“If I’m very honest, 15 years ago something didn’t necessarily have to change in recruitment-but mostly in me,” Sjoerd explains. “My background was totally different. I came from the army, was a truck driver and then worked as an intermediary in logistics. I was actually hardly knowledgeable about recruitment.”

What he did take with him later turned out to become the core of WannaFlex: the importance of specialism. “At Worktrans, I saw how important it is not just to deliver someone quickly, but the right person. If you really understand what a job entails, you are seen on both sides as someone with added value. That’s where trust begins.”

That conviction formed the basis of WannaFlex. First as a specialist in software testing, later as a partner within the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). “We started with one clear focus, and that made us strong. But at some point we were challenged to look broader. A customer needed more than just testers-he was looking for support across the entire SDLC. That was a tipping point.”

That broadening was not an easy choice. “Internally there was resistance, and I understood that. Our specialty was deep. But I saw it as an opportunity. We took that step and proved that we could also deliver the same quality within roles such as developers, product owners and data engineers. That really accelerated our growth between 2020 and 2025.”

But growing did not automatically mean doing everything.

“In 2026, we made another important choice. Not broader-but deeper. From market demand, but also from a clear conviction: where can we continue to guarantee our quality?

More is not always better. That’s why we focus on interim and project secondment, going deeper into our areas of expertise. Roles that don’t fit there, we deliberately let them pass us by.

Because in the end, it’s not about doing everything-but doing the right things exceptionally well. And that suits WannaFlex.”

The road to this was anything but straight. “The moments no one sees are perhaps the most important. Doubt, low energy, choices that don’t work out. I learned that how I’m in the game-my discipline, my mindset-directly affects the business. If that’s not right, you see it in the results.”

One of the biggest lessons came when WannaFlex almost toppled over after growing too fast. “We hired a director before the foundation was really in place. Costs were rising, but results were lagging. That taught me that growth requires foundation: a clear strategy, processes and execution. Only then does it become scalable.”

Today, WannaFlex stands as a mature player within the IT market, with strong expertise within analysis, design, front-end, back-end and testing. “We have shown that we can really help IT managers. Not just by delivering quickly, but by understanding what they need and bringing the right interim specialists who make an immediate impact.”

According to Sjoerd, the difference between an agency and a true partner is in the way they work together. “A partner relationship is equal. You are critical of each other, you share insights and work together toward the best result. That requires trust, transparency and integrity. That is something we have always maintained.”

Yet his greatest pride is not in sales or growth. “It’s in personal development. Who I have become in this process. As Jim Rohn says, it’s not about the goal, it’s about who you become as you achieve it.”

Looking back on 15 years of WannaFlex, he smiles.

“We created something that matters. And maybe now for the first time I can really say: I’m proud of that.”

WannaFlex Ping Pong Tournament: I Wanna Smash IT 2026 Recap

Our annual I Wanna Smash IT ping pong tournament brought the WannaFlex IT community together once again — and what an edition it was. This yearly IT networking event in Amsterdam keeps growing, and this time the competition level was higher than ever.

The atmosphere? Electric. The rallies? Intense. And yes — the prizes were as attractive as always.

After a series of exciting matches, it was ultimately Amber and Prashant who took home the win. A well-deserved victory after a seriously strong final.

More than just a game

At WannaFlex, events like this aren’t just about ping pong. They’re about connecting IT freelancers, clients, and professionals in a relaxed setting. A bit of competition, a lot of laughs, and plenty of new connections — exactly how we like it.

Missed it? Don’t worry.

Sure, you missed a great IT community event – too bad! But we’ll be back next year with another edition.

In the meantime, keep an eye on our socials. We will soon start hosting Friday afternoon drinks & pong club — smaller, informal gatherings where networking. Unwind from the week, and smash into the weekend with a friendly match.

See you at the table next time.

A 15 minute video that will tell you all about the VBAR Act: What to Expect from the DBA’s Successor

In our recurring ‘vodcast’ series “Gooi een balletje op” (loosely translated as “Let’s bounce around an idea”), we explore complex topics that affect freelancers, clients, and the wider IT market.

This time, we’re diving into something that’s not yet law—but is already casting a long shadow: the VBAR Act.

What is it? What will it change? And what should you already be thinking about?

In this episode, Jochem talks to Jordi Rosendahl, labor law attorney at Lexence, about the upcoming VBAR Act—intended as the successor to the current DBA law.

Key takeaways from the episode:

• What the VBAR Act is trying to solve
• How it compares to the DBA
• What risks freelancers and clients may face if the law passes
• How the VBAR aims to reduce ambiguity in freelance contracts
• What smart preparation looks like, even before the law becomes active

Why it matters:
VBAR might still be just a proposal, but it reflects a clear shift in how the Dutch government views freelance work. Understanding it now can save you trouble later.

WannaFlex Runs Again — Join Our Dam tot Dam Team!

At WannaFlex, we love going the extra mile — for our clients, our IT specialists, and yes… even in our running shoes.

After last year’s amazing edition of the Dam tot Damloop, we’re doing it all over again!
A 50-person dream team of clients, IT specialists, and WannaFlexers hit the road together — and honestly, we’re still not sure what was more fun: the run itself or the celebratory drinks we shared in Zaandam afterwards. 🍻

This year, we’re going bigger, bolder, and (hopefully) faster.
Are you in?

Whether you’re running to beat your PR or just for the gezelligheid — we’d love to have you on our team.

👟 Sign up now to claim one of the 50 exclusive spots in the WannaFlex Running Team.
You can contact your Account Manager or Account Executive directly – or send us an email at [email protected].

#WannaFlex #DamTotDamloop #ChallengeYourCareer #TheBestPeople #RunningTeam2025

From Truck Driver to Founder: The Story of Sjoerd van der Meulen.

At WannaFlex, we believe that every career is a journey — sometimes with unexpected turns, but always full of potential. Recently, our founder Sjoerd van der Meulen shared his inspiring story during an EO TEDx Talk.

What started behind the wheel of a truck evolved into the founding of WannaFlex: a thriving IT recruitment agency built on ambition, resilience, and vision. Sjoerd’s journey is a perfect reflection of two of our core beliefs: Managing Potential and Challenging Your Career.

In his talk, Sjoerd takes you along for the ride — showing that your background doesn’t define your future, but your mindset does.

Ready to be inspired?
Watch the full TED Talk and discover how a career, when challenged the right way, can take you further than you ever imagined.

#ChallengeYourCareer #ManagingPotential #WannaFlex