Meet the colleague: Marco de Vos

He started as a receptionist, worked his way up to workshop manager, and has now been leading Trailer Service for nearly ten years: Marco de Vos is a familiar face at Heisterkamp. With his down-to-earth attitude, calm presence, and many years of experience (including time in the military), Marco is someone who remains composed in any situation. In this interview, he talks about his career path, what motivates him every day, the lessons he has learned along the way, and what he enjoys doing most on a day off. A behind-the-scenes look at Marco.

Who are you and what do you do at Heisterkamp?
My name is Marco de Vos, and since 2015 I’ve been working as Manager Trailer Service at Heisterkamp. My career here actually started in 2012, when I joined Trailer Service as a receptionist. That was quite a transition, as I had just left the military after nearly twenty years in various technical and leadership roles. From my position at the reception desk, I quickly advanced to workshop manager and eventually to my current role. That variety in positions really suits me. I enjoy it when no two days are the same.

Where do you live and what does your family look like?
I live in Glanerbrug with my wife, son and daughter. I grew up in Enschede myself, but we’ve been living in Glanerbrug since 2001. My wife is originally from Overdinkel, so moving here was a logical choice. It’s a great place between Enschede and the German border.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
Without a doubt, the variety. I’m in contact all day with mechanics, customers and colleagues, and there’s always something unexpected happening. That dynamic makes the work interesting. The cases that come in are always different, and you constantly need to adapt and come up with solutions. That keeps it both challenging and fun.

"You can have the most amazing job, but if you’re working with people who drain your energy, the day can feel very long."

Marco de Vos - Manager Trailer Service

What’s your most important tip for someone in your role?
Stay calm. Especially in busy or chaotic situations, it’s important to think before you act. If you, as a manager, start to panic, the rest will follow, and things will spiral out of control. That’s exactly when you need to keep an overview, de-escalate the situation and work step by step towards a solution. It creates calm within the team and leads to better results at the end of the day.

What inspires you to do your job every day?
For me, it’s mainly the people I work with. The atmosphere within Trailer Service is great and that makes all the difference. I always say: you can have a fantastic job, but if you’re surrounded by people who don’t give you energy, the day can feel very long. Luckily, that’s not the case here. Even on tougher days we still manage to make the most of it together.

What’s a valuable lesson you’ve learned on the job?
Perseverance and staying positive, even when things get tough. For example, we had a long period where the workshop was overcrowded. Too much work for too few spaces. That took patience and creativity. In times like that, it helps to keep looking ahead and believe that things will get better. And they do. Right now, we’re fully focused on building a new workshop. It shows that everything eventually falls into place as long as you stick with it.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to stay active. At home, I regularly do cardio on my cross trainer, and when the weather is nice, I take my Yamaha motor scooter out for a ride. I usually go for a spin around the region or head into Germany. Sometimes I meet up with someone, but most of the time I just ride on my own. It’s a great way to relax. I’m also a Formula 1 fan – for example, I went to the race in Barcelona with my son. We always try to combine those trips with a football match, so it becomes a fun father-son outing. This year, we’re thinking about going to Italy, again a combination of F1 and football. My son plays football himself, at Avanti, so that’s something we share.

Marco’s workday soundtrack
🎧 Post Malone – Joy
🎧 U2 – One
🎧 AC/DC – Thunderstruck

“That last one is mainly for the colleagues. It’s a party classic and always gets the vibe going.”

If you could switch roles with someone in the company for a day, who would it be?
I’d like to switch with someone from the facility team, for example with Mirko or Sebastiaan. Their work is also very varied, and they’re always busy across different departments. One moment they’re working on electrical tasks, the next on piping or small repairs. That sounds fun to me. Being hands-on, with a new challenge every day.

How would you describe yourself in three words?
Calm, down-to-earth and positive. These traits help me in my job, but also in daily life. I don’t get worked up easily and always try to focus on what is possible.

Whether he’s leading a busy team, solving day-to-day challenges or enjoying a relaxing ride on his motor scooter, Marco always stays calm and focused. His steady approach, practical mindset and genuine involvement make him a valuable asset to Heisterkamp. And although he prefers to stay in the background, it’s clear that Marco plays an important role for both his team and the company. A colleague you can count on in every gear.