This time, Brother Tuck visits Kari’s Crackers. When director Patrick Roozemond asks a few people on the factory floor which colleague Brother Tuck absolutely has to interview, the answer is unanimous: Tamara.
A few moments later, a cheerful and confident woman with a warm smile walks towards me.
“Hi, I’m Tamara.”
The Story of Kari’s Crackers
Kari’s Crackers is, as they proudly describe themselves, the kindest cracker bakery in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful village of Heino.
At Kari’s Crackers, everything revolves around people and, of course, crackers. Everyone is welcome, whether they are looking for a reintegration placement, returning to work after burnout, or rebuilding a work routine after spending a long time at home.
There is just one requirement: you must be willing to learn.
Kari’s Crackers believes that everyone wants to contribute to society. Everyone wants to help others. At the same time, everyone wants to feel seen, appreciated, and enjoy their work.
The Story of Tamara
Until six years ago, Tamara worked at the social employment organisation in Raalte, where she folded clothing and packed products for a company specialising in animal feed and veterinary medicines.
Together with a job coach, she visited Kari’s Crackers. After some hesitation, she decided to stay, and the rest is history.
“What I like most is the small scale of the company, and it is much calmer than where I worked before. Although, I have to admit, it has been very busy over the past month.”
During the six years Tamara has worked at Kari’s Crackers, the company has grown from 20 to 55 employees, and its range has expanded with flavours such as beetroot, spinach, and sea salt.
After a little encouragement, she proudly says, “Since I started working here, my self confidence has grown, and I have learned many new tasks.”
For the past nine months, Tamara has also been living independently with a little support. At first, it was exciting and took some getting used to.
“Things have been going much better lately, and I am really happy with the freedom I have now.”
To finish, Patrick shares a wonderful story about something Tamara taught him.
“Every time Tamara made a pot of coffee, she would prepare everything for the next pot. I was a bit impatient because I wanted a cup of coffee straight away, so I asked her why she always did that.”
Her answer?
“So when the bakers arrive at five o’clock tomorrow morning, all they have to do is press the button.”
How wonderful is that?
5 Questions for Patrick Roozemond
- What would you do first if you were the director of the UWV?
I am convinced that everyone wants to have paid work. That is why I would lead with more trust, abolish all unnecessary checks, and simplify procedures. This would make it clear to people dealing with the UWV what is expected of them and why. - What is the secret behind Kari’s Crackers?
Warm soup and genuine attention. We have lunch and take our breaks together so we can immediately see who might need a little extra support. We also hold meetings with the entire team so that everyone knows what is happening within the company. - What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?
An important lesson I have learned is that you should give people space wherever possible, while also being businesslike when necessary. For example, when our exports to Germany increased, a German sales agent wanted a higher commission. Those are never pleasant conversations. I increasingly leave those discussions to others. - What makes you most proud at Kari’s Crackters?
By nature, I like to get things done quickly, but through my work here I have learned to put myself in other people’s shoes. I can honestly say that I have become a calmer and better person. As a result, together with my wife and all our employees, I have been able to create a fantastic working atmosphere, and I am very proud of that. - What would you like to ask the government?
How can we redesign the system so that people come first instead of the system itself?
