Richard de Vroede has been one of the driving forces behind Strohm's success. As the team lead for the pipe completions department, Richard plays an indispensable role within the company. With his wealth of experience behind him, he leads a dedicated team that ensures the high-quality manufacturing of our composite pipes.
At 16, Richard left school and began working at Quaker Oats, which later became part of Nestlé. For two years, he worked on the production line and was responsible for processing raw materials for pet food. This early work experience was interrupted by military service, where Richard served for 14 months as a tank crew member. Reflecting on his service, Richard said, “My time in the military taught me a lot about discipline, teamwork, and the importance of structure. These are values that I’ve held close to me throughout my working life and has proved crucial in situations that have required strong leadership qualities.”
After his time in the military, Richard returned to Nestlé, where he quickly advanced to the role of an all-rounder, taking on responsibilities in various areas of production. Richard remained part of the team at Nestlé for 21 years before seeking a new challenge. “After a fulfilling time at Nestlé I decided I wanted to make a change in my career and look for my next step professionally. This opportunity was presented to me in 2010 at Strohm, which was still in its early stages as a company. This allowed me the chance to be involved in the development of the company’s innovative composite pipes from the very outset, which was really appealing to me.”
Initially joining Strohm in an operational role, Richard’s experience and leadership qualities quickly stood out, and within a year, he was promoted to team leader. “As a team leader, I was given the opportunity to further refine my skills in managing and developing teams. This was where my passion for motivating people truly came into its own, in an environment where the rapid development of a young company was met with the enthusiasm of the team driving its growth.”
After more than a decade as an integral part of the Strohm team, Richard was asked to take charge of the pipe completion department, acting as a crucial link in our production process. “As part of my role in heading the pipe completions department I support our team to finish the manufacturing of our composite pipes, and ensuring quality control practices are complete, before they are shipped to the customer. Transitioning into this new role was a challenge, but one that I took on with a determined and pragmatic approach to make sure the department was functioning as efficiently as possible.
“Since my appointment in 2022 I am very proud to say that the department has expanded, and improvements to our processes have been brought into place. This included enlarging our workspace and optimizing work processes. We have also taken on some fantastic new team members, who have contributed to the department's growth and stability overall as well as the flawless completion of every project we’re given. I couldn’t ask for a better team of professionals and I’m immensely proud of the development of the department over the past few years and the quality of work we have accomplished together.”
Richard’s leadership style at Strohm is a reflection of his down-to-earth and goal-oriented personality. “One of the central parts of my leadership style is leading by example; I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves when necessary. I believe that this hands-on approach has led us to develop a strong team dynamic, where everyone knows what is expected of them, and there is a high level of trust. This is reflected in the exceptional work that we have accomplished together and the high standards we have integrated as part of our day-to-day.
“However, we’re not stopping here. We’ve had an exciting and busy few years, with multiple big projects being delivered, and this is a momentum we’re continuing to harness. I see a lot of growth on the horizon for both my own team and the business as a whole, as we continue to capitalize on exciting projects as the market leading provider of TCP.
Outside of work, Richard is an avid music lover and regularly attends festivals and concerts, with a preference for alternative music and less mainstream events. Dance Valley, which he first attended at the opening festival in 1995, was a favorite for many years, but his taste has evolved over time. He now often opts for smaller, more intimate performances and festivals that align with his specific musical preferences.
“As well as music, travel is another one of my big passions. I really enjoy discovering new cities and cultures on city trips across the world. I particularly enjoy travelling internationally and my favorite place to visit has to be Thailand. Exploring new places gives me energy and inspiration, which I can then bring back to my work at Strohm.
Richard de Vroede is more than just a team leader; he is an inspiring force within Strohm. With his extensive experience, passion for team development, and dedication to his work, he remains an essential part of the success of the pipe completion department. We are proud to have Richard on our team and look forward to what the future holds for him and his department.