Driving Forward Together: Celebrating the Family Spirit at HAVI
As humans, finding a sense of belonging is just as valuable in the workplace as it is at home. Luckily for HAVI Germany’s father and son duo Holger and Jonas, they get to experience that connection in both worlds as fellow truck drivers. For HAVI, it’s a privilege to enable this familial working environment for the both of them. Working together has strengthened their relationship and brought them closer together than ever before. We interviewed Holger and Jonas to learn more about keeping it in the family, their shared passion for driving, and memorable moments at HAVI.
HAVI: Holger and Jonas, can you start by telling us how long you’ve been working at HAVI and what you do here?
Holger: I’ve been driving trucks for HAVI more than 18 years now and I hope to keep going for many more! I really enjoy my job and cannot imagine doing anything else, especially now that I get to work with my son.
Jonas: I officially started the apprenticeship program in 2020, but my heart was set on being a HAVI truck driver just like my dad since 2006! That’s when my ‘unofficial training’ began, riding alongside my dad in those giant trucks and even getting to eat at our customer’s restaurants – what kid wouldn’t love that?
HAVI: Holger, it must feel pretty special to have your son follow in your footsteps. Do you have any special memories of working together?
Holger: Of course, I’m so proud that Jonas joined me at HAVI. I remember our first time on an official overnight tour together. Seeing Jonas sitting beside me as my co-driver, it took me back to the days when he was a boy—long before he could drive— when I got to take him along on our journeys. It really is a dream come true to share these life experiences with him.
HAVI: Jonas, do you see your dad much during a typical work day? What do you like best about working with your dad?
Jonas: Sometimes I see him after a tour, if our schedules align. We always enjoy catching up with each other at work. He’s really supportive of my career and gives me good advice when I need it. Working with my dad has deepened what was already a close relationship, so I’m very happy about that. There has never been a problem working together.
HAVI: What do you both do in your free time? Do you share any hobbies or interests?
Jonas: Soccer. Definitely soccer.
Holger: Well, I may not be able to keep up with Jonas on the soccer field anymore, but I can challenge him in darts! Although, I must admit he sually beats me.
Jonas: Yes, that’s true!
HAVI: It’s nice to see there’s some healthy competition between you two! Holger, what’s the best thing about working with your son?
Holger: Since I’ve been at HAVI for so long, I know the customers well. When they give positive feedback about Jonas and the work he’s doing, I feel very proud. I think it also reassures our customers to meet my son and see he’s also driving for HAVI. It gives them a lot of confidence in us and makes them feel more connected to the people behind HAVI.
HAVI: Do you have any advice you would give to other families thinking about working together?
Both: Just do it!
HAVI: You two seem to have a great relationship based on mutual respect. How do you feel your values align with HAVI’s, and do you see those values reflected in the workplace?
Holger: We are based in the Neu Wulmstorf site where everyone is valued and treated with respect, family or not. For 18 years, I’ve felt at home here simply because HAVI’s values reflect my own. That’s why I was happy for my son to come work here.
Jonas: Neu Wulmstorf has been a really welcoming place for me to work. Sure, it’s great to be working with my dad, but I think that the culture and values make this a great place for everyone. There’s a lot of mutual respect.
HAVI: What are your thoughts about the future, and about IKEA coming to Neu Wulmstorf as a new customer soon?
Holger: It’s exciting to have IKEA as a new customer and there’s a lot of enthusiasm among our team. As I get a lot of personal satisfaction from my job and I have no intention of retiring in the near future, I just look forward to trucking for as long as I can and cherishing the time with my son.
Jonas: For the future, my biggest priority is becoming a permanent colleague of my dad’s and advancing my career at HAVI. Hopefully the extra business from IKEA will bring more exciting opportunities for everyone at Neu Wulmstorf and HAVI. I’m also curious how technological advancements will continue to shape trucking and the business going forward—it’s exciting to be part of these developments with HAVI.
HAVI: Finally, what does HAVI mean to you?
Holger: HAVI means stability and satisfaction. Now that my son is here, the fulfilment I get has been taken to the next level. I’m proud of what I do and grateful for my time at HAVI.
Jonas: HAVI has provided me with an opportunity to pursue my professional dream. The greatest part is that by doing so, it’s also fulfilled my dad’s dream as well. It’s an honor to be a part of HAVI.
Thanks to Holger and Jonas for sharing their inspiring and heartwarming story with us. Do you know another Supply Chain Superhero with an interesting story? Please reach out to Strategic Communications so we can feature more of the people that make HAVI a great place to work.
