Boyan Mateev

Truck driver Boyan Mateev is leaving BAM Works. We’ve always been very pleased with Boyan. He has worked for BAM Works and AB Texel for many years. He is a loyal, reliable, and, above all, fun colleague. We’re going to miss him.

As he was saying goodbye, Boyan wrote about his experiences as a truck driver, and we’d like to share that with you.

“Well, guys, we’ve now reached the end of this long journey. It began on November 28, 2018, and ever since then, I’ve been looking forward to and dreaming of this final moment. And if someone had told me back then that I’d feel sad at the end, I would have laughed right in their face... So the fact that I’m sad now comes as a bit of a shock. Well, overall, of course, I’m happy. But there’s also a little twinge of pain. That’s actually quite understandable, now that I think about it…

The main reason is that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working at both BAM Works and AB Texel. I’ve never been part of such a perfectly organized work environment—a place where everything and everyone is treated with professionalism, support, care, and respect. And with a healthy dose of humor, too. I’d describe the process as absolutely flawless. So I want to thank you all for the opportunity you gave me, for the support, the understanding, the patience—for everything! Thanks, guys, it really was perfect! I wish you happiness, good health, success, and all the very best! Because you’re the best, too! And if the tide turns and I have to drive a truck again in the future, you’ll be the first ones I call! If I come back, it’ll be with the intention of learning Dutch, buying a house somewhere nearby, and settling down as a Dutchman for the rest of my life. So far, so good—one source of sadness has been eliminated. But there’s more. As some of you have noticed, I really like the Netherlands. I feel very comfortable here, even without really trying to make connections. Just imagine what it would be like if I actually tried!…

It’s a wonderful country in every way, and I was already in love with it before I joined BAM/ABT. From 2021 to 2023, I worked as a tanker truck driver (on a contract basis for a Bulgarian company), first for Schenk (then still called Thys) and later for Dekker. That’s when I started exploring the Netherlands (gazing in wonder at the sea), and the country quickly found a deep place in my heart. So there it is—yet another reason for sadness...
I think the question of why I don’t just stay here right away makes sense at this point, doesn’t it?! Here, too, there are two main reasons.

One is all the people (and that includes cats) I miss. Family (including cats), friends (I’m blessed with a group of exceptionally loyal friends), a girl who deserves my full attention (at least that’s what I think, and finding out for sure is now a top priority), and of course my nephew (who’s in a league of his own).

The other reason is my investment plan, which is why I became a truck driver in the first place. It’s all about real estate, and the project is already at an advanced stage. I’ll write a bit more about it in another post, along with my favorite spots around here. :)’’