Introducing: Bart van der Wielen

Bart van der Wielen: “My role within WDL? Being an entrepreneur! Seeing opportunities! Talking to customers! Creating fun deals that make everyone happy is, of course, an important part of this. And I am constantly building. These include our team and customer-oriented work processes. My role, by the way, is moving. Previously, I was mostly a cooperating foreman. Now there are more and more elements of a director and shareholder. An interesting and fun development!

This change also fits with the growth and development that WDL Credit Funds is experiencing. We founded WDL 2.5 years ago out of a belief: to bring investors and entrepreneurs together, so that entrepreneurs can make those investments that move their businesses forward.

Involved in life-changing events

It is often difficult for SME entrepreneurs to access capital. They come to us because they cannot go to the bank. The conversations I have with them are personal and I am really involved in business life-changing events.

If we then succeed in making their financing possible in a structured and good way, I do get a lot of satisfaction from that.

On the investor side, as a specialist fund manager, we also add a lot of value. We make Private Debt accessible to them. My core principles with that: no fuss and a nice, stable return.”

“I go pretty far in that.”

Bart continues: “The world of business finance is enormously dynamic. I love the combination of in-depth analytical issues and the human aspect. What makes it extra fun is that I have a nice team and nice clients. I value that a lot and I do go a long way in that. For example, if I have a client from whom a lot of negative energy is flowing, I prefer him to go to the competitor. After all, nice and positive workdays also contribute to development, progress and getting things done.”

When you’re not at work then…?

“I have been living in the outskirts of Veghel again since last year, where I feel very much at home. I am in a lat relationship with my super sweet friend Jolanda. Wonderful to be able to feel the love again!

I have three cute kids aged 21, 23 and 25. Every two weeks we get together to eat together, just at my house. Mostly I cook. Not fancy, but tasty. My father of 84 years will come then, too. I always find that family contact super cozy.

My biggest hobby is cycling. In summer mostly on road bikes, in winter mostly on mountain bikes. This not only keeps me physically fit, but my head needs it too. Just switch off and enjoy the beautiful nature!”