Jan started as a researcher in circular economy at Ghent University and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO). During this research he met Björn Verhofstede who shared his passion for challenging the status quo and creating solutions for complex ecological and social challenges in an interdisciplinary manner. Both Björn and Jan eventually became entrepreneurs to have more impact.

Jan initially gained practical experience in the management of a construction company. There he learned the ins and outs of construction sites. He subsequently supported a real estate group in the development of a new business unit in investment real estate. Since then, he has focused on innovation projects and new business models in various sectors, always with a focus on ecological and social added value. In 2018 he started Lever (formerly ‘studio Levier’) together with Björn.