My Role at Testbirds is a series of blog posts that gives insights into the daily life at the office. Every so often, one of our employees will introduce you to his or her line of work and share some helpful tips.This week features a Testbird from the Dutch team and one that likes the water more than the sky. Andrew Maat is the manager for the Amsterdam-based Benelux-office, helping to grow both the business and the team. Origin/Background: I was born on the tropical island of Curaçao and after spending part of my childhood there, my parents moved to The Netherlands, where we lived in a quaint Dutch village for some years. After secondary school I went to college to study Business and Administration. My first job was as an Account Manager in IT selling ERP software. That experience ultimately brought me to the shores of Ireland in 2001, where I subsequently lived for 10 years. My work later brought me back to The Netherlands, at which point we relocated to Amsterdam where we found an apartment by the water, much to my delight. What you do at Testbirds: I lead the Benelux team on a daily basis. My goals are grow the business and help people with their personal growth, whilst having fun. Current computer: For my daily work I use one of our snazzy new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, however as I am an Apple aficionado I use a MacBook Air at home.Current mobile device: iPhone 6One word or phrase that describes best how you work: Two words: Work smart A typical work day consists of: Besides helping the team to achieve their goals and running the office, my day consists of business development, coaching and sparring with my colleagues on how to approach the challenges we face. In addition to this I’m passionate about sales in general and more specifically finding the best way to consult with clients and prospects – whilst making sure we hit our numbers.What apps/software/tools can’t you live without? I actually think I could live without any although I do use my LinkedIn, Facebook, Spotify and WhatsApp every single day. Sums up my day, staying in touch with business and personal contacts whilst communicating and listening to music. What’s your work setup like? Oh dear…What’s your best time-saving shortcut? Don’t use email for something you can discuss over the phone. Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without (and why)? My watch – I know – very old skool.What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? What’s your secret? I’m not sure I’m better at it but I’m crazy about my two kids and love to spend quality time with them. Quality time includes doing things they love, like playing football, swimming, Lego, Super Mario and much more.What do you like to do outside of work? Besides the previous answer I enjoy, socialising, Netflix, sailing and every other water related sport or activity. What’s the best advice/life motto you’ve ever heard?My life motto is “Why join the navy if you can be a pirate”. If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Ellen MacArthur
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Bree loves a good story and often gets inspired by the ways they are told. For Testbirds, he tells the story of crowdtesting in the Benelux region.
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Testbirds specialises in the testing of software such as apps, websites and Internet of Things applications by using innovative technologies and solutions. Under the slogan, “Testing Reality”, the company offers various testing methods to its clients looking to optimise the user-friendliness and functionality of their digital products. With over 250,000 registered testers located in 193 countries, Testbirds is one of the world’s leading crowdtesting providers. In addition, the IT service provider utilises cloud based technologies to support customers in the optimisation of their digital products. The combination of the two testing methods delivers a unique and extensive portfolio that takes the quality of software to the next level. Testbirds was founded in 2011 by Philipp Benkler, Georg Hansbauer and Markus Steinhauser. Today, the company has over 100 employees. Other than its headquarters in Munich, there are now offices in Amsterdam, London and Stockholm, franchises in Hungary and Russia and sales partners in Italy.
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