Ronie in three words: warm, positive & solution-oriented. But three words are not enough to summarise a career of 41 years. We make an attempt in 41 lines.

From labourer to manager

Ronie's career does not start with a business plan. But it does start with a clear motive: his boundless love for nature. And the urge to weave it into his professional life. He does not want to skip any steps and starts at the beginning. He learned the trade as a labourer. He leaves his degree in agricultural engineering at home. Nobody knows. But it does stand out. His drive to learn, to get to the root of problems, to enthuse others. And when the outlines of Microflor appear, he can no longer hide his entrepreneurial drive. Founder Ignace Vanluchene asks him on board. Ronie goes back to the university to master the very latest propagation techniques under the supervision of Professor Debergh. The rest is history. 

From backroom to high-tech company

What a history. The first germ of Microflor was planted in a backroom for young employees of the trading company Floréac. Difficult is also possible, thinks Ronie, and we will sleep later. The first lab is a fact. In 1999 followed by a larger lab at another location. Microflor will expand at this location in 2012. In the meantime, Microflor also gets a foothold in Slovakia. 

Ronie and his beard

All the while, Ronie is leading the way. Carefully, step by step, never interrupting, always looking back to check that everyone is on board. Rubbing his beard thoughtfully. Because we have to tell you something about that too, don't we? About his legendary beard, trimmed overnight at the age of 40. By his female colleagues, that is. One of them, Katrien Rykaert, has been working with him for 33 years. She chuckles when she thinks back. "It was during a surprise party for his birthday. He had always said that from the age of 40 he would go through life beardless. We gave him a helping hand.

It's not hard, it's easy!

He could laugh about it. The Microflor slogan, "Growing smiles since 1986", is right up his street. Katrien recalls another memory: the memorable Christmas parties. Each department was given the task of putting together a play. Ronie was a big fan of comedian Chris Van den Durpel and with types like Kamiel Spiessens and Jimmy B he made everyone laugh.

Sustainability avant la lettre

Moments to cherish, and Katrien has many more like them: 'Ronie was my boss, but he never outplayed that position. He gave a lot of confidence to his staff and commanded their respect in a natural way. Of course he could be strict, but always fair'. 
Febe Floré agrees. He was extremely people-oriented. The others and the company always came first. You could say that he was self-effacing but that is not quite right. His sustainable vision is definitely leaving its mark today. For Ronie, it was the touchstone for all strategic steps. Not only in the company, but also in his private life. For instance, he never takes the plane and he built a passive house himself. He is simply a beautiful person and we are going to miss him very much.

Rule 40 but far from finished

After 41 years of unconditional dedication, that is not surprising. Starting out in a small lab, with a handful of employees, and growing into an innovative international company with more than 350 employees. You just have to do it. Ronie did it. 
Now it is time for something else. Five grandchildren and a vegetable garden demand your full attention. And who knows what plans you still have listed in your Excel sheet?

Good luck and thanks for everything!