Meet Jaap, 76 years old and still going strong at work!

We asked Jaap what it’s like to work at Willpro.

𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘱𝘳𝘰?
Hello, my name is Jaap and I work as a block saw operator and driver at Willpro. I’m now 76 years old and have been with the company for over 10 years.

When I was looking for work, around the age of 62, Chris approached me to join Willpro. Before that, I had worked at Pacton, in the warehouse, purchasing and sales.

To be honest, I had no experience with sawing or machines, but Chris still gave me the chance of a permanent position. And it turned out to be a great fit.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘣 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵?
I’m responsible for block sawing, loading and unloading, and I also drive the van to deliver to customers. Those trips to customers are what I enjoy the most.

At Willpro we work with a schedule, which ensures everything is ready on time. On the days I’m not there, Karel takes over the sawing.
The work is varied, I carry a lot of responsibility, and there’s always movement.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘱𝘳𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘢 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶?
The atmosphere. Willpro is a very relaxed and fair employer. We treat each other well and there’s a strong sense of togetherness. In a small company you really have to be able to rely on one another and that’s definitely the case here.

The 30-year anniversary was a real highlight, and I also went with Chris to the Formula 1 in Zandvoort for two days.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬?
I like walking the dog and I still go cycling regularly. Though these days it’s on an electric bike rather than a mountain bike.

Jaap, thank you for your loyalty, dedication and commitment. You’ve been a trusted face at Willpro for many years and you’re still full of energy. 🙏