Sometimes you have to take the leap to grow

On 1 January 2026, Vestec B.V. officially launched. Behind the young staffing agency is entrepreneur Sjaak van Eijkeren (34), father of two sons, football enthusiast, and traveller, who after more than ten years of experience in the industry decided to chart his own course.

Sjaak, how does it feel to be an entrepreneur now?
“It feels amazing. Exciting, of course, but above all liberating. I had wanted to start my own business for a long time, but taking the step was difficult. Working for a boss feels safe: you know what you get and where you stand. Yet the entrepreneurial feeling always kept itching. Changes at my previous agency made me realise: if I don’t do it now, when will I? That was the moment everything came together.”

Where does your passion for the staffing industry come from?
“I have been working in the staffing industry for over ten years now. During that period, I gained a great deal of experience at various companies, particularly in electrical and instrumentation engineering. These are fields where craftsmanship and reliability are central. I have not only built up knowledge there, but also strong relationships with clients and employees. The best part of this work is helping people: getting the right person in the right place. That’s what gives me energy.”

Vestec had an immediate flying start. How did that happen?
“The network I built over the past years proved invaluable. Former clients and employees quickly got in touch again and expressed their trust. That gave an enormous boost. I was able to rent a great office space quite quickly, which meant Vestec immediately made a professional impression. That trust confirmed to me that I had made the right choice.”

What sets Vestec apart from other staffing agencies?
“Personal contact and genuine expertise. I know what is happening on the work floor, especially in electrical and instrumentation engineering. I understand the work in depth, which allows me to make better matches. I want to build an agency where people feel heard. No quick deals, but lasting partnerships that benefit everyone.”

Running a business takes a lot of time. How do you combine that with your personal life?
“It can be quite busy at times, especially since I recently became a father for the second time. That makes things a bit more lively at home. Fortunately, I receive a lot of support from my surroundings, family, and friends, so things have been going smoothly so far. In my free time, I enjoy watching and playing football. I also try to do fun things with my family as much as possible. Those moments give energy and provide balance.”

What is your ambition for Vestec B.V.?
“I want to grow in a controlled manner. Quality remains more important than speed. My goal is to build a stable agency that is known for reliability and expertise. If clients and employees think: ‘I’m in good hands at Vestec’, then my mission is accomplished.”

Do you have a message for people who are hesitating about becoming an entrepreneur?
“Doubt is part of the process. I waited a long time myself because being employed felt safer. But sometimes you have to take the leap to grow. If you believe in yourself and are willing to work hard, entrepreneurship can be incredibly rewarding. I am still at the very beginning, so the future will tell. But so far, it absolutely feels like the right step.”