Mirthe reflects on her 5-year career at Field Factors

Hi Mirthe, we heard you are making a new career move. Five years after launching your career at Field Factors, you will be starting your own business in the wool industry. Of course, we cannot let you go without taking the time to reflect on your time at Field Factors.

You were Field Factors' first employee when you started almost 5 years ago. What has changed since?

We have achieved SO MUCH in only 5 years! I joined Field Factors fresh from University to work on the realisation of our first biofilter in Spangen, Rotterdam. Since then we have been developing circular rainwater systems, gaining a lot of knowledge on treatment processes, water quality regulations, spatial integration, geohydrology, construction, electro-mechanical installations, and much more. The company has grown from 3 to 9 people, all bringing a different expertise to the table. At the moment 6 systems are operational and many more are planned.

Reflecting on those five years, which accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the rainwater reuse system at Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam. When I started working I set out to become a project lead and this was the first project that responsibility fully lied with me. The collaboration between the client, Field Factors, contractor and mechanic was very pleasant and I was able to use all my technical expertise I built up over the years.

You will be starting a whole new company, similar to how things started with Field Factors 5 years ago. What did you learn from the process at Field Factors that you will be applying in your new challenge as well?

Learn by doing. Much is feasible as long as you believe it is and put the effort in.

What will you be missing the most from working at Field Factors?

The team. The team at Field Factors are the most driven, clever, and amazing people. I value the diversity at the office with so many different backgrounds, expertises and interests.

As you know, we have also been recruiting some new team members. Any advice you want to give from your experience to these new team members (or to your former colleagues in general)?

Enjoy the ride and celebrate all the amazing achievements that follow each other in quick succession. There is always a reason to eat pie!

Enough reflection, let's talk about the future: what are your ambitions with het Hollands Wol Collectief?

The Hollands Wol Collectief is an organization that set out the goal of giving all Dutch wool a place in the Dutch economy. We do this within the planetary boundaries and with respect for everyone in the product-chain. Dutch wool has been treated as a waste product since China closed its doors to wool from Europe. We're going to show wool has value by making sure it is used in many high quality products, made in Holland!

We are currently busy setting up partnerships with a first group of customers to conduct production tests in October so we can process the first large batches at the end of autumn.

Will we be seeing you around at Field Factors?

Of course! I'll have to come back as long as Kieran remains undefeated in table tennis.