WHO IS GERTJAN VAN VALEN? 

1. What's your job function? Not just your title, but what do you do? I am responsible for selling Absolutely formats and finished products in Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle-East, Germany, England, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Israel and Austria. To do my job, I have to communicate constantly with interested parties, keeping them informed of everything we have for them. This means a lot of travel. It also means talking to people in order to understand exactly what they are looking for. Only then can I make them a suitable offer.

2. How long have you been with Absolutely Independent?
I started on September 15th, 2008 and I've learned a lot already. It's a fast-paced world; you need at least 6 months to digest the huge amount of basic company information that enables you to do your work properly.

3. What did you do previously?
For about five years I owned a surfer bar in the southwest of France and had the time of my life. Lots of sun, sea, sand, and, of course, a lot of surfing. After that I opted for a more serious career in media. I moved back to the Netherlands and started working for Eyeworks Sport. Within a year I was asked to join 3CirclesMedia, a worldwide provider of interactive game shows for TV, internet, and mobile phones. Soon, I became the company's Sales & Marketing Manager.

4. What did you study?
Originally, I was a sports instructor. But as a young kid I always wanted to become a physiotherapist specializing in sports. In the end, it all turned out very, very well!

5. What do you do in your spare time?
I love kite-surfing, so I'm looking forward to longer days with more daylight. After work and on weekends I like to hang out at the beach for surfing and kite surfing. I also try to stay fit by going to the gym and playing Sunday morning soccer in the park with people twice my age...but they're much better players!

6. What do you like best about your job at Absolutely Independent?
We have enormous fun at the company. We work hard, but we have loads of happy moments!