Interview Jacques Hostettmann – Professional lorry driver

1. Do you remember your first day at L. KLEIN AG? Describe briefly what your impression was and how you experienced the day?

«The first time you see the camp is very impressive! Gérard showed me a lot of things in the first few days and I thought I wouldn’t be able to memorise it. I won’t be able to memorise it all, but after a few weeks I got used to it.»

2. At the beginning of the year, L. KLEIN AG redesigned its logo and all its company vehicles were given the new design. How did you react to the new image and how did customers perceive the logo change?

«At the beginning we were shown sketches on the computer, which were very white, but in reality it looks very nice. The customers told me that there was a photo of the old driver on the old tarpaulin and they asked why there wasn’t a photo of me (laughs).»

3. Long transport routes and stressful delivery deadlines do not upset you. As a man of action, you are always motivated and ready to start your working day on a positive note. Do you have a leisure activity that you do to balance your work?

«I’m generally a very calm person and don’t let myself get stressed. But my hobby with horses is a good balance for me. I can recharge my batteries on rides out into nature with them.»

4. As a former professional ice hockey player, you are used to working in a team, acting consistently and finding solutions. Do you also benefit from these qualities in your day-to-day work?

«What I’ve learnt in ice hockey is teamwork and the most important thing for me is communication. That helps us all go in the same direction.»

5. Due to the long journeys you have already made, you have probably already stopped at one or two restaurants or rest areas. Do you have a “favourite place to be” for readers?

«No, I don’t necessarily have a favourite stop or a favourite restaurant on my tour, as I don’t like to eat alone in a restaurant. For me, going to a restaurant is a moment of sharing with the people I like. I usually take my food with me or buy something to go.»

6. What must not be missing in your cabin?

«A steering wheel and pedals are practical (laughs). No, I don’t need anything specific in my cabin.»

7. Which of the routes that you cycle regularly is the most beautiful for you?

«Every tour is different for me, but each one has its own beauty, whether I’m travelling to the Bernese Jura or to the Jura in winter when the sun is shining. And the same goes for the La Chaux-de-Fonds region. I also love the tour through Solothurn and the Basel region.»