Portrait of: Marco Vonk
Meet our team: today a portrait of Marco Vonk.
Marco Vonk, 36, a native of Nieuwegein, has been with Kuipers & Claassen for two years. Starting as a senior mortgage advisor, he recently completed his studies as a financial planner. That he sees the value of thorough studies was not always the case.
Until the age of 25, Marco was mostly focused on his social life. Totally unfocused on school, he dropped out of vwo and went back to vmbo. While he passed that at the age of seventeen - with flying colors - he immediately started working, partly due to the economic situation at home. With jobs as a co-driver at Deli XL or a production worker in a warehouse he earned some money, but it did not make him happy.
At 20, he rolled into mortgages at DAK Intermediairscollectief. A big improvement over his previous employers, but working was not his passion at that time. He lacked discipline and motivation during that period of his life. Had he had, he says he would have become a pilot or a lawyer.
When he is seconded five years later to Achmea Bank in Tilburg, the tide seems to turn. There he experiences a pleasant working environment where he can take a fresh look at a number of issues that are not going well. Before long, he becomes complaints manager, a role that suits him well: making angry customers happy again. In addition to this role, he is also a member of the works council of Achmea Bank. During this period, the love for the profession also begins to take its first forms. By actively seeking more knowledge in his spare time instead of closing his laptop at five in the afternoon and not opening it again until the next morning.
After a period of four years, Marco, helped by a reorganization, makes the move to mortgage consultant. He finds shelter in Hilversum where his social life has been embedded for several years. Not only through a new house, but also a job at the Hypotheker. A great learning opportunity, where after three years he is well learned. A disagreement with his employer makes him susceptible to recruiters. Whereas he always politely thanks them, he now accepts a job interview. Two interviews later he has a new job and Kuipers & Claassen has gained a happy employee.
Meanwhile, others also notice his passion for his craft. But they also notice the sharp edges. Apart from his humor and collegiality, Marco is very direct in his honesty, with his heart on his sleeve. Sometimes even a bit harsh and businesslike. He sees the fact that he recognizes this in himself as a benefit. Sometimes he still has to work on shaping this. Sometimes he thinks to himself: "That could have been done better, Marco. His honesty is also his strength. In his consultancy work Marco is sincere and always has the intention to really help you, even when you might prefer not to hear it. As far as Marco is concerned, this is an essential quality for a consultant.
In addition to hard work, he can enjoy his family immensely. Marco met his Brazilian girlfriend several years ago. Together they are now the proud parents of their two-year-old daughter. Quite a change in his life. Amazed at the development their daughter goes through in those first two years. The busy life they now have as a young family affects the time available. Whereas Marco used to be a regular at the gym, he now consciously chooses to spend time with his daughter.
The choice to settle together in the Netherlands is mainly motivated by security reasons. A joint future in the Netherlands is preferred by both of them. Contact with her family and friends is easy with today's modern means of communication. Moreover, his girlfriend is in the process of starting a business in Brazilian cakes and delicacies, in which she has already gained the necessary experience in her home country. Due to the primary care of their daughter and the lack of availability of child care, they are only now succeeding in really getting started with that. In an environment of Brazilian cakes and delicacies, it is important not to 'grow closed'. Also because Marco enjoys good food with a good glass of wine.
He considers the income he has secondary to the passion for his craft. Due to his growth within the field, he has now become a specialist. This makes his work enjoyable. That it also allows him to earn a living is nice.
Marco finds the challenge within Kuipers & Claassen mainly in the type of clients, the specific target group where he can do justice to his knowledge better than at previous employers. He also sees that there is still plenty of room to grow in his profession. That, too, stimulates him to venture out to study again. Soon, in fact, he will also be engaged in estate planning. In April 2023, he will start training for this purpose. Of Kuipers & Claassen's four core values, professionalism appeals to Marco in particular.
Quotes
I didn't get very happy from those jobs.
I could make those people happy again.
In the end, it is also my strength.
I'm not a hard salesman; I'm all about helping.
