Faces of TLF - Wouter

Meet Wouter, an Operations Research Scientist.

Introduce yourself: Who are you and what do you do within TLF?
Hi, my name is Wouter and I have been with The Logic Factory since 2018. I am an Operations Research Scientist (previously known as Algorithm Expert), which means I am responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the optimizers and algorithms in the solutions we deliver to our customers.

What do you like about your particular role?
I am excited that I get to solve challenging puzzles in many different industries every day. There is a lot of variety in the planning puzzles of our customers, ranging from logistics (trucks, airspace, maritime) and manufacturing to workforce planning. Every time we get to work on one of the puzzles, we make the optimizers find better solutions bit by bit, which feels like a great achievement every time.

What’s your favorite part about working for TLF overall, please explain.
I love to work on awesome projects with awesome people. The atmosphere in the office is really relaxed, even though everyone is giving it all. As a unit, our goal is to deliver the most value for our customers every single day. Another great thing is that we are a small to medium-sized company, meaning the lines of communication between colleagues and management are short. This helps foster a culture in which everyone’s ideas are heard.

Who are you outside of TLF? Family/ friends, etc. How would they describe you?
My friends and family would describe me as someone who is always trying to learn new things or a new skill. I like variety in the things that I do, both at work and outside of work.

What do you like to do for fun/hobbies?
I am a member of a local table tennis club, where you can find me 2-3 times a week. I play in competitions and participate in tournaments as well. Next to that (and here comes the list of new things I tried in the past years), I am into acrylic and oil painting, playing video games, running, doing obstacle runs, playing chess, learning Spanish, playing acoustic guitar, and playing classical piano music.

Any fun hidden talent or skillsets?
When I meet a Spanish-speaking person, I try switching to speaking Spanish, which often surprises them. Next to that, I set a personal goal to solve a Rubik’s cube within 1 minute. I am getting close and nearing the finish line!

A message to all?
Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.