Ton Bos takes the floor

Ton Bos
Mechanic

Who are you and how did you end up here?

“I’m Ton Bos, 58 years old, and I’ve always been a mechanic, mainly working on forklifts. Jan used to be a client of my previous employer, so I had known him for a long time.”

After many years in the same field, he started to feel the urge for something new. “I wanted to broaden my horizons. So I called Jan and went to see him. That was eight years ago already.”

What makes your job so enjoyable?

“At my previous job, I eventually hit a dead end. It was time for something different. I came across a vacancy at Jan van Dam online and initially thought it wasn’t for me. However, my wife and best friend were very enthusiastic and convinced me to apply. What followed is something I’ll never forget: I sent my letter on a Wednesday evening, received a message from Jan on Thursday morning, and by the following Monday, everything was arranged. It turned out to be a perfect match in every way!”

What have you learned in practice?

Especially during his first year, he often went out on-site. “You see how colleagues work with the equipment. That helps you understand each other better and makes you sharper in your own work.”

According to him, that experience creates both insight and understanding. “You still reject equipment if it’s not up to standard, but you better understand how issues arise.”

“You see how colleagues work with the equipment. That helps you understand each other better and makes you sharper in your own work.”

How have you been able to develop yourself?

“I’ve continued to develop within the company. I completed my crane operator training and obtained certificates for inspecting hydraulic jacks and electrical tools.”

Continuing to learn is simply part of the job. “You keep encountering new things.

What makes this company special?

“The calm atmosphere, the versatility, and especially the team spirit,” says Ton. “Colleagues are willing to go the extra mile for each other, and you can discuss anything here. I feel safe here, and that’s very important to me.”

He also appreciates the way of working. “There’s always a focus on solutions. That gives confidence, also for the future.”

How do you find working in a family business?

“I actually really like it. It feels more personal, and you’re not just a number.”

According to Ton, the strength lies mainly in how people treat each other. “Everyone gets upset sometimes—that’s normal. But here, things are discussed and resolved. That’s important to me.”

There is also attention for the person behind the employee. “If things aren’t going well at home, it affects your work. There is understanding for that here.”

Finally

Ton is clearly in the right place:
“Yes, absolutely. We work hard, but it’s also simply a great place to work. That combination makes it complete for me.”

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Jan van Dam Group

The Jan van Dam Group is represented in two companies: