In this series, we will introduce the team that gave birth to the concept of SwapBox. This week, we introduce Maxime van Zanden one of the Co-Founders.
Name: Maxime van Zanden
Age: 25
Role: Co-Founder
Studies: Hotelschool The Hague (Amsterdam Campus)
Hobbies: Tennis, Gym, Cooking and Travelling.
Favourite Dish: Sushi
What pushed you in continuing with SwapBox?
Maurits and I were still occupied with our studies when SwapBox was founded. Both of us are entrepreneurial minded. However, in our study there was a lot of focus on group work and managerial skills, not really on an entrepreneurial mindset. When we were in our last year of our studies we encountered a course that asked us to create an innovative business plan. We were very hyped because we were able to put theory into practise when it comes to entrepreneurship.
What distinguishes your company from others?
We are not a simple packaging company, we have a certain vision en want to create a particular movement. We trust that disposables made from bio plastics are not the answer. We trust that reusing materials and closing the cycle has way more impact on a global scale in reducing plastic waste.
Why do you like entrepreneurship in general? And why your company in specific?
I do not know what it in specific, the only thing I know is that I always wanted to do something in entrepreneurship. Building something and see that it has an impact on the environment and on others is a rewarding feeling. Alongside, the feeling of succes and that you decide yourself how far you want to go also counts.
What is your favourite quote and why?
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin. The world is constantly changing and so is business in general. New trends, new laws and new innovative inspirations. If you do not keep up, you will fail as a company.