‘We are a sort of matchmaker in the construction industry’

This article is part of the series 'Twente lives!' Here you will read personal stories about working and living in Twente. According to young talent ed people that we speak to, Twente is the place to be. The beautiful nature, the space, the down-to-earth mentality; all things that characterize Twente. In addition, there are plenty of career opportunities! Twente has many innovative, international and future-proof companies that are in need of  additional staff. Want to know what Twente has to offer? The story of Robbin Stegers can be found below.

They are very successful; the company from Nijverdal and Zwolle does not only serve the Dutch market but also the German, Belgian, French, Danish, Austrian and Swiss markets. “I was the ninth employee when I started working at the company eight years ago, and we are now with 80 people.”

This led to a world of difference in working methods between then and now, but that is precisely why Robbin is still enjoying himself. “I did all kinds of things in the beginning: organising staff parties, answering customers’ questions and marketing. I now gather leads and ensure growth through strategic marketing. We have grown so much as a company, and I have grown with it. Every year is different, and that is what I like so much. Besides: I have always wanted an office job where I could use my creativity. And I have got it!” 

The informal atmosphere at 12Build is another great reason for staying.

Robbin is a real Tukker. He was born in Hengelo and never left. “I do not really have a specific reason for that; it just happened that way. Maybe because I did not have a single reason to leave. My family and friends live here, I could study International Marketing and Sales close to home, and there is always something to do here. And you can do something different too if you want. It isn't that far to the Randstad; you can get there in an hour and a half.”

‘The Randstad’ has come to him in the meantime: twenty new employees have joined 12Build in recent months, and the majority of them (12 people) are from the Randstad. "That is an advantage of hybrid working, which has been possible with us since corona. You come into the office once a week, and the rest of the week is your choice. That way, people can stay where they are if they want to, and we can select the best people.”

Moving out of Twente is still not necessary for him. Going to FC Twente by bike with friends, having a drink at café De Appel, going out for a drink at the Drie Musketiers or 't Neutje, the Nacht van Hengelo, the BAM festival, or meeting with friends and their children – including his own one-year-old James – at De Ontmoeting in the Prins Bernhardplantsoen: there are plenty of opportunities to have a good time in Hengelo. "The city centre is also becoming more and more beautiful", Robbin adds. "And you can get good food in the region. At T-Bone in Enter, for example, or at Kir in Borne or Bombay-Spice or Intenzo in Hengelo. Another tip? Go for a walk on the Sallandse Heuvelrug; it is beautiful there!" 

Twente lives

Twente is the ideal place to live and work, according to the talents we meet. Want to know why? Read personal stories about living and making a career in Twente on twente.com/twente-leeft. Want to look for a job immediately? Then take a look at our extensive job site.