“The connection with my colleagues is just as important to me as the job, perhaps even more important”
As a child, he dreamed of becoming an inventor… and he actually became one, albeit in his own way. After all, it is through his fascination with his father’s creations, a visual artist, that he developed his passion for visual images. The difference? He chose the digital world, taught himself to program, and today designs the most fantastic websites and applications. Meet Jasper Smet, developer at heart.
Jasper has been working in the world of development for nearly 25 years, and he does not mind driving over 100 kilometers to and from his job at All Colors on non-home working days. Electric of course.
“When people ask me what I do, I usually tell them that I enjoy making websites. Of course, it is more complex than that, but the word “enjoy” is important to me. I really value my job and the connection with my colleagues. Perhaps the latter is even more important. The relaxed atmosphere, the humor, the pizza Fridays, the discussions about the latest online games. We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but the results are always there, sometimes even within tight deadlines. This really creates a “work hard, play hard” mentality and simply brings out the best in us. What’s more, it also brings us together after working hours when we play online games with a couple of colleagues.”
About glasses and hiking
If you already have an image of a typical developer, Jasper will probably not meet it. Of course, he is technically talented, an expert in his field, a master at analytical thinking and he looks at everything through bits and bytes glasses. But Jasper also uses his knowledge and experience to actively think from a customer perspective; he pays attention to details and regularly swaps his screen for a long hike in nature.
“What I have learned over the years is to look at things through a more commercial lens, think about what is best for our customers. I don’t want to be the one who simply does what I’m told to do. I want to do some critical thinking myself and give advice based on my years of experience. Believe me, the result can sometimes be completely different from the initial assignment. At All Colors, no one tells you what you must do. Showing initiative, being interested in what you’re doing and then just doing it, that’s important.”
Roots in Sinnekloas
To strengthen the good atmosphere in the team, All Colors regularly organizes a teambuilding activity. Jasper especially remembers the “workation” in Nice in the South of France a few years ago. “That was an unforgettable experience. When you leave everything behind for a while, you get to know and appreciate each other more. Of course, it is a lot of fun, but it also really helps improve our daily way of working together.”
And if you ask Jasper about his favorite workplace, it’s the office in Temse. “The reason? Easy! I am originally from Sint-Niklaas and therefore still have the feeling that I remain somewhat connected to ‘t Waasland (read: Woaslangd). It probably explains why I feel most “at home” in this workplace. Or wait, it’s also because of the colleagues, of course.” (laughs)
