Flex IT values local partnerships that have a positive and lasting impact.

One example is our collaboration with DZB Leiden, the reintegration company of the municipality of Leiden, which helps people with a distance to the labour market find meaningful employment.
Through this partnership, we welcomed Reinier to our team twelve years ago. Since then, he has become a valued and dedicated colleague at Flex IT. We recently spoke with Reinier to reflect on his journey and experiences.

Thank you for taking the time, Reinier. Can you please introduce yourself?
My name is Reinier, I’m 41 years old, and I live in Leiderdorp, though I was born and raised in Leiden. I went to school at De Manse in Leiden, and after graduating, I started working right away. My first job was at a printing house, where I stayed for about a year, before joining DZB in 2003 — an organization focused on guiding people and helping them reach their full potential.

Growing up, I loved taking things apart — old computers, radios, and VCRs — just to see how they worked. That curiosity stayed with me and turned out to be a real asset when I later joined Flex IT.

Reinier at work in the Flex IT warehouse in Leiden

So how did you go from DZB to Flex IT, and what is it you do here?
I’d been working at DZB for about 10 years when one of the managers approached me — he’d heard that Flex IT urgently needed help in the warehouse. “You’re good with computers, right?” he said. That’s how it all started. I decided to give it a try for a month, really enjoyed it, and now I’ve been with Flex IT for 12 years.

I began by packaging screens and monitors and wiping computer systems. After a while, that didn’t feel challenging enough, so I got my own workstation and started taking apart computers for repairs and parts. These days, I handle all kinds of small fixes myself — like replacing a battery or installing a new hard drive. And if a device can’t be refurbished, I dismantle it completely so we can reuse the parts later on.

What do you enjoy about working at Flex IT?
What I enjoy most is the hands-on work and being part of a supportive team. I like working with my hands, solving practical problems, and being around colleagues from all kinds of cultural backgrounds. There’s a strong sense of mutual respect here, and that creates a really positive atmosphere.

I also really enjoy helping new team members settle in. Training them, showing them how things work, and watching them grow into their roles—it’s a great way to connect with people and share what I’ve learned over the years.

What makes Flex IT special for me is how understanding the company is. I sometimes experience sensory overload, and when that happens, I’m allowed to use special earplugs that help me stay focused. That kind of support makes a big difference—it shows they truly care about their people.

Focused and hands-on — Reinier at his workstation at Flex IT, configuring a refurbished notebook.

And how do you see your future? Any goals you have in mind?
Looking ahead, I’d like to work more in the Servers department and perhaps focus more on Apple MacBooks. That would be a great next step for me. Either way, I really value what I have right now — things are going well, and I’m happy with where I am.

Good to hear! One final question, what is most memorable moment you’ve had at Flex IT?
There are so many great memories, it’s hard to choose just one! I always really enjoy the company events—whether it’s a barbecue, a team lunch, or one of the end-of-year celebrations. They’re a great way to relax, have fun, and connect with colleagues outside of work.

Thank you, Reinier, for your dedication, your curiosity, and your team spirit — we look forward to seeing what your next chapter at Flex IT will bring!