The third episode of our six-part podcast series KraakHELDer is now live. In the series, Inge Diepman talks not about, but with the people who represent the inclusive labour market. This episode features Donovan and Nelson, specialists in floor cleaning and a top team both professionally and personally. Their honesty, humour, and openness make this a truly inspiring story that shows what inclusion looks like in practice.
A Powerful Story About Love, Work, and Resilience
In Donovan and Nelson’s beautifully decorated home in ‘s-Heerenberg, Inge talks with them about their childhoods and the journey that led them to the work they now enjoy so much. While Donovan grew up in a warm and stable family, Nelson’s upbringing was very different. The emotional “backpack” he carries is therefore much heavier than Donovan’s.
The two floor specialists explain how they deal with this in both their daily lives and at work. What is it like to spend 24 hours a day together—at home, travelling in the van, and on the job? And when disagreements arise, do they really settle them in the work van, or not? The result is a touching story about trust, setting boundaries, and giving each other the space to be themselves.
As the conversation unfolds, it becomes clear just how resilient Donovan and Nelson are. They share how they support one another, why structure and clarity are so important to them, and how much it means when colleagues and managers genuinely take the time to listen. Their story gives the inclusive labour market a deeply personal face.
Listeners gain not only an insight into their work as floor specialists, but also into their private lives, their dreams, and their doubts. That is what makes this podcast such a powerful story about love, work, and finding your place in the world—even when you carry a little extra baggage.
Floor Care Runs in the Family: A Friendly Family Rivalry at Work
That floor care is in the family’s DNA becomes clear during a floor polishing competition at a primary school in Bathmen. Father Ruud goes head-to-head with his son Donovan, while brother and uncle Marco acts as the judge. It’s a light-hearted and competitive moment that perfectly illustrates the passion they all share for their profession.
The dynamic between father, son, brother, and uncle gives the story an extra personal touch. It is not only a wonderful story about professional cleaning, but also about family pride, craftsmanship, and passing knowledge from one generation to the next.
As the perfect finale to this podcast, listeners hear an honest conversation with Laquisha, Nelson’s partner and greatest source of support. Together, the three young adults discuss topics such as whether or not to have children in today’s world. Serious subjects are explored in a relatable and accessible way, allowing listeners to connect with their experiences and perspective.
Proud as a Father, Uncle, and Colleague
Ruud de Nijs, Operations Manager at Breedweer and Donovan’s father, listened to the story with great emotion.
“It’s wonderful to hear it described like this. Donovan and Nelson are amazing young men, and I couldn’t be prouder of them—both as a father and as a colleague.”
Brother and uncle Marco de Nijs also thoroughly enjoyed the podcast:
“I think it’s a wonderful, ordinary story, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. We all carry some baggage in our backpacks, and it’s inspiring to hear colleagues, family, and friends speak so openly about that. The fact that someone is ‘different’ simply isn’t an issue. We should accept everyone for who they are and treat each other with respect and equality. I don’t know anyone in my family who feels differently, and I’m incredibly proud not only of Donovan and Nelson, but also of my brother Ruud and his wife.”
The reactions from Ruud and Marco show just how valuable it is to share stories like these. They remind us that being different is never the problem—as long as we continue to treat one another with respect, understanding, and equality.
