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Sometimes certain events are just meant to be. That’s definitely the case for Bjorn de Ruiter, who became RDA’s new agent for Sweden this month. A well-known name in the door industry, he will now be the familiar face of RDA in the land of forests, lakes, and the midnight sun.

How it all began

Bjorn started his career back in 1999 in the Dutch door industry. “When I started out, I often came to RDA to pick up parts,” he recalls. “That’s how I met Corné Ribbers (CEO of RDA). We always had great contact and quickly developed a bond.”
Over the years, Bjorn worked for several companies in the same field while maintaining warm ties with RDA. In 2014, he decided to start his own business, focusing on drive systems: once again working closely with RDA.

But in 2022, something began to stir. “The busy life of running a business in the Netherlands was getting to be a bit much. I wanted to take a step back,” he says. “We rented a camper van to literally and figuratively hit the road and think about what we wanted for the future.”

That road trip took Bjorn and his wife to Sweden, where they ended up at a campsite run by fellow Dutch people. “I was standing there with my feet in a lake and thought: I could really live here.” Not long after, they decided to just go for it. And in 2023, they moved to Sweden for good.

A new chapter with RDA

After a year of settling in, adapting, and finding their footing, Bjorn’s entrepreneurial spirit began to itch again. “I had promised myself to take a break, but eventually I wanted to get back to work,” he says. “I didn’t know the Swedish market, so at the end of 2024 I called Corné to ask whether he had any experience there.”

Through Corné, Bjorn got in touch with Christian Sørensen (responsible for Sales Scandinavia), and that conversation turned out to be the start of something great. “In February, Christian called and said: ‘We want to start exploring opportunities in Sweden and I think I know what your dream job is.’ It was exactly the right timing. My wife and I talked about it for one evening and knew right away: this is what we’re going to do.”

The right man in the right place

With more than 23 years of experience in doors, barriers, gates, and tail lifts, Bjorn brings a wealth of technical expertise and hands-on experience. “I’ve always sat at the table with customers, whether as a technician or as an owner, so I understand how they think. When there’s a problem, I often recognize the situation quickly and know how to fix it,” he explains. “That experience is incredibly helpful, especially in a new market.”

The focus: exploration and building trust

The coming months will be all about introductions and exploration for Bjorn. “Christian and I will discuss how to approach things and define the path forward. Since it’s already winter in Sweden, I’ll spend a lot of time on calls, focusing on building relationships and getting to know the systems,” he says.

Bjorn knows the Swedish market has its own rhythm. “Building trust and relationships is essential. That suits me perfectly: I actually see it as a great challenge.”

Pride and enthusiasm

Bjorn looks ahead to his new role with great enthusiasm. “I hope I can really make a difference for RDA in Sweden: finding new customers, offering support, giving advice: that’s what I enjoy most.” With his technical background and contagious energy, Bjorn is ready for this new step. “It’s exciting, but above all, it’s fun. I’m really looking forward to it.”