My name is Nik and I live near Edinburgh, Scotland with my wife, Viviane. Together we have two young children who like to keep us busy! I began my career in this industry working for Bindery Machinery Services, where I worked for more than 16 years specializing in Muller Martini Perfect Binders and Saddlestitchers. During this time, I was responsible for handling all aspects of Purchasing, Sales, Operations, and Marketing.
What is your function at Mekes?
As a Sales Director, my job is to guide customers to the perfect machine for their needs and to be their main point of contact throughout the whole process from the first conversation all the way through shipment, installation and beyond. In addition to “selling”, I also use my knowledge and contacts to source high quality machines for Mekes to purchase.
When and why have you started working for Mekes?
As industry leaders, Mekes Graphic Machinery, were invited to inspect the stock of machinery and parts during the closure of Bindery Machinery Services (BMS). Of course, Ronald and Leon were there to see the machinery, but the first thing they did (before viewing the machines), was sit down with me and ask me how I was coping with everything during this uncertain time and they just listened. We talked for a while before Ronald proposed that I could continue to work in this industry for Mekes Graphic Machinery once my duties at BMS came to an end. That was the first time I ever met Ronald, and in those few minutes—when no one else had thought to ask—his humility told me everything I needed to know about the kind of leader, and the kind of company I wanted to work for.
What makes your work at Mekes so much fun?
Every day is different, which helps keep things exciting! I also enjoy being part of a bigger, close-knit team. Getting to know everyone is a real pleasure.
What is the greatest success you have had at Mekes?
I truly believe that our greatest successes are still to come, but if I had to pick one moment so far, then it would be identifying a machine which I felt was exactly the kind of high-quality machine we should buy for stock. I discussed it briefly with Leon and within an hour Ronald called to let me know that we had bought it. The machine was successfully sold by my colleague Claudio. Although only new to the team, the fact that my judgement was trusted so quickly felt incredibly rewarding.