The construction industry is growing and that is noticeable. More and more people are starting as self-employed and, that too, with great success. Today, we talked to Rudger Greunlinx about his new company.
Rolled into the profession
“I started my own business when the kids came,” Rudger says. “Before that, I first worked at Jacobs and then 10 years for the federal highway police. This has better hours.” He was not originally a handyman or woodworker, but quickly gained experience. “I built my own home. It went so well and I had so many materials and tools in the garage that I had purchased for that job – it’s a way to keep my busy brain busy. That’s why I got into this. It’s going well. I started small and currently have a part-time job on the side. But now I have arrived at that point where you have to make a choice: Do we go for it full-time or not? That’s quite exciting.”
Working together for better results
Currently, Rudger is working on private jobs for finishing houses and is under contract as a freelancer with a befriended colleague at the joinery workshop. “That’s my regular Friday,” Rudger jokes, “all carpentry and joinery work. Something I can really relate to. Delivering a complete bathroom or a custom-made kitchen gives you a huge ‘wow’ feeling. I really want to continue with that. I am registered for electrical work, finishing and joinery. It is mainly the joinery that I would like to expand.” The collaboration as a freelancer is also harmonious. “I have a good basic knowledge of electrics. This gives my colleague an extra edge – so that they can offer a more complete total package. That benefits both companies,” says Rudger, “on the other hand, I gain more experience in carpentry every day. An ideal symbiotic combination.”
From the toolbox
“I have almost everything from the Makita brand. This can be done with both ease and quality. Makita, like many other brands, has started making battery-powered tools. If you have a good tool with a battery, then that battery also fits on another tool. And so you keep adding to your toolbox. The most used tools in my toolbox are both my impact screwdriver and my glue gun. The latter is from the Milwaukee brand. The only other brand I use. I find this superior to other glue guns and easier to use. Ideal for sealing work.”
Future plans
The future is certainly bright at Rudger Greunlinx BV. “Ideally, in 3-4 years I will have grown into a sustainable self-sufficient company. With good logistics and fun assignments. I prefer to remain a one-man company that likes to collaborate with other companies in order to offer a total concept to the customer.”
