Bert te Brake

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

"My name is Bert te Brake, born and raised in the Achterhoek region. After my education, I started working in interior construction. About twenty-five years ago, I got to know Bulsink through joint projects where they handled the construction side. We stayed in touch, and three and a half years ago, I made the switch to Bulsink myself."

"My biggest passion outside of work is carnaval. I've been part of the 'Raad van Elf' (Council of Eleven) for thirteen years and was even Prince Carnaval in 's-Heerenberg in 2019. Besides that, I love to travel, going on holidays with my girlfriend."

What does your role involve, and what do you enjoy most about your work?

"As a Project Manager, you're responsible for projects from A to Z. In my case, this means rolling out Basic-Fit locations in Germany."

"What I enjoy most is the mix of indoor and outdoor work. One week, you’re in the office three days in a row; the next, you're constantly on the road from construction site to construction site. No week is the same. On top of that, you're the link between all parties involved: Basic-Fit Germany, landlords, and the partners we work with to build the clubs. You're responsible for the whole picture."

What is unique or different about working in Germany?

"The distances. If you have a project in Amsterdam, it's an hour there in the morning and an hour back in the evening. But going to Berlin means six hours there and six hours back. As a Project Manager in Germany, you’re always on the move. Personally, I don’t mind; I spend a lot of time on the road.”