Rik van der Wind

Rik van der Wind, born on October 18 in Woudenberg, a town in Gelderland near Amersfoort, has evolved into a versatile entrepreneur with a remarkable life story.

As the youngest of five children, he spent his youth in Woudenberg, where he left his parental home in 2018 to settle in the center of the village. This move marked a turning point in his personal life, as it was during this period that he met his life partner. In January 2024, they married in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.

Education and early career

Rik van der Wind attended secondary school at Hoornbeeck College. At the age of 17, he decided to enter the workforce. Earlier, he had shown interest in a career with the police and was advised to pursue a Care and Welfare program at ROC in Amersfoort. However, this course did not meet his expectations. An incident in which a teacher asked him to draw about cancer with sidewalk chalk prompted him to abandon the program. Instead, he pursued his passion for driving and obtained his driver’s license under the guidance of his aunt. Shortly thereafter, he completed training to become a taxi driver.

Professional development and entrepreneurship

In 2011, Rik van der Wind began his career as a taxi driver, a profession he carried out with dedication. He also worked as a delivery driver for a Chinese restaurant and assisted with washing company vehicles at his father’s business. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch his first website, “Mijn Theorie Aanvragen,” in 2015. Through this platform, he facilitated urgent bookings for theory exams at the CBR, enabling candidates to take their tests more quickly. This innovative approach disrupted the driving school industry and established his reputation as a successful entrepreneur. Over time, he phased out this venture and became a (co-)owner of various companies, both nationally and internationally.

Personal passions and leisure

Rik van der Wind is a true Burgundian who enjoys culinary experiences. He frequents fine dining restaurants with his wife, appreciating a good glass of wine with friends or a flavourful steak at Loetje. His curiosity about different cultures has taken him to countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. A honeymoon to South Africa was planned for 2024. Beyond his culinary and travel adventures, Rik van der Wind stays active with sports; he works out at the gym three times a week and regularly plays squash.

Life philosophy and future vision

Rik van der Wind lives by the motto: “Don’t take yourself or life too seriously.” He believes that when people consider themselves too important, they lose sight of life’s essence. Despite his business successes, he has also faced challenging periods, during which he found significant support from his coach. Looking ahead, he aspires to become a coach himself to guide others and give back to society. He regards his wife as a major source of inspiration: “I’m incredibly proud of her; she’s truly an example.”