"I usually tell people that I work as a consultant for the leading software provider in the insurance industry. I’m quick to add that I don’t know anything about computers, but I do know all about the capabilities of our software package." That’s a modest description, because as a consultant and ANVA Certified Trainer, Theo is a true go-to expert for both users and colleagues.
Theo’s ANVA story began on the other side of the table. He worked in the accounting department of an insurance agency that switched to ANVA. Through training courses and consultants, he became familiar with the software. When he saw an ANVA ad in AM Magazine, he didn’t have to think twice. There were no opportunities for growth at his employer at the time, but there certainly were at ANVA.
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And grow he did. Theo started out as one of three full-time help desk employees and tested the then-new ANVA 4/5 software. When the help desk expanded to about ten people, his financial background led him to take charge of the Finance Department. Later, he helped set up the ANVA central office, where ANVA managed operations for about fifteen offices. In addition, he did consulting work one day a week.
Theo’s work can’t be summed up in a single sentence. He helps firms make the transition to ANVA and set up their systems, teaches courses at the ANVA Academy in the Netherlands and the Caribbean, and collaborates on solutions for sometimes unique requests. He also conducts firm assessments: on the work floor, he observes which processes a firm does or does not use. He then delivers a report with suggestions for improvement. “The best part, of course, is when the client implements those improvements and brings me or one of my colleagues on board to help.”
What is he most proud of? Theo finds that hard to say. “It’s just my job!” If he had to name just one thing, it would be last year’s training week in Aruba. In a single week, he taught five different courses to nearly fifty students. “It was pretty intense, but the feedback and reviews were very positive.”
Even after more than thirty years, Theo is still learning something new every day. “There are still aspects of ANVA that are new to me. There’s always a colleague who can help me get started.” And with ANVA 6, a new challenge is already waiting.
From just over twenty to more than 150 employees: ANVA has changed significantly. Fortunately, according to Theo, one thing has remained the same. “The atmosphere is still friendly and family-like. We can discuss anything with each other and laugh together. Having fun is part of it.” And for him, that’s what makes ANVA so special. “You can be yourself. Together, we can accomplish a lot, whether that’s helping a client or participating in activities together. And at the very least, grabbing a cup of coffee together at the coffee bar. Coffee made with love!”
That sense of connection extends beyond work. Theo helped found the employee association, served as a first-aid responder, and these days helps organize the St. Nicholas celebration for all ANVA children. Of the many wonderful moments, one stands out most in his memory: the weekend in Paris celebrating ANVA’s 25th anniversary, with all his colleagues and their partners.
No two days are the same for Theo, and that’s exactly how he likes it. “One day I’m supporting developers at ANVA in Amersfoort, the next I’m teaching a course, and yet another day I’m setting up a new product at an insurance agency.” His day is a success when the task he came to tackle has been addressed or resolved and is working to the client’s satisfaction.
He explains quite simply why, after more than thirty years, he still enjoys going to work. “First and foremost, because of my coworkers. I also enjoy meeting different people all the time as I go about my work. That variety, creativity, and freedom suit me well.”
At ANVA, we help drive the insurance industry forward with smart software and innovative technology. Collaboration, professional development, and job satisfaction are at the heart of what we do. Would you like to join Theo in shaping the future and reaching your full potential? Come join our team!
