Healthcare transport as a niche market

Bolderman's first steps in the transport industry were not obvious. "I come from a family with a strong background in transport, but I wanted to find my own way," he says. When he took over Taxi De Koning in 1997, the sector was at a turning point. "The demand for specialized healthcare transport services was increasing, but the standard was low. Regular street taxis were being used for complex target groups. That could and had to change."

This choice for quality has paid off for Willemsen-De Koning. What started as a local player in Velp grew into a national organization with more than 2,000 vehicles and tens of thousands of daily rides. The secret? "Our drivers are the heart of our company," says Bolderman. "They are more than just drivers. They provide a listening ear, a helping hand, or simply a sense of safety. That is only possible if you invest in social skills and training."

Sustainability with vision

Another focus is sustainability. Willemsen-De Koning was one of the first healthcare transporters in the Netherlands to fully commit to greening its fleet. "More than 600 of our vehicles now run on Green Gas or electricity," Bolderman proudly states. But sustainability goes beyond fuel. "For healthcare transport, you need vehicles that are accessible, with, for example, a low entry. That requires customization."

Bolderman recalls a project in Southern Netherlands, where Willemsen-De Koning developed adapted vehicles together with a German car manufacturer. "Within eight weeks, we had more than 100 sustainable, accessible vehicles ready. Innovation is crucial, but it has to be fast and pragmatic."

From responsibility to impact

Sustainability is not just a green sticker for WdK; it is deeply embedded in the business operations. "Our drivers are trained in efficient driving behavior, we process waste materials from our workshop sustainably, and we optimize our ride planning. Every detail counts," he explains. This not only has ecological but also economic benefits. "Customers save because we prevent problems instead of solving them."

Looking ahead

• With an eye on the future, Bolderman emphasizes that standing still is not an option. "The transport sector is in a rapid transition. From CO2-neutral ambitions to staffing challenges: there is work to be done. But it is precisely in those challenges that opportunities lie."

His message to fellow entrepreneurs is clear: "Sustainability and quality go hand in hand. If you want a future-proof company, you must invest in people, innovation, and vision. Only then will you remain relevant."

"Success comes from one simple question: how do I make today better than yesterday? For us, the answer lies in the mix of empathy, technology, and a very high quality standard." Bolderman concludes: "Doing good may not always be easy, but it is always worth it."