Benjamin Seer & Casper Rogalla are the co-founders of evercleaner; they’re on a mission to stamp out single-use plastics for good.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
Casper: Grew up in Germany, studied at University of St Gallen in Switzerland, lived in Germany, the US, Japan, South America before coming to Australia.
Previously worked in ecommerce & food industry before joining Hummingbird as an intern first and later as CMO. Now founded evercleaner together with Benjamin and taking care of all ecommerce topics, customer service, day to day operations etc.
Benjamin: Having a German father and Australian mother I grew up in both countries until finally decided to live in Australia. I studied business and entrepreneurship and worked and companies like HelloFresh, MarleySpoon and foodora before founding my first business Hummingbird.
Evercleaner is the logical next step for us as we have more and more focused on making Hummingbird environmentally friendly.
Over the years I have found a big passion for sustainability and online marketing, with evercleaner we can connect this and do good at the same time. At evercleaner I’m in charge of the product development, the creative side and strategy.
2) What does a day in your life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Casper: Engaging with customers via emails, Facebook & Instagram, kicking off influencer campaigns, keeping an eye on order fulfilment and planning ahead in terms of Marketing.
Benjamin: Luckily every day is different. We focus heavily on Facebook and Instagram Marketing so most of my time is spent on creative production, selection and placement.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Casper: Yes. Currently working from Sydney as warehouse & operations have been outsourced to a close & trusted partner in Melbourne.
Benjamin: Yes it does. Since the outbreak of COVID we have been working remotely and it works well.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Casper: Integrating both together by flexibly structuring the day and always being mindful of having fun at what I’m doing.
Benjamin: The perfect balance is when work does not feel like work. A 10 or 12 hour day then doesn’t feel draining and can actually be very fulfilling. Mix that with some time spent with friends and outdoor activities and you have my perfect work-life balance.
5) In the past 12 months, have you started or stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
Casper: Started to run 10km at least 5 times a week, reduced the usage of single use products (plastics, baking paper, etc.), cooking a healthy meal each day for lunch.
Benjamin: I have significantly reduced my meat consumption, I sold my car and only rent one when I really need it, I am consciously trying to reduce my single use plastic usage. I must admit, I have had troubles sticking to an exercise routine since COVID started though.
6) Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you’d like to recommend?
Favourite book: The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham (a novel inspired by Paul Gauguin’s life).
Podcast: How I Built This with Guy Raz (about building companies and entrepreneurs).
7) Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
Casper: Laptop and smartphone.
Benjamin: Laptop, portable second screen and smartphone.
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
Casper: I enjoy talking to any entrepreneur to learn how they structure their business and their life. Everyone has some learnings and experiences to share that can help on a daily basis.
Benjamin: Not ultimately one person but generally anyone who has built or done great things will have any interesting insights on how to balance work and life.
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Casper: Everyone is different, try to find the right balance that suits you and not what suits others.
Benjamin: It’s easier said than done but try to find something that doesn’t make you think about Friday all week long. Then work and life are already on a good way to be balanced.
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