In this series, we will bring the SwapBox team closer to you by introducing the team. This week, we introduce Maurits Last one of two Co-Founders.
Name: Maurits Last
Age: 20
Role: Co-Founder
Studies: Hotelschool The Hague (Amsterdam Campus)
Hobbies: Football, Travelling, Being with Friends
Favourite Dish: Sushi
How was SwapBox born?
Well, it all started because I am a fan of ordering food online through different platforms available. Then when I realized how much waste there was to through away at the end of the meals it got me thinking. Inspired by the Dutch beer crate system I started to brainstorm solutions. After some time I concluded that the application of reusable packaging would be an excellent solution to the problem. Although at the time I decided not to pursue the business idea.
The real start of SwapBox was in April 2019, when for a school assignment I was asked to come up with a new innovative and sustainable concept for the hospitality industry. That is when the vague concept became more concrete. With the team from my school, we worked on the development of the concept for 8 weeks. At the end of the 8 weeks, we had to pitch the concept to our lecturers and founders of The Smart Travel Lab, who were the case company of the block. The lectures were very enthusiastic although it was very clear that the concept was not airtight. After the school project finished Maxime, who was on the team, and I continued to work on the concept and that is when SwapBox was officially founded.
So far, what has been your best memory working for SwapBox?
I think there are two moments that stand out, but if I have to choose it will be the first time we got to hold the finished prototype of the SwapBox. It was very rewarding because it was a long project and we had to make a lot of important and difficult decisions, therefore to hold it after 4 months of work with our product developer and designer was my highlight so far.
What is your favourite quote and why?
"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail"
Benjamin Franklin
This quote really speaks to me because I believe that being prepared is very important. The reason the quote speaks to me is because I like structure in my work and personal life. I always expect myself to be prepared on time and appropriately because it has nothing to do with talent or skill, it is a matter of setting your priorities straight and putting in the effort.
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