After thirty years in permanent employment, Geert Bolhuis made the move to Schouten Zekerheid last year. A big step - but one that suits his no-nonsense mentality. Something has to be done. Roll up your sleeves and go.
From north, via tanks to transport
Geert is a man of the north, son of a transportation entrepreneur. Entrepreneurship and the mentality of "don't give up, but persevere" were instilled in him. After studying business economics with a specialization in insurance (where he mainly preferred practice to the lecture halls), he did his military service in the cavalry - as a tank driver and salvage operator. "Working independently, taking initiative, and leading small teams - that was expected of you there right away."
After his military service, a difficult application period began, with a pile of rejections and a good dose of perseverance. Via GasUnie, he eventually rolled into the insurance business at the Noordelijk Assurantie Kantoor (NASK), which later merged into Aon. There he built long relationships in the logistics sector. "Straightforward, straightforward. No fancy stories, but clarity. That suits me and the sector."
A fresh start at Schouten Zekerheid
After thirty years, there was room for something new. A conversation with a troubled colleague led to a series of talks with the management of Schouten Zekerheid. "It went quickly. Within a few days we were at the table. We wrote a commercial plan for an office in the northeastern Netherlands, and it fit." Since September 2024, Geert has officially been working at Schouten Zekerheid and has found his place in the new office in Zwolle.
He likes the transition from a large international player to a family organization. "What I find particularly pleasant is the willingness to help each other. No complicated structures, but direct communication. Putting our shoulders to the wheel together."
Ambition in the north
Geert sees opportunities to further put Schouten Zekerheid on the map in the northeastern Netherlands. "My dream? That we grow as an office with high-level people, both in the field and in the back office. That I will soon be redundant because others have taken over. Then I will have done well."
The opening of the Zwolle office in early April was a confirmation for him. "A friendly atmosphere, just as we envisioned. Even colleagues from other offices gave compliments - that's when you know it's right."
More than work: sports, family and connection
What colleagues or associates may not know: Geert is an avid runner and still takes weekly tennis lessons. "After a day full of appointments, just to clear my head. Wonderful." Skates are also standard in the car, for when natural ice calls.
But above all, Geert is a family man. "I have now been married to my great love for 25 years and I have four children of whom I am extremely proud. If they are happy, so am I."
A good choice
Geert Bolhuis brings his experience, a sharp eye and a strong dose of common sense to Schouten Zekerheid, together with his colleagues Herjo and Richard. His story shows that a career switch after thirty years is not only possible, but can also be refreshing - as long as you dare to choose what really suits you.
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