I hadn’t seen Hans for 15 years until our Boxing Day rendezvous on his way to visit his sister in Holland. 

Since that first meeting, Hans had finally wed his long-term girlfriend, Susan – along with the full blessing of her father!

‘So how did you manage to finally get Susan to the alter, Hans?’

‘Did I tell you the story of why it never happened sooner, Charlie?

Hans continued …

“Susan and I met in Chicago back in ’96 – and we wanted to ‘get hitched’ then, although her father wouldn’t allow it. It seems I (being a pastrycook) wasn’t ideal son-in-law material for the head of one of the city’s leading law firms. He was hoping his daughter, a lawyer herself, might marry ‘into the firm,’ so to speak …

We had a cool period for a couple of years until he began talking to me once again. It didn’t ‘worry me’ – it never bothered Susan at all either, we thought the silly ole guy would see sense. Then he asked me …’

“Hans, why don’t you let me introduce you to someone from my fraternity? Are you free for lunch next Wednesday, able to take a little time away from the bakery?” 

How could I refuse?

The Wednesday lunch date arrived as I was introduced to a fellow whose firm manufactured stainless steel cookware. His business was well-established with some well-healed clients. He thought the time was right to expand on the back of a strong reputation. ‘Why don’t you come and work for me, Hans? By the way, how many languages did you say you speak?’

Hans is fluent in four languages, having grown up in Holland and travelling through different parts of the world. He and I first met in Sydney, Australia.

I remember I was somewhat taken aback, Charlie. The guy was serious and he had big plans for the future. More importantly, the plan also had the endorsement from Susan’s father.

So you took a job? What kind of job are we talking about?

Charlie, the firm needed someone who knew about cookware. Someone who could introduce it to new (international) markets. I took the job, Charlie, international sales, the terms were too good to refuse. 

I thought you’d gone quiet on us Hans, now I know why …

Do you want to know the best of it, Charlie?  My first customer is MacDonald’s. Not bad eh? First providing restaurants throughout Europe, then soon after Europe and the USA the company was asked to provide stainless cookware to MacDonalds … globally!

Susan? I asked.

She’s very happy! We married several years ago – with the blessing of her family – and of course proud daddy!

It’s that old catchphrase you keep bandying around Charlie, the one about networking and taking the opportunity. ‘People buy from people?’

Exactly Hans, or in your case, more like the language we speak. Congratulations!