“I don’t think I’m that important.”
It is the first thing Will van Dokkum says when we begin the interview. But anyone who knows him even a little knows better. Will has been part of De Ridder Cleaners in Hoorn for 25 years. What started as a role as the right hand of founder Freddy de Ridder has evolved into becoming the face of the company following its acquisition by DeFaCo Holding.
From Export to Window Cleaning at De Ridder Cleaners
His working life, however, began in a completely different industry.
“I worked as an office manager for an export company in Aalsmeer. Until 9/11, the attacks on the Twin Towers. Our exports to the United States collapsed completely. I was the last person to join the company, so I was the first to go.”
Through a mutual acquaintance, he came into contact with Freddy.
“That’s how I ended up in the world of window cleaning. Freddy and I both started our own businesses. He had big ambitions and wanted to grow, while I was a little less ambitious. But we helped each other, and we’ve continued doing that ever since.”
Keeping Things Running
Will always remained self employed, but in the meantime he grew into the indispensable driving force behind De Ridder Cleaners.
“If I see that something needs to be done, I do it. Invoicing, quotations, planning, managing people… I just take care of it.”
Today, he is the face of the company.
“I’m always available and make sure things get moving quickly. Everything is about being clear and delivering on your promises,” says Will.
A Moment of Adjustment After the Acquisition
When Freddy sold De Ridder Cleaners to DeFaCo Holding, the parent company of Breedweer, in 2025, Will was not immediately sure what it would mean for him.
“I definitely lost some sleep over it. I’m 60 years old, so you start wondering what else might come your way. But everything is going well, and I’m still doing what I’ve always done: making sure everything keeps running. De Ridder is a great and healthy company.”
What does he enjoy most about his work? The variety and the freedom.
“One day I’m assigning someone to work with a pressure washer, the next day I’m preparing a quotation or visiting a client. No two days are the same, and I’m constantly on the move. That suits me perfectly.”
Always on the Move
Will does not like sitting still in his personal life either. He enjoys long walks with his dog, works out at the gym three times a week, and even has his own gym in his shed.
“Ice baths, like Fred takes? No way, that’s really not for me. And he knows that too!” 😄
How Important, Really?
Just how important Will has been to Freddy over all those years becomes clear once again when Freddy sends me his phone number before the interview.
The contact is not saved as “Will van Dokkum,” but as “Aa Will van Dokkum.”
Why? So that he always appears at the very top of the contact list and can be called first.
