Hey Moritz, what motivated you to move to Miami? 

Moritz Behrens: The initial idea to move to Miami actually came from Jennifer Woelper, Head of Marketing for the Americas. As part of the Global Marketing team and responsible for graphics, she saw this as a fantastic opportunity for me to grow—whether through networking, supporting the regional marketing team on-site, or strengthening our collaboration.

When the chance came up, I was immediately excited and dived into researching everything I needed to make it happen. Thanks to the support of colleagues who had previously gone through similar experiences, I was able to prepare quickly and get everything organized. On a personal level, improving my English skills was a major motivator. While I didn’t face significant challenges with the language before, using it daily in an international environment really boosted my confidence and fluency.

Has it been easy for you to integrate into your new work environment and the new country?

Moritz Behrens: To be honest, it wasn’t that easy at first. The six-hour time difference really took some getting used to — especially since I’m not a morning person. On top of that, the mentality in the US, while incredibly friendly, can feel less straightforward than what we’re used to in Germany.

That said, one thing that really stood out was how open and approachable people are. It’s so easy to strike up conversations, and networking happens almost effortlessly. Since I already knew Jenny and a few other colleagues from Miami through my work in Global Marketing, I felt comfortable right away. I received such a warm welcome that it didn’t feel like I was just a temporary guest—I was part of the team from day one.

However, coordinating with my team in the headquarters in Osnabrück/Germany was a bit challenging at first, as I still had global tasks to manage. We had to find ways to adapt to the time difference, but we quickly figured it out.
Outside of work, a former intern from our team who now lives in Florida showed me around. Even though she’s from a different part of the state, we made the most of it with trips to places like the Kennedy Space Center and even caught a football game. These experiences made settling in a lot more enjoyable.

 
What did you miss most from home?

Moritz Behrens: I never thought I’d say this, but I actually missed German bread the most. There’s just nothing like it in the USA — it’s all very soft and often sweeter, which is so different from what I’m used to. After two months, I really started craving it. Luckily, I had the chance to visit a German family who had just returned from a trip to Germany and brought back some authentic German bread. Eating it again was honestly one of the highlights of my time there.
Not to say the food in Miami wasn’t amazing — it definitely was! There’s a lot of variety, and the Cuban-influenced dishes are incredible. But good German bread? That’s a little piece of home you just can’t replace.

What did you love most about living in Miami?

Moritz Behrens: Definitely the people! Their open and friendly nature really stood out to me, and it made living there so enjoyable. That, combined with the incredible weather, was a huge highlight. When I returned to Germany to about 40 °F and rain, I immediately missed Miami’s sunny skies and would’ve happily flown straight back.
Another thing that struck me was the sheer size of the USA. Everything really is bigger — it’s not just a saying! Sometimes it felt almost overwhelming, but it was undeniably impressive. Miami, in particular, fascinated me with its diverse districts, each with its own unique charm and history.

One place that left a lasting impression was Wynwood, the city’s artistic hub. The vibrant graffiti, creative energy, and constantly evolving street art make it a place where you discover something new around every corner. It was by far one of my favorite spots in Miami.

 
How would you describe a perfect day off in Miami?

Moritz Behrens: My perfect day off in Miami was a mix of exploring, enjoying great food, and wrapping it all up with an exciting night out. While I made the most of my time by exploring almost all of Florida, the best days were spent with great company — discovering new sides of Miami and stumbling across amazing restaurants along the way.
In the evenings, I either relaxed on the beach or dove into Miami’s vibrant nightlife. The city truly comes alive after dark, and even on weekdays, there was always something happening. Experiencing Miami’s nightlife scene and being part of it was incredible.

I also took the chance to explore more of the US, and one of the highlights was my trip to New York. I met up with two colleagues from my graphics team in Osnabrück, and we spent a few days discovering the city together. It was an amazing experience and really showed me how different the cultures in Miami and New York are. Both are unique in their own way, and I loved getting to experience them firsthand.

  
Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Is there anything else you would like to add before we say goodbye?

Moritz Behrens: I’d like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone at Hellmann who made this amazing experience possible. A special thanks also goes to everyone I had the pleasure of meeting on-site — whether from the global Hellmann family or in my private life.

This time in Miami was truly incredible — a wonderful experience that enriched my life in so many ways. I’ve gained so much - both professionally and personally, and I’ll always look back on this journey with gratitude and fond memories.

Thanks a lot for sharing your story with us, Moritz! 

 

 

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