years. It isn’t always very easy and sometimes even seems to be impossible, but in a nutshell I can say that I have been mastering it quite well.
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO CARE ABOUT ENOUGH BALANCE ALONG WITH THE OFFICE LIFE?
Only those who care about themselves, can help and do something for others. As an ambitioned long-distance runner, I know that you can get the right balance during hectic working times with the help of an endurance sports. A real workout for body AND spirit. Every endurance athlete knows what I am talking about. Unfortunately I had to give it a long break, to help my knee get rest after a small operation. But it is slowly “going”, even though it is not going to be enough for a marathon. And then of course there is the vacation period. This year I have been to Southern Africa (Zambia, Namibia and Botswana). We have seen so many unforgettable impressions, which we can still live off Months later.
HOW IS FIGO GMBH SUPPORTING YOU WITH THIS PURPOSE?
The Figo GmbH grants us flexible working hours and also gives us the opportunity to work at home. Sometimes it seems like each one of us has their own working hour version. All in one, there has been a rethinking in the working world. Of course sometimes it is still challenging for our young mothers and fathers to manage both family and Figo. But when it comes to that, our company is very social, caring and flexible, thanks to our three chief executives. If you ask a lot, you have to give a lot.
Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.
(Richard Branson)
Thank you for the chat, Jürgen!