Christian Solida joined the logistics team at EK in 2021. Daily variety and constant movement make this job a lot of fun for him. The story of how the Solingen native found his way to EK is one of ups and downs – and a happy ending.
Once upon a time, many years ago. Christian Solida drove up to EK’s headquarters in Haan in a van to deliver goods. “Fancy building, great atmosphere and nice people,” he thought to himself. The trained warehouse logistics specialist followed up this positive first impression with an unsolicited application. A week later he received a rejection, as there were no vacancies. “They wanted to keep my documents, but who would believe that?” he recalls.
“A few years later, they actually asked if I was still interested.” But the timing was unfortunate, as Christian Solida had just started a new job. When this did not make him happy, he tried out a new career in sales, but he was not to find happiness here in the long term. “Then I remembered EK again and this time the timing was perfect!”
Christian Solida has been part of the logistics team at EK since March 2021. “I love the variety. Although I have a fixed standing desk, I’m always on the move. I like to lend a hand in different places, unload trucks or support the goods issue department. I also work in the area of external production, for example taking care of forwarding declarations, stock checks and communication with service providers.” His enthusiasm from day one has not waned to this day. “I learn something new every day. There’s also always a good atmosphere in the team.” According to his colleagues, Christian Solida is known as “the vain one”. “Maybe that’s down to my regular use of hand cream and hair gel,” he says with a grin.
In 2023, Christian Solida passed his exam to become a trainer and will be training an apprentice in the course of this year. This is the first time that EK has offered an apprenticeship as a warehouse logistics specialist. “I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge and good experience,” says Christian Solida, looking ahead. “I can only advise people who are looking for a future-proof and fulfilling apprenticeship to apply to EK. You will receive a sound qualification and, if you perform well, have a good chance of being taken on permanently.”
The 38-year-old lives near Wuppertal with his wife and two sons. His passion for road cycling has had to take a back seat to his duties as a family man, but he wants to get back in the saddle in the summer. His older son already loves mountain biking – so nothing should stand in the way of a tour together. Christian Solida also prefers to be on the move in his private life.