Henning Sorknaes is a part owner of the SORTEX Kft., producing high-quality ladies knitwear and fashion wear. He visited Hungary as a business man first time in 1978 and eventually in 1984 became Market Managing Director for Hungary with the LEGO company.
Later, in 1988 he took over the agency for Denmark for the Hungarian textile industry on ready-made items. Due to the change of system in 1989 his whole platform disappeared overnight and he had to seek new ways in his business.
Together with his wife he started a Hungarian company in 1990 and eventually moved permanently to Hungary in late 1992.
1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I arrived in 1992 because I had to continue my business. Until then, I had been the Danish representative for the Hungarian textile industry, but after the system change my agency was cancelled.
2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
No.
3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Having a Hungarian wife for several years before moving to Hungary, I was not surprised in any way as I knew what life was like. However, the many changes in the first years after the system change sometimes made life very interesting!
4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend- what must they absolutely see and do?
The traditional sights such as Castle District, Szt. István Cathedral, Hero Square ? and try out the termal baths.
5. What is your favorite Hungarian food?
Fish soup, bábgulyas, goose liver
6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Pannonia cheese.
7. What is your favorite Hungarian word?
In short: MGTSZ. It is the longest word I know. It goes: Mez?gazdaságitermel?szövetkezet (does it still exist?)
8. What do you miss the most from home?
2 grillsausages from the sausage stand on Town Hall Square in Copenhagen, just after Tivoli closes. (You have to be Danish to understand this!)
9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Being a professional humanitarian.
10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
I have respect for all vocations, but if I would have to chose I would not like to job on sea.
11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
In Italy 3 years ago.
12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
In our house on Lake Balaton.
13 What was your favorite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Band: Elvis, The Beatles and Abba. Hobby: Football. Film: Bullit with Steve McQueen.
14. What can't you resist?
My daughters, and chocolate.
15. Red wine or white?
Red.
16. Book or movie?
Book.
17. Morning person or night person?
I can be both as required.
18. Dog person or cat person?
Dog.
19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest
20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Just do it.