Celebrating 45 Years: What binds our colleagues to Broekman Logistics is the familial culture

For Nicole Derks, her journey at Broekman also began through family ties. “My father had been here for 45 years when I started. I joined as a young girl and have worked in various roles, from the operational floor to the office.” The blend of young and old complementing each other is notable. “The older generation steered us youngsters in the right direction, and we kept them youthful,” Derks chuckles. “It worked well. It was sometimes tough for the older folks to adapt to changes, but if you explain the reasons behind the changes well, they come along.”

The logistics sector has undergone major changes in recent decades, particularly in terms of automation. “For the older generation, this was sometimes a challenge,” acknowledges De Vries. “But if you explain from day one why things are changing and what the benefits are, it’s easier to bring them along in the process.” Derks agrees. “The nature of work has really transformed, especially with digitization. But these changes have also brought opportunities. The most important thing is to be flexible and go with the flow.” De Vries adds, “In recent years, we have made significant advancements in systems and connections with clients, such as EDI. This helps us work more efficiently and better meet customer needs.”

In ten years, both see themselves still with Broekman Logistics. De Vries: “The sector continues to evolve, and that brings challenges. As long as I can keep contributing and growing, I’d like to stay.” Derks agrees. “Broekman feels like a second family. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and am excited about what the future holds.”