'A good match comes from both sides'

Marco Bakker (51) knows exactly what he wants: to create beautiful and challenging projects, in fine project teams and for progressive clients. The realization of the sustainable A-pier at Schiphol Airport fits in perfectly with this. Via Velox and commissioned by Arup, Bakker is taking care of the commissioning of the building-related installations. 

Bakker has always had a heart for technology. After graduating from MTS Electrical Engineering, he took the HTS General Operational Engineering course, with the goal of being able to facilitate clients across the board. "I am interested in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, controls as well as automation," he says. "Moreover, during my first years of employment, the architectural side was added to this. This allows me to realize my projects with an open mind and broad helicopter view." 

Broad interest

To master the trade, Bakker worked in salaried employment for the first few years. "I started at Unica Installatietechniek, where I progressed from the position of work planner, draughtsman and engineer to a project leader role. I then made the transition to electrical engineering, fire alarm systems, access control and data techniques through Fabricom Electrical. Because I missed the mechanical engineering side, I made the move to Holland Casino in 2002, where I was given the opportunity to take on complete projects. From new construction to remodeling and from W to E." In the years that followed, Bakker had the opportunity, among other things, to handle a beautiful new construction project in Alkmaar for ERIKS, where he relieved the management from design to completion. This gives him a wonderful resume, which took a new direction in 2015. Indeed, in that year he decided to continue as a self-employed contractor. Soon, the first clients and assignments presented themselves, through word-of-mouth advertising but mainly by looking for opportunities in the market himself. "Around 2018 there was a small dip in the market and work declined somewhat. That's why I wrote to several project agencies. Moreover, at a data center project, I came into contact with Velox director Kisito Zonneveld. We struck up a conversation and since then I have been carrying out projects through Velox with some regularity."

Open and transparent

The advantage of project agencies, according to Bakker, is that they provide a nice wheelbarrow into projects. "More and more clients are no longer looking for zzp'ers, but are placing their assignments directly with intermediaries who have to select the most suitable professionals. Velox's big advantage is that this match works both ways. The consultants ensure that profiles, wishes and preferences are mutually compatible. You are not simply introduced to a company. Moreover, communication is open and transparent. Agreements are clearly recorded, also with regard to margins. I think that's fair. Moreover, Velox takes care of all the peripheral issues."

An assignment that fits like a jacket

"Velox knows that I get a lot of pleasure from commissioning projects at the moment," Bakker emphasizes. "The commission for the A-Pier at Schiphol Airport therefore fits me like a glove. In this project, I take care of the testing and validation of the building-related installations. Does what is made and delivered by the contractor or installer match what was conceived and agreed upon in the design phase?" Bakker has also had the opportunity to create several data center projects through Velox. "What I find particularly important is challenge in my work," he concludes. "I like to create unique projects. I also find it important to enjoy going to work every day. The best projects are approached bottom-up rather than top-down. Velox also understood that well."