July 3, 2026
Every week, Willem Mulderij (55) cycles about 150-200 kilometers on his road bike, hands loose on the handlebars or tucked deep into the drops. Success on a bike is a matter of stamina and putting in the hours. As far as he is concerned, the same applies to his work in logistics.
He bought his first road bike at fourteen with money earned from a paper route in Voorthuizen-Barneveld. In the nineties, he competed as a B-amateur. Now, he regularly heads out for a ride or training session with a regular group of cycling buddies. Their club, De Man en zijn Fiets, organized a ride for the Hartekind Foundation just last weekend. The real challenge is still to come: the Marmotte, finishing on L’Alpe d’Huez after three imposing mountain passes – 177 km and 5,000 meters of climbing.
There are plenty of parallels with his professional life, where Mulderij takes on many different freelance assignments. “The physical exertion is completely different, but mentally there are many similarities: don’t waste your energy too early, don’t give up, and know what you’re doing. Success in cycling depends largely on ‘stamina,’ and that applies to many logistics projects as well. But also: make sure your affairs are in order and that you are well-prepared.”
Because, as far as Mulderij is concerned, he often sees beginners on bikes making the same mistakes. "You see that in logistics, too. If you treat it as a learning opportunity, it’s not a big deal. Personally, I find the relationship with technology very fascinating. It’s nice to know something about the mechanics when you’re on the road. Then you can help yourself or someone else if the chain gets stuck between the gears. I don’t need to know everything about IT engineering, but I always want to understand the process and the basic principles.” Mulderij is one of the panelists who annually compiles the Top 100 Logistics Service Providers list.
He learned the trade at Lekkerland after completing his HEAO degree in Arnhem. University didn't appeal to him, but the dynamics of the logistics world did: the calculations, the analysis, and dealing with people from the shop floor to the board of directors. "And then combining that with business aspects in projects and organizing physical goods flows."
At Lekkerland, he quickly moved into a management position. The warehouse and outbound transport came under his care. He worked for a logistics service provider for a short time, but he knew very early on: I need variety and independence. He has helped many companies get started with WMS implementations, warehouse layouts, and setting up new organizations. In addition, Mulderij occasionally teaches at the HAN University of Applied Sciences in the HBO Logistics Management program or supervises students during their internships or graduation projects.
“I prefer to have two larger projects at the same time, plus a consulting assignment. I don’t like being stuck on one interim job for months on end. I just finished a great project at TotaalBED, the design and realization of a new distribution center. Now I’m working for Veld Koeltechniek on inventory optimization and for Engel Foreign Food on the second phase of a WMS implementation.”
Keep a close eye on your own KPI dashboard too”
It is primarily the versatility of this life that attracts him. Applying problem-solving skills and then executing them with dedication and enthusiasm. Together with a team. “That’s really fun, having a team around you with people of different levels. Demonstrating that this is truly a profession that requires ready knowledge, knowing the process, and having key performance indicators available.”
Look at all that young greenery here in the woods”
For relaxation, the bike is never far away. But the wooded area at home, where Willem Mulderij lives happily with his family, also keeps him fresh. “Look at all that young greenery here in the woods. Beautiful, isn't it? I love the seasons and the way they change.” It doesn't always have to be summer for him. “I’m at my best in beautiful winter weather.”
A final tip? “Keep a close eye on your own KPI dashboard too. Work, well-being, health, family—make sure there is a good balance. And if I may add, for me, that also means linking it to environmental awareness. I know there’s some tension there with the logistics world. We work in a service-oriented field, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be critical of it.”
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