Matthew Hoffman
When did you join Royal Talens North America?
I joined Royal Talens on February 10th, 2020, just a few weeks prior to Covid-19 shutting things down and forcing us to work remotely.
What is your role here?
My current role is Sales Administrator on the Customer Service team. My primary functions entail order entry and maintenance, customer service and working closely with the warehouse team. At a certain point in the future, I will be transitioning to work more with ecommerce and help to build upon that side of the business for RTNA.
Where did you work prior to RTNA & what did you do there?
Prior to RTNA, I worked at Berkshire Blanket for 7.5 years. I worked as part of the digital ecommerce team as a Web Product and Data Administrator. My functions primarily consisted of using the data for our products to place them on our website, as well as working closely with large retail vendors to offer our products on their website for drop ship. Additionally, I worked to put products on various ecommerce marketplaces such as Amazon, Overstock and Wayfair.
What is your favorite aspect of working here?
There are many reasons why I enjoy working at RTNA, but I am amazed every day by what is accomplished with such a small team. I like being involved and having as much knowledge about the operations of RTNA, as it helps me understand how my position fits into the business cycle. I see what has been achieved over the last few years and see the tremendous potential for growth and becoming a major powerhouse in the art supply world.
What is your favorite Royal Talens product? Why?
My favorite Royal Talens product is the Bruynzeel colored pencils. I am not very artistic, nor do I draw, but I have always loved coloring and find it to be relaxing and therapeutic. With pencils you can take coloring to the next level by creating depth with shading.
How do you spend your time away from work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and also time in the outdoors hiking or kayaking. Just prior to Covid, I had found a new passion for live music and spent much of my free time seeing various bands from many different music genres. In 2019 I went to over 30 shows! The last year has been a real struggle for many reasons, but with things starting to get back to normal, I am happy to report that I have already been to three shows with many more planned for the summer. And it appears that my trip to Florida for a Reggae festival is finally going to happen!
If gifted an all-expenses paid trip, describe your dream vacation.
This is a hard question as there are several places I would love to travel to and visit such as Australia, Alaska and Hawaii. However, I've often thought about a cross-country trip to explore anything west of Tennessee. I know there are many breathtaking places across the US that would be amazing to see, especially those places that are untouched and displays nature in all its beauty. This trip would take some time to complete and fully appreciate, so it may have to wait!!