If It Makes Sense, Do It. Even If It's Completely Out Of The Norm.

Just a story of how something out of the norm made sense on many levels, and has been a complete gamechanger. Turned out way longer than I intended.

Some background info:

• I've a strong IT background that evolved into business consulting. Over the past years AI got thrown into the mix, to the point where I now advice boards and the C-level crowd. Not that I advertise this or target that specific market, it's something that happened organically through word-of-mouth. And lately I'm starting to get more and more requests from companies outside of the SMB bracket. These folks like to meet in person, especially for what they are paying me. Then there are the events where these companies want me as a speaker (mostly after business hours).
• I'm based in Belgium, and traffic has been a complete shitshow (and will be for the next 5-6 years because of major roadworks). To the point where it's almost impossible to predict when you will arrive. I have an excellent train connection within walking distance though.
• I conduct about 60% of my business within the BeNeLux (Belgium/the Netherlands/Luxembourg), about 25% in Paris/London/Frankfurt, 10% in Scandinavia and the remaining 5% is a bit all over the place.
• I'm used to drive everywhere, since company vehicles are extremely tax friendly in Belgium.
• While working remotely is something that I've been doing since the late 90s, I still rented an office down the road for €1450 / month since I don't like to have people over at my homeoffice.
• The past years I've diversified quite a bit and own a few smaller businesses or took an interest in smaller businesses. For example about 1 month a year I'm a professional photographer (road cycling, football and a documentary collab). I also own a vintage camera lens rental business. I am co-owner of a 2nd hand watch store and a pub. My Web Design agency that I started in the mid 90s is still active (luckily incredible staff). Among other things. That mix is something I've always enjoyed and I consider it my safety net.

Problems/choices I faced before the summer:

• The office I rented served its purpose, but it no longer made sense to keep it as I was almost never there (either at home or on the road).
• The business where I pay myself a salary from (including benefits such as a company car, insurance, pension saving plan, phone, etc ...) changes car every 3 years for tax reasons. Replacing my 3 year old Audi A6 Allroad would cost roughly €120k.
• Getting around/commuting consumes more and more time and energy, but was also necessarily given the fact that my consulting activities changed (and became way more lucrative). There were days where I was 4-6 hours driving / being stuck in traffic.
• Going to the airport is always stressful with current traffic, and you pay a premium for parking.

Solutions I tried and the final choice:

• Tried trains and Uber, but trains get you only so far (including the many delays and the ones that get cancelled), and there were days where I paid > €500 to Uber.
• Then I got the idea to convert a van into a mobile office. I already had a campervan for photography trips, so it wasn't that hard to convert it to be more business oriented. Waiting out rush hour works, but you are faced with so many other practical issues like finding parking space, ...

One day I was complaining over a beer to my best mate about the horrible traffic I would face the next day, and he jokingly offered to drive me around the next day. Which was incredible: I was way more relaxed from not having to drive myself. Obviously we chatted all the hours in the car and I didn't get any work done, but the ability to answer a few e-mails/text messages and look at my notes minutes before arriving at the client alone was pretty handy.

This got me thinking, what if I had a driver whenever I wanted/needed one, but not at Uber prices? Thought initially this was a ridiculous idea, only for CEOs of big companies and politicians. The prices for a new Mercedes S-class, BMW 7 or Audi A8 with average spec are crazy high. Looked into 2nd hand and my jaw dropped: some of these low mileage, 1 to 1.5 year old go for almost half of the original sticker price. I landed on an S class from late 2025 for 97k including VAT, with 14k km and an original sticker price of €190k. Found a few companies who operate a driver for hire service, and on average it costs me €30 / hour.

It has been a complete gamechanger. Not only the quality of life of being driven, but the amount of work I can do while being on the road is absurd. Took a bit of time to find my routine, and I was initially a bit too cautious doing phone calls in the presence of a driver that I didn't really know, but so far they are extremely professional. And I can take on more in person meetings (napkin math for the past 2 months is that I can squeeze in 1 extra meeting for every 3 meetings). And it goes without saying that it's an incredible car to drive yourself.

The added benefit - although personally I think it's ridiculous - is that it seems to add credibility when you arrive with a driver. The first impressions are mixed, but when I explain the math behind it everyone is surprised in a good way. And it's a conversation starter, which is always good.

Moral of the story

I think there are 2 takeaways:

1) Sometimes you don't consider all your options. And options that seem ridiculous / out of reach turn out to be more cost effective than what you were already doing.

2) I understand not everyone is in my position, especially someone who just started out. But mobility is an issue, often with a huge hidden opportunity cost (both financially and energy wise). Giving up my rental office I've had for many years + not just blindly renewing my business car every 3 years (standard practice for pretty much every entrepreneur in Belgium) is already close to breakeven. Do the math for yourself, and it might surprise you. If it makes sense, the gain might be a gamechanger for you.