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Hi, I'm Robin.

I enjoy stitching things together.

Most days that's software.

Sometimes it's designers, developers, product managers, and clients.

And in my free time it's fabrics and thread.

Portrait of Robin van Gestel

Hey, welcome! I am Robin, a 27 year-old developer from the Netherlands. This website is a little introduction of me beyond my CV. I tell the story of how I work, what motivates me, and what kind of colleague I try to be. Have a look around and I hope you enjoy it!

How I got here

Psychology & Technology

I've always been fascinated by both technology and people. I wanted to understand the engineering behind software, but even more, how software impacts all our lives, and how human behaviour shapes the development of software and technology. That's why I chose to study Psychology & Technology at Eindhoven University of Technology, where these interests were brought together.

The First Project

During the COVID-19 pandemic, my grandmother started suffering from dementia. She was forgetting what appointments she had. I decided to create a web app that showed her her calendar in very simplified terms. The calendar could be updated remotely by family members. Seeing something I built genuinely improve her daily life made me realize that this was the work I wanted to do.

My first software project, made for my grandmother.

Growing into a Senior Developer

After that project, I started my career in the software industry, building products for a wide range of clients. I began in front-end development with React and Next.js, and gradually expanded into back-end development, Node.js and APIs, and AWS cloud architecture — growing into the full ownership of systems, not just screens.

Becoming a Co-Founder

In 2024, I co-founded a startup called BrandBlocks. This felt like a real exciting challenge where I could expand my professional and entrepreneurial skills alongside my technical skills. From architecture and deployment to product decisions and working directly with customers.

BrandBlocks — the startup I co-founded.

Now

Building BrandBlocks taught me an incredible amount of new technical and professional skills. Now I'm excited to bring those experiences to a new team and continue growing.

This is me!

My core traits that shape how I work and learn.

  • Creativity

    I love making things and enjoy surrounding myself with creative people. Not only in my free time, but I have worked closely with designers, brand strategists, animators, and more.

  • Curiosity

    If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be curiosity. I am always asking 'why' and 'tell me more' to understand the world around me. I've taught myself many of the skills I use every day. When I get stuck, I look for the right book, course or person to keep learning.

  • Ability to connect

    One of my strengths is translating between different types of people. I enjoy working with developers, designers, product managers and clients, helping everyone understand each other's goals, needs and constraints.

MBTI

INFJ-T

EOS

Integrator

Curious how that shows up in my work?

Explore my stitches
Folded fabric with soft natural light
Follow the thread into the stitches.