The fathers and sons of APK Group: talent runs in the family!

14 June 2025
Featured
Children who step into their parents' profession: we too can speak of APK Group. As a family growth company, we are therefore happy to see how families on our shop floor share their passion for infrastructure construction. For Father's Day, three fathers and their children tell us how they build the smart and sustainable cities of tomorrow together every day.

Rik and Guillaume work side-by-side every day for APK Infra West in Zedelgem, Belgium, on tomorrow's underground infrastructure. Rik has been working in the infrastructure sector for 20 years, while Guillaume joined the profession a few years ago. “My father runs a part-time farming business, where I've helped out since I was a child. So, we've been working together longer. When I got the chance to join my father on a team, I didn't hesitate for long.”

“What I really admire about my father is how skilled he is with the crane machine,” says Guillaume. “He never works brusquely or unsafely.” That admiration is mutual. “Guillaume makes sure I stop on time so nothing gets damaged,” Rik chimes in. “It’s so important to be able to trust the person who’s keeping an eye on the pipes.” Father and son therefore know no hierarchy on the building site. “I always address Guillaume at eye level. You always need to be able to listen to each other.”

Clients therefore look forward to seeing the duo. “Also because they know we always deliver orderly work. We work diligently and leave everything tidy.”.

Eric and Bart: learning from each other

In CIAG in the Dutch town of Gorinchem, we find a story with Eric and his father Bart where roles are sometimes reversed. “My father convinced me to join the telecom sector 11 years ago,” says executive Eric. “In turn, I convinced him to start working at CIAG two years ago, where he now works as a SHEQ coordinator.”

They've occasionally crossed paths on projects ever since. “I see Eric regularly when I visit project sites for my SHEQ [Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality] role,” Bart explains. ”If I see something there that isn't being done correctly, I'll naturally address it with him in the same way I would with any other colleague. After all, it's about safety. We're also just completely honest with each other anyway."

“My father has 40 years of experience in the sector,” Eric continues. “He therefore taught me a tremendous amount about working in coaxial and fibre optic networks.” But Bart has also picked up a few things from his son. “To be more direct when needed, for example.”

What Eric is most proud of about his dad's work? “He has found his way in this new, observing role and made a successful transition to a completely different position.” Bart, in turn, watches with admiration how his son learns something new and makes progress within the company every day.

Sascha and Alexander: an example to follow

For Sascha and Alexander, both site managers in the German town of Willich, a passion for construction is in their DNA. “Alexander grew up with a dad in construction,” says Sascha. “We have memories of being together in this context from a young age.” It therefore wasn’t long before Alexander followed in his father’s footsteps.

In his role as site manager, Alexander's father is a strong role model for him. “How you communicate with the men on site, how you give instructions, how you take the lead: I've learned a lot from Dad,” he says. “I really want to prove myself to him. Of course, you want your father to be proud of you.” And that admiration is genuine. “My father is someone who has a solution for everything. Civil engineers come to him with questions because of his experience. I hope to be able to do the same for the company one day. The atmosphere here is also just great, so it gives me a lot of satisfaction to mean something to my fellowAPK.”