Among the many Dutch migrants who arrived in Australia with little more than determination and ambition, Richard Kuipers represents a remarkable entrepreneurial success story. Originally from the Netherlands, he transformed a modest idea begun in a caravan in his Sydney backyard into one of Australia’s largest removals and relocation businesses.
Richard grew up in Holland before embarking on an international journey that reflected an adventurous spirit often associated with young Dutch travellers of his generation. After leaving school, he studied Hotel and Business Management in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he spent four years developing business and hospitality skills. He then undertook further training in Johannesburg, South Africa — an experience he later said gave him the “travel bug”. From there he continued his studies and practical experience at the Hilton in London’s Park Lane.
Australia was initially simply another destination on that journey. According to later interviews, Richard arrived as a Dutch backpacker with very little money — one source says he had just twenty dollars in his pocket, while another recalls him saying he arrived with almost nothing at all. What may originally have been intended as a temporary adventure gradually evolved into a permanent future.
In Sydney he built a new life, married and raised a family. More importantly, he saw an opportunity and decided to create a business of his own. Starting from a caravan in his backyard more than two decades ago, Richard founded Two Men And A Truck — a modest operation that would steadily expand into one of Australia’s largest removals and office relocation companies.
The company grew beyond a small family venture into a national operation with trucks operating in every Australian state. Yet the growth of the business was never simply about expansion or commercial success. Richard repeatedly emphasised values many Dutch migrants brought with them to Australia: hard work, reliability, family commitment and practical problem solving.
Family became central to the company’s success. Richard often explained that the business was built on family values, although he also openly acknowledged the challenges of combining business and family life. His three daughters and three sons-in-law all became involved in the company over time.
Rather than assuming family participation would automatically succeed, Richard stressed the importance of planning, communication, mediation and regular review. These experiences later formed part of his public speaking and mentoring activities.
Over time Richard became known not only as a businessman but also as a speaker and mentor. A self-described “people person”, he regularly addressed audiences on topics such as:
- The story of Two Men And A Truck
- Succession planning
- Challenges of family businesses
- Learning how to fly
- Philanthropy in business
The inclusion of aviation among his speaking interests reflects another aspect frequently seen among entrepreneurs — curiosity and a willingness to embrace challenges outside business itself.
Beyond commercial activities, Richard also developed a strong community focus. Under his leadership, Two Men And A Truck became involved with charitable initiatives supporting organisations including Sydney Children’s Hospital, The Salvation Army, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and projects assisting children in Vanuatu.
Richard also maintained a connection with Dutch historical and cultural heritage. He became involved with the Anne Frank travelling exhibition in Australia, serving as an executive board member while Two Men And A Truck became one of its major sponsors. The family later noted that supporting the exhibition was important because of their Dutch heritage and its historical significance.
Like many Dutch migrants, Richard Kuipers did not arrive in Australia with wealth or established connections. Instead he brought determination, practical skills and a willingness to take risks. From a backpacker arriving with almost nothing, he built not only a successful business but also a life deeply rooted in family and community values.
His story demonstrates how migrant entrepreneurship has shaped Australia — sometimes beginning not in a boardroom, but in a caravan in a backyard.
Sources
Two Men And A Truck – company history
Afterpay business profile interview with Richard Kuipers
35-year anniversary profile mentioning his arrival as a Dutch backpacker
Anne Frank exhibition support and Dutch heritage reference
SBS interview:https://www.sbs.com.au/language/english/audio/1st-generation-story-richard-kuipers-part-1
