Hi there! What is your name, and where do you live?
Hi! I am Rick and I live in The Netherlands, near Rotterdam.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
For as long as I can remember I have been taking things apart and putting them back together. I always had this fascination for anything mechanical. When I was 15, I bought my first moped, which I completely stripped and after repainting the frame build it back together.
For years I wrenched on all the different mopeds I had, eventually my record time was to replace a broken piston ring in 10 minutes. Professionally, I have worked for many years in the inspection industry, first in the field mostly on oil refineries and chemical plants. After a few years of working in the field I was asked to do project coordination, and later to do the planning.
When did you join Yeply, and what do you do?
I started in December 2021 as a bike mechanic, but at the moment I am responsible for the operations in the Netherlands.
What is your earliest memory of a bike?
My earliest memory of a bike was riding my BMX…..like a madman, haha!
Did you always like cycling, or was it more of an acquired taste?
I always liked cycling but when I was younger my need for speed was greater than anything else. So the second I was of the legal age, I switched to a moped. But honestly now that I am becoming old(er), this is changing again and I am getting back into cycling again.
What made you want to become a Yepler?
This is a funny story actually, I was looking for work in a different field when a friend said to me “if you are looking for work, there is a great demand for bike mechanics, maybe you should look there”. So I decided to take a look and found the job description for a Bike Mechanic @ Yeply. After looking at their website I really liked the concept. It makes so much sense in a world where a lot of things evolve around safety and (preventative) maintenance, whether we talk about cars, trains, planes and so on…..so why not bikes?!?!
What is your favourite part of the job?
To find workable and efficient solutions for any issues that may arise.
And the most challenging?
Sometimes it can be a challenge to keep all the balls in the air whilst making sure everything is balanced.
What do you like the most about cycling / bikes?
The freedom and wind in your hair, and of course going as fast as possible.
What advice or insights would you give to others looking to become bike mechanics or wanting to join Yeply?
Don’t wait! Come join our team!
