Celebrating 45 Years: How a strong team spirit brings growth in careers and the organisation - Broekman Logistics
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Celebrating 45 Years: How a strong team spirit brings growth in careers and the organisation

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Broekman Logistics Limburg in Born is celebrating a significant milestone throughout the year: its 45th anniversary. Two stalwarts of the company, Rick Rademakers and Koos Arnoldussen, reflect on their journey. Together, they have experienced substantial growth both personally and professionally, embodying loyalty, passion, and a strong team spirit.

Both men began their careers in the warehouse, initially unaware of the paths their careers would take. Rick shares, “I’ve been here for sixteen years, thirteen of them under contract. I started through a temp agency. This company was essentially my first employer. Someone from my village mentioned they needed people, and here I am, sixteen years later.”

Koos has a similar story, “I’ve been here nearly sixteen years. Before this, I worked at another company in Sittard, which shifted to a two-shift system. That change prompted my move. Broekman offered me a single-shift role, which really appealed to me.”

Career pathways

In this interview: Rick Rademakers & Koos Arnoldussen

Both men started their careers as warehouse workers and climbed the ladder from there. “I started on the warehouse floor,” Rick recalls, “Over time, as the company took on more customers, I became involved in the operational setup for new customers.” This entailed everything from preparing locations to planning which items would arrive and setting up processes. Eight years ago, he became a supervisor, and now, for the past two and a half years, he’s been the warehouse manager for JLG, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms, leading a team of 33.

Koos’s career has followed a similar trajectory. “I also started on the warehouse floor, helping with the implementation of Kubota’s spare parts in Hall B. It was quite special because we had to start from scratch for this customer.” Koos rose from warehouse employee to supervisor, a progression he’s very proud of.

From their stories, it’s clear that Broekman Logistics offers substantial opportunities for career development. Koos notes, “I completed an internal course to become a supervisor.” Rick adds, “I studied Logistics Management and have taken multiple courses here. Broekman Logistics is great about education and career development. If you need training, you just have to ask, and it’s often arranged, as long as it’s relevant to your job.”

Passing on experience

Broekman Logistics Limburg 45 Years

Both men faced the challenge of transitioning from colleague to leader. “I thought it would be tough, but it wasn’t too bad,” Rick shares. “You already know the people, so it’s not like you’re suddenly standing before a new group. Some might find it odd, but I always liken it to a football team. Many players become coaches or trainers after their careers. You learn from every leader you’ve had and try to carry forward the good experiences.”

Koos agrees, emphasizing the importance of planning, insight, and delegation. “Structure and routine are vital. You don’t need to do everything yourself, but you must keep an overview. That’s something I really came to understand before I was a leader.”

Machinery Spare Parts - Spare Parts Management Warehousing & Storage - Born (11)

United by team spirit

Both highlight the familial nature of working at Broekman Logistics. Koos mentions, “It really feels like a family here. Especially in the early days when we were a small team, everyone knew each other well. You spend more time at work than home, so it’s important.” Rick sees loyalty as a key trait: “People often try to return to work as soon as they can after being sick, not wanting to let their colleagues down. That’s true loyalty. And it’s that atmosphere that keeps us coming to work with joy, despite the company’s tremendous growth.”

Both men are optimistic about the future. “As long as I stay healthy, I can keep doing this job even as I get older. There are always ways to adapt your role.” Koos concurs, “As long as we keep enjoying our work, we’re happy to stay here.”

Read more articles in this festive series below

Do you want to know more about Broekman Logistics Limburg in Born? Contact our General Manager Ralph Adams

Ralph Adams

General Manager
+31612748346