Story
Leif Lachmann
Project Manager Leif Lachmann truly feels at home in multiple markets. At Bulsink, he works on projects in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. The biggest differences between these countries? “Regulations and culture.”
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
“My name is Leif Lachmann. I was born in Hamburg, grew up in Groningen and started my professional career there. After that, I worked for an interior construction company in Venray. And just over a year ago, I joined Bulsink.”
“I live in Doorwerth with my daughters, my partner and our dog. At home I’m almost always building something; I enjoy renovating the house to make it my own. I also love playing tennis and taking walks in the forest.”
“
“What I enjoy most about my work is the freedom you get to deliver projects in the best possible way.”
- Leif Lachman, Project Manager
What does your role involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?
“My role is to help both Bulsink and the client achieve a great end result. At the moment I’m working on a project for Coolblue in Belgium. Recently I delivered a store in Alkmaar; that was my first Dutch project in about ten years. Before that, I mainly managed projects in Germany. When I joined Bulsink, I also started out in Germany, working on assignments for Rituals.”
“I studied Construction Engineering, and I’m interested in everything involved in building beautiful retail stores—the entire construction process from start to finish.”
What are the biggest differences between working in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium?
“Regulations and culture. In the Netherlands, people appreciate it when you take initiative and make things happen. In Germany and Belgium, the working culture is more hierarchical; the manager outlines what needs to be done, and there’s less room for personal choices or individual initiative.”
“Regulations also differ significantly. In Germany, they vary from one Bundesland to another. In Belgium, the fire department determines which fire-safety measures are required, whereas in the Netherlands those measures are defined in national building regulations or municipal requirements. We certainly have many rules here too, but enforcement tends to happen later in the process; you’re expected to comply. In Germany and Belgium, checks often take place at the start of a project.”
“
“In Germany, regulations differ per Bundesland. And in Belgium, the fire department decides which fire-safety measures you need to take.”
CORE VALUES
Which of Bulsink’s B.U.I.L.D. core values fits you best, and why?
“Ultra-fast—especially in the sense of retail dynamics: building something great quickly and then moving on to the next project. When you have good people around you who share that drive, it creates a special atmosphere. Clients appreciate it too, because they want their store up and running again as soon as possible. As a Project Manager, you play an important role in that dynamic by providing everyone with the right information at the right time.”
