Figo is introducing
21.01.2019 / About Figo
Profile
Name: Manuel Riemer
Age: 25
Position: Architectural Draftsman, Team Planning and Design
| inspiring | ambitious | aspiring outdoor adventurer |
WHAT ARE YOU CRAZY ABOUT?
Nature. Nature is above all else.
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST DREAM?
To canoe the whole Yukon River, from its start down to the Bering Sea. This year, I already managed 400 km.
On the road, I was very close to the nature and was able to see and observe animals in the wild – for example moose and bears. But what was most moving for me, was seeing the Northern Lights and in general just to be far and shielded from the daily city life. If you have time to let your soul set free, you start to wonder over different things. That is really impressive.
We started the trip on a 5,30 m long canoe together with my wife Melanie and our dog Balou. That was only enough room for us, our food and a tent. That shows me again how much you actually really need in life to be able to master it. It was an extraordinary experience and I am looking forward to our next trip. Having fresh air and just looking far away is the perfect solution to be able to get back on track and concentrate while working on a computer. As a draftsman and planner, I sit most of the time at a desk. And that’s why nature is my balance.
„I already managed 400 km!“
I was able to fulfil a second big dream of mine during this trip: a week in an isolated log cabin by a lake. The way to the cabin alone turned out to be a big adventure. We got to the place on a water plane, which only had 2 seats and just enough place for our luggage.
Observing the extensive nature during the flight from above, evoked respect and a thrill of anticipation. We saw 3 or 4 houses here and there, but other than that it was only forests, rivers and lakes.
As we landed at the lake, the adventure really started. Everything you did, had to be well thought out. There was no phone signal and the next road was 9 km away, only accessible over a narrow way, which was in distance to the next city, approximately 100 km away. The only connection to the civilisation was possible over a rented satellite phone.
A childhood dream came true: being in nature for the whole day, fishing, barbecuing, starting a fire and enjoying the silence.
WHY DO YOU WORK AT FIGO?
Because the family philosophy speaks for itself. They try their best to make working as an employee as easy as possible. The focus is always on creating a pleasant working atmosphere and keeping it while paying attention on the individual person. Every employee is privileged to be treated due to their needs and personal circumstances like family and kids, pets, home office options, sports and public transportations.
„It’s always about giving and taking.“
WHAT DID YOU LEARN AT FIGO?
Figo is my first working experience after my training. Here, I have learned to take more responsibilities. I can process a complete project, take site measurements by my own, keep on client appointments and represent the company.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE AT FIGO GMBH?
The collegial cooperation with my bosses and the informal and free behaviour in front of them. Of course, they are still persons of respect, but I am able to speak to them openly and also about private things.
Furthermore, the choice of words is comfortable and unforced. That means you can be yourself! Figo is supporting us in private, but also in work-related purposes and plans. My subject is to integrate healthy eating into the everyday office life. My boss Heinz came up with the idea of making smoothies. So we started to work towards it and now we included a Smoothie-Day.
EATING CLEAN AT THE OFFICE
WHAT DOES „CLEAN EATING“ MEAN TO YOU?
Eating clean means to me, eating enough vegetables, healthy fats and foods that are high in protein and giving up on sugar as much as possible. The human being needs protein and fats. Carbohydrates on the other hand are optional. Your system actually doesn’t need it. It is able to substitute them by its own (keyword: ketosis). By saying this, I am not trying to demonise carbohydrates, because they actually do give energy. You only have to focus on complex carbs like pulses, whole-grain products and potatoes and still try not to overeat on these.
„A temporary ketogenic diet is recommended, if done right(!!!!).“
WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO CARE ABOUT EATING HEALTHY ALONG WITH THE OFFICE LIFE?
Since you sit down a lot during the day, you are missing out on enough movement. To avoid gaining unwanted weight, it is important to care about health-conscious nutrition. I can speak from experience here. You should always be mindful of eating fresh and natural foods, which are not processed (for example vegetables).
My wife and I focus on eating healthy nutrition’s 5 days in a week. But on the weekends, we also enjoy other things like crusty buns with Nutella, without feeling bad about it.
COFFEE OR TEA?
Black coffee.
HOW IS FIGO GMBH SUPPORTING YOU WITH THIS PURPOSE?
Smoothie-Days: We order from a reliable organic supplier and make smoothies regularly for lunch.
IS THERE ANY ADVISE YOU COULD GIVE TO YOUR COLLEAGUES, FOR EXAMPLE FOR LUNCH BREAK?
Making a salad for lunch, with high-quality oils, a shake with oat milk and chia seeds. Chia seeds are great substantial dishes which also keep the nutrition low carb. That helps you to stay fit at the office. Smoothies with vegetables as main ingredient, turned out to be my thing, thanks to Figo! They are high in vitamin, have a lot of fibres and they keep you full.
YOUR FAVOURITE RECIPE FOR THE ENERGY BOOST IN BETWEEN?
That would still be the classic strong coffee!
That would still be the classic strong coffee!