IT with a crunchy edge: Interforce X Markus & Markus Stroopwafels
In the heart of Waddinxveen, Markus & Markus Stroopwafels has been baking the tastiest stroopwafels in the Netherlands since 1978. What started as a modest initiative has grown into a modern, artisan stroopwafel bakery where quality and family tradition go hand in hand.
From the kitchen table to the director’s chair
“Stroopwafels are completely woven into our family,” says Martijn. “They were always the topic of conversation at the kitchen table. And I already enjoyed working there alongside my studies.” Even so, it took a while before Martijn officially joined the company. When his brother took the helm in 2007, Martijn was still just a little too young. In 2019 he did make the move: trained as a chartered accountant and with a passion for structure and strategy. “The company was growing enormously. That brought a lot of business, legal and financial work with it. And that is exactly where my strength lay.” As managing director, he focuses mainly on the bigger picture: “The sales team wants to sell, and production is always running at full capacity. It is up to me to make sure everyone looks beyond their own department, so that we keep moving forward as one.”
Wafers with a mission
Markus & Markus Stroopwafels now supplies a wide range of customers: market bakers, the hospitality sector, supermarkets and many charity campaigns as well. “We operate in a short supply chain and deliver as fresh as possible. That artisan quality is something we want to hold on to.”
That vision calls for a reliable IT partner. “We used to do everything locally,” says Martijn. “Our own server, our own server room. But you notice that kind of investment quickly becomes outdated. Then you face a choice: do you keep doing everything yourself or do you bring in a specialist?”
The move to Interforce
That marked the start of the search for a company that was not only technically strong but also fitted their DNA. And that is how they ended up at Interforce! “What appealed to us? They are personal, flexible and fast. In the early stages they were also able to act super quickly. If there was anything, they were there straight away. And they still are.”
Martijn also thinks it is important to support local businesses. “But that alone is not enough. Interforce really surprised us with their decisiveness. They know who you are and deliver good quality. That feels reassuring.”
IT that actually works with you
Since working with Interforce, IT is no longer a stumbling block but a solid foundation. “We no longer have to solve anything ourselves internally. Everything just works. That allows us to focus on what we are good at. Cybersecurity, back-ups, speed: it is all taken care of, and that gives peace of mind.”
Martijn is therefore very clear about Interforce’s impact on efficiency within the company: “IT no longer holds us back. And that makes growth within your company a lot easier.”
The future? It leaves you wanting more!
The partnership clearly leaves them wanting more. “Everything runs smoothly and the contact is good. We are really satisfied and look to the future with confidence. We are happy to stay with Interforce.”
Does Martijn have a tip for other companies that are hesitant about switching to an IT partner? “Always do it. Doing it yourself costs time and money, and if you are unlucky, you still end up playing catch-up. Interforce is fast, personal and thinks along with you. For us, it is a golden match.”
