We are pleased to welcome our newest team member, Alexander Nodewald, to FormerFab. To introduce him properly, we conducted a short Q&A interview with him so that you can get to know him a little better.

Negin: Alex, you’ve been with us since the beginning of December. How has the job been for you so far?

Alex: Good! Winter was a bit tough for me as I dealt with some health issues, but the job itself is great. We’ve already had some highlights, like the ISM ProSweets trade fair in Cologne and a fantastic conference organised by the DVI in Dresden.

Negin: It sounds like your first few months have been quite exciting. What exactly is your role here?

Alex: I’m part of the Sales & Marketing team, led by Roy Holfert. Our job is all about communicating with customers, preparing for trade fairs, networking, and essentially everything involved in representing FormerFab to the outside world.

Negin: Your background is in retail sales. What would you say is your biggest contribution to the team?

Alex: Great question. My grandpa used to say, “One day, this kid will sell fridges in the Arctic.” I guess my way with words was pretty obvious early on! I know how to present myself effectively, which is one of the most important things in sales. At the end of the day, people buy from people.

Negin: What do you offer customers as a point of contact?

Alex: First and foremost, a strong partnership and a genuine interest in realising customer projects in line with their vision, while making the most of our capabilities. It is important to me to always think critically and — true to the spirit of FormerFab — to offer products that deliver real added value.

In the long term, I want to build a network that allows me to support the many exciting projects within the packaging industry, and in doing so, contribute to addressing important global challenges such as environmental protection.

Negin: So, we’ve talked about your talents and your background. What drives you personally?

Alex: I truly enjoy working with people. As I mentioned, I love language and playing with words. I’m a creative person and I love it when every day brings something different. I’m always eager to learn new things. And, of course, like everyone else, I work to earn a living and pay the bills!

Negin: You’ve worked with food products before, so packaging was already on your radar — but your work here is quite different. What made you choose FormerFab?

Alex: You always need a little luck for a good story! Julian Schilling, our Head of Department HFFS, and I actually play football for the same team. Last summer, we were sitting in the sunshine chatting about our jobs and he suggested I should apply. I usually prefer to find my own path, but I couldn’t help being intrigued. I applied, and from there everything moved really fast. After the interview with Julian, Henry Drut and Roy Holfert, I had a great feeling about it — and apparently they did too, because the offer came just a day later. And here I am!

Negin: What makes working at FormerFab special to you?

Alex: I really enjoy being here. I feel like I can contribute my own ideas and experience, and I genuinely like the team.

Negin: What is your personal goal here?

Alex: I aim to continue developing personally, learn to collaborate even more effectively within a team, and contribute my strengths to the success of FormerFab.

Negin: One last question: Tell us something unusual about yourself.

Alex: Wow, where do I even start? (laughs) When I was a little boy, my parents had to secure all the windows and balcony doors. I used to sleepwalk whenever there was a full moon! My mother once found me standing on the balcony just staring at the moon — she was terrified, of course. But don’t worry, I’ve left my “werewolf” days well behind me!