Jacob, CRM specialist

On my first day, I introduced myself to all the employees at the office. Besides the 2 founders, there were 6 developers, 3 marketeers, 1 account manager and 3 experts. I remember Catawiki was about to launch 2 new auction categories: Books and Coins. As a marketing intern, I set out to find new ways to promote these auctions among our buyers and sellers.

When I first started, Catawiki had 15 employees and about 5,000 users. A mere 3 marketeers were responsible for all the marketing channels to promote a handful of auctions. When the investment rounds came and more people joined Catawiki, my role shifted to Brand Marketing. After 3 years, it was time for a change and I joined the Seller Marketing team to help grow our seller base around the world. That team was later integrated with CRM, taking care of customer communication with buyers and sellers alike. 

Within 10 years, I expect Catawiki to be the world's largest marketplace for special objects – reaching beyond Europe, serving passionate collectors in Asia, America and elsewhere. 

It’s hard to point out just one. During the early days, I remember we’d be ecstatic when one of our press releases about a recent auction would get published in the Dutch press. We were in the news almost weekly – with features ranging from Michael Jackson’s 5,000 euro hat, to a mammoth skeleton with a winning bid of 120,000 euros. We were thrilled when a TV item was dedicated to the outcome of our commissioned research, illustrating why comics are a better investment than gold. 

When you’re part of a fast growing company, change is inevitable whether we like it or not. I’ve learned that we should not be afraid of new ways of doing things. Don’t throw in the towel too soon, but allow time to experience the change first – then learn and adapt as quickly as you can.

I’m really passionate about finding creative ways to build products that have an impact. It gives me great joy when my campaigns achieve positive results, and when our users like the creative approach. In 2018 for instance, I had the idea to create a 'No Reserve Treasures Week', which ended up being the predecessor of our ‘No RP Days’ – our current largest campaign. Coming up with new, creative and out-of-the-box ideas for our next CRM campaigns really motivates me.

I vividly remember the first time I was in charge of the ‘Catawiki comic envelopes’. Every month, we’d print an original comic strip on envelopes that we would give to users that bought something on Catawiki. It was a big monthly challenge to find comic artists who were willing to draw a unique comic for our envelopes.

 It felt so rewarding when I was able to secure a well-known series like Donald Duck, Suske & Wiske or other giants. Eventually, these comic envelopes became collectors items in their own right. We’ve auctioned many of them over the years, at notable prices.

I’m 33 years old and live in Joure, in the north of the Netherlands, with my wife Loïs and two young children Aron and Oscar. Besides being a busy parent, I enjoy playing football and spending time with friends. I’ve always played football at a competitive level but during the pandemic, I felt that it was time to take a step back and I decided to quit. A few weeks ago however, I returned to the pitch at our local club and I really enjoy this renewed challenge!

I really enjoy revisiting old video games that I used to play as a kid. It’s the nostalgic feeling that gets me, plus the great sense of humour in these games. Especially point-and-click PC games like ‘Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis’ or the ‘Monkey Island’ series.