When JBL employees leave, they have almost always been in the company for a long time and have become a part of the family. That’s why farewells are all the sadder. However we have to look at it from a different angle to understand your decision.
Thomas, you are a determined young man who has seized the opportunity to start as Store Manager at a brand-new Zoo & Co outlet in Remscheid. This is a new challenge with regulated working hours, unlike the stressful and exhausting job of regional Key Account Manager. Although you greatly enjoyed your job at JBL, the change will also be good for you. We fully understand your decision and we would therefore like to say a heartfelt goodbye to you as a long-time employee (at one time you were our youngest employee) and friend. You were 23 when you started as a Sales Representative. You served your business customers for 14 years and were a popular salesrep and key account manager, able to enthuse many consumers at trade fairs with your charm and expertise. Your boundless dedication meant you were always well-received. For that we thank you!
When we informed colleagues and friends that you were leaving and we asked them “What do you associate with Thomas?”, we received the following anecdotes:
I associate with Thomas....
... the sense of ease and cheerfulness he always spread in company meetings.
... having a great time at JBL! Doing fantastic work at trade fairs, which was also such fun that my sides sometimes hurt from laughing. Having relaxed breakfasts at 6:30 am. It was such a joy to work with him. Look after yourself and don’t hold back, my son
... his non-stop talking. We once had to ban him from speaking for one hour. :)
... a very funny and unforgettable night in Cologne :-)
... a situation during the expedition. He couldn’t resist trying to chat with the cook, who only understood English, and Thomas couldn’t speak English at all. After one hour Thomas’ English had improved by 350 % but the cook oversalted the meal!
... an unforgettable dinner at a Chinese restaurant in Kassel in 2002. Further details are covered by professional confidentiality...
... a gentleman. He is the most patient ladies’ handbag carrier I know. An experience made during a trip to Alsace in March 2013
... professional and fun. Always stylishly dressed, Thomas never shirked no matter what the work was and he had a quick-witted reaction to every situation. A good mood and the right word from 6 o’clock in the morning to 5 o’clock in the evening.
Dear Thomas, We wish you all the best and every success with your new duties. We are sure that your customers will miss you as much as we do.
Mathias and the JBL Team
