26.02.2026 | Generations in Conversation

We spoke with two employees from different generations who know Dolezych from different perspectives: Andreas Birke is Head of Logistics and has been with the company for decades, while Vernes Rieken has been a commercial trainee for just under a year.

Vernes, you are now in your second year of training at Dolezych, Andreas, you have already been with the company for 43 years. What was your start at Dolezych like?

Andreas: My start was at a very different time. We didn’t have computers, but typewriters, and I even had to take a course to learn how to use them (laughs). I have experienced the entire digital transformation – from handwritten planning of orders and production jobs to modern software that allows us to organize everything in an automated way. Despite the differences in technological progress, I was impressed then as I am today by the warm and welcoming atmosphere in the company.

Vernes: I can confirm that. At the beginning of my training, I was given a very warm welcome right away. The positive atmosphere really impressed me, because despite the sometimes physically demanding work, everyone has a very positive attitude and sticks together. My colleagues were patient and helpful during my onboarding. For me, this was the perfect start, and I quickly realized that the apprenticeship at Dolezych is exactly the right thing for me.

How do you experience collaboration between the generations – what can you learn from each other?

Vernes: I think we learn a great deal from the older colleagues. Their accumulated knowledge is worth its weight in gold and irreplaceable – no AI can compete with that. For me, our collaboration is ideal: their experience and our handling of modern technology complement each other perfectly.

Andreas: I see it exactly the same way. We benefit from the younger colleagues, who are open to digitalization and also make counter‑proposals from time to time. In our logistics team, it is important to me that we support each other and share our knowledge. That works very well.

What has been your personal highlight at Dolezych so far?

Andreas: One of my highlights was definitely the switch to computers. It revolutionized our work and all processes here. The move to our current, larger shipping building in 2007 was also a milestone for me.

Vernes: For me, the biggest highlight is that I have found my passion here, enjoy coming to work every day, and truly like my job. Our trainee project, where we jointly designed the entrance for the summer party, was also a highlight for me so far.

How do you contribute at Dolezych – what motivates you and where do you see your strengths within the team?

Andreas: What motivates me most is teamwork and achieving our goals together. It is also important to me that every suggestion for improvement is taken seriously, especially from younger colleagues who have great ideas for improving processes. Ultimately, we do all of this to deliver the best possible product for our customers.

Vernes: I try to support the company wherever I can. After completing my training, my main goal is to be taken on permanently and then continue my professional development, for example by qualifying as a certified business administrator – that is my biggest motivation.

What is your favorite product from Dolezych – and why?

Andreas: My favorite product is the textile chain DoNova^®. Unlike heavy steel chains, it is extremely lightweight while still securing heavy loads – a huge relief for our customers’ daily work.

Vernes: I really like the Trucker’s Disc. It is small, practical, and contains all the essential information for load securing.