The person behind the technology

Bart Veenstra is at the helm of Axelio Workplace in Hengelo as Business Development Manager. Although his title sounds commercial, his responsibilities extend far beyond commerce alone. In addition to commerce and purchasing, he plays an important role in guiding, connecting, and supporting his team. We spoke with Bart about the importance of genuine attention, his vision on leadership, and why you should go to work whistling every day.

A unique role within Axelio

Within the broad spectrum of Axelio, the Workplace team in Hengelo occupies a unique position. "In that respect, we are a bit of an odd duck in the pond," Bart explains. "While the focus within Axelio is on software development on the Microsoft platform, we are a true Managed Service Provider (MSP). We provide, among other things, network management, Microsoft Azure management, and the setup of workplaces. In short: everything needed to help organizations work optimally with IT."

What makes the service powerful, according to Bart, are not only the stable technical solutions. "What makes us unique are really the people who work here. They are extremely service-oriented and patient. The customer or colleague you have on the line has a problem at that moment and needs to be helped as well as possible."

Connection through genuine attention

Bart has been in IT since the 1990s. His vision has remained unchanged over the years. "People do business with people. Companies do not do business with companies. It is the person with whom you need to have that connection," he emphasizes. He applies that philosophy not only in his sales conversations but also forms the basis of his leadership style.

Since his start, he has invested a lot of energy in building a close-knit team. For Bart, this begins with genuine attention for the people around him. "I find it important to know what is happening in the lives of my colleagues. That is why I pay attention to personal moments, such as a birthday, a wedding anniversary, or the birthday of a partner or child. A personal message at such a moment takes little effort but shows that you care. It is precisely those small gestures that create connection and make people feel seen."

"People do business with people. Companies do not do business with companies."

Transparency and trust

Transparency and trust form the basis of Bart's leadership. He believes in open communication, clear agreements, and supporting his team when needed. "If a colleague encounters a problem or has doubts about an issue, we look at it together. The most important thing is that we come to a solution that both the customer and our employees can stand behind. As a leader, I see it as my responsibility to think along and provide support." According to Bart, this approach creates calm, trust, and a strong team dynamic.

Job satisfaction as a success factor

Despite the dynamics of support tickets and projects, there is a warm and collegial atmosphere in Hengelo. The team consciously chooses to work together in one open space rather than retreating to separate offices. "On the one hand, to have short lines of communication, but also because it strengthens collaboration," Bart explains.

Job satisfaction plays an important role in this. "A day without laughter is a day not lived. You spend a large part of your time at work. It is important that you feel comfortable and enjoy working together. You should go to work whistling and come home whistling. If my colleagues do that, I consider it a success."

This combination of involvement, open communication, and attention to the person behind the employee forms the common thread in Bart's approach. Not only towards customers but also within the team. According to him, it is the basis for sustainable collaboration, trust, and shared success.

A place where you feel at home quickly

If a new colleague starts tomorrow, Bart has a clear wish for that first period. "I hope that someone experiences that they are joining an involved team, where there is room to learn, develop further, and take on new challenges. The most important thing for me is that new colleagues feel welcome, quickly find their place within the team, and can be themselves."