Meindert: Associate

In this article, you’ll get to know Meindert, Associate at Squadra. You’ll learn more about his role, what he enjoys about his work, and how he spends his free time.

Meindert was born in 1961 in Groningen. Throughout his life, he’s been driven by action, curiosity, and pushing boundaries. After a long career journey, he joined Squadra when our company was founded in 2016. Nearly 10 years later, he still brings his expertise to the table as an Associate!

What Does An Associate Do?  

So, Meindert is Associate at Squadra, but what does that actually mean?“It’s not that easy to explain. Basically, it means I’m independently responsible. I’m an entrepreneur. By joining Squadra, I’ve become part of a family of like-minded people. who want to realize the best results for clients.”

“As an Associate, you’re part of a family of like-minded people. Everyone is eager to develop and gain new knowledge. As Associates, we commit to that. Contributing knowledge and brainstorming voluntarily is what give us energy and satisfaction. It’s an investment in yourself, as a person and professional.”

From 2021 until July 2025, Meindert led a major project at Sonepar. “In essence, I’m a project and program manager. I make sure a project is executed properly, that I gather the right people around me, and that we form a great team to achieve something exciting and useful. In that way, Squadra can add true value for the customer. ”

In addition to this, Meindert gains a lot of knowledge through various projects, both in terms of in-depth expertise and human interaction. As an Associate, he enjoys sharing this knowledge and sparring with others to achieve the best outcome for the client.

Knowledge Is Meant To Be Shared  

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, staying up to date is essential. “Many companies talk about wanting to implement AI or already doing so, but often they have no idea what they’re actually talking about” , Meindert explains. “The latest developments are barely implemented before the next (AI-innovation) is already on the horizon. Being able to explain these developments and guide a client through this process is something I find very interesting. I believe there are still many opportunities ahead for all of us.”

“Ultimately, it’s not about who’s right, but whether you understand each other and add value.”

Meindert thinks it’s important to stay in regular contact with colleagues and clients, even when there’s nothing specific on the agenda. “You have to look each other in the eye from time to time and talk things over, without creating a conflict.” According to the Associate, that’s when space is created to learn from one another.

Meindert is also involved with ShoppingTomorrow, where he chairs the PIM & AI expert group. “I’ve been involved with ShoppingTomorrow for over 10 years, so I’ve seen how this event has evolved” For him, the value of ShoppingTomorrow lies both in the expert-content and the interaction with others. During the 2025 season, the expert group focusses on the possible applications of AI agents within Product Information Management.

Life Outside The Office  

Meindert is a hands-on and hardworking person, but that doesn’t stop him from making time for the people who matter most. He enjoys taking short trips with his wife, even when he has to go abroad for work. “I like to take my wife with me. While I work, she gets to enjoy the city or go for a lovely walk. Add a weekend and we’re having a nice little getaway. We call that seizing the day and enjoying life."

Meindert has a big, close-knit family that he enjoys spending time with. “We recently went away for the weekend with the whole family again. We have to rent a house that fits 19 people!” he says with a smile.“The atmosphere is so good, it always works out.”

Family is a key pillar in his life. “My wife and I have been together for 46 years and have been married for 38 of them. I hope we get to reach 50 or even 60 years in good health together.”

Outside of family time, Meindert is also passionate about sports. He was chairman of the local swimming club in Veenendaal for many years and helped organize several national championships. If time allows, Meindert hopes to contribute more to the sports community in Veenendaal again. He also enjoys staying active himself: “I try to go running three times a week, if the weather is nice at least. I also still play basketball, I really enjoy that.”

“I just want to keep doing fun things. The occasional weekend getaway, enjoying time with my grandchildren, or heading to the golf course. But I’m not planning on quitting work anytime soon. Especially working together with young people is so satisfying. There is always something we can learn from each other!”

What Makes You Proud?  

When asked what makes him most proud, Meindert responds from the heart: “I’m very proud that all my children have turned out well. I’m really happy about that,” he says. “And professionally, I’m very proud of the team we built at Sonepar. That team consistently achieved all its goals.”

Meindert is no longer part of the Sonepar team, but that creates opportunities for growth and to learn new things. It’s pretty clear: standing still is not for Meindert!

Want to work with go-getters like Meindert? Check out the vacancies at Squadra.