Building something from the ground up and being his own boss is what Simon Meurs has aspired to since he was a teenager. That ambition eventually led him to CrediBill. His best advice did not come from one specific person but evolved along the way: say yes to opportunities, keep moving forward, and learn from the people around you.
During his studies in applied informatics, Simon already knew that a career as an employee would not suit him. “I wanted to be an entrepreneur, primarily for the freedom and the sense of ownership.” During his internship, he joined Eureka, the Leuven-based expertise center for children with learning disabilities, where he helped develop a digital practice environment. Before his internship even officially began, he had a first version ready. “I said yes immediately, even though I had no experience. That has always been my motto: I can do this.”
Having a Seat at the Table
Simon does not wait until he has all the answers. He starts, listens, and learns by doing. At Eureka, he observed teachers and students in the classroom and translated their needs into software. When the project funding ended, his network brought him into contact with Triple A Solutions, the company with which he would later found CrediBill. They were looking for someone to further develop their debt collection software. There, too, Simon seized the opportunity.
He decided to accept the offer, but set one condition. “I wanted to have a say in decisions, take risks, and feel true ownership.” Consequently, in 2018, Simon became a co-shareholder of CrediBill under the wing of Triple A Solutions. The existing collection tool was scrapped, and Simon decided to rebuild the software from scratch. Today, CrediBill automates accounts receivable management, from follow-up and client communication to reporting and integrations with accounting systems. Simon transformed the one-man project into a growing company with a team of five.
Every opportunity begins with yes
Simon’s reflex to seize opportunities is a recurring theme throughout his career. He said yes to a complex first assignment, to entrepreneurship, and to commitments outside his company. Within Voka and JCI, he finds sounding boards and mentors. Yet, he does not see himself as the entrepreneur with the grandest ideas. “I am primarily good at sinking my teeth into something and executing it.” With clients, too, the process begins with listening. Simon and his team investigate where time is being lost and how automation can help.
He prefers getting to know people by achieving something together rather than through superficial networking. “It is only by working together that you know what someone is capable of and whether they keep their word. That is how trust is built, which in turn leads to new collaborations.” Simon served on the board of Jong Voka Vlaams-Brabant for three years and is active within JCI. Recently, he participated in an international leadership program in Japan. “I gain an enormous amount of energy from collaborating and listening to how others approach things.”
“SAYING YES OPENS DOORS, BUT PERSEVERANCE IS WHAT GETS YOU THROUGH THEM.“
Persevering without a plan B
The CrediBill platform was market-ready in 2019. Unfortunately, the pandemic broke out a few months later, and the sales pipeline dried up completely. Simon earned next to nothing and considered quitting several times. As a freelance IT specialist, he could likely have earned money much faster. Yet he persevered because he continued to believe in his product. “One of the most important lessons I learned there is: persevere.”
And he did just that, for about three years. “That is a long time, but in another sense, it isn’t. One big deal can change everything. So you have to keep believing and move forward despite everything.” The ongoing support of his business partners proved crucial in this regard. Today, CrediBill grows by approximately 25 to 50 percent annually and is fully self-sustaining.
Do not borrow from the government
He pairs that determination with a specific piece of advice. “A fellow entrepreneur once told me: you can borrow from anyone, except the government.” During the difficult pandemic years, Simon experienced firsthand what that meant. When funds ran out, he had to arrange a payment plan with the tax authorities. “The government was ultimately constructive, but the costs and interest were significant.”
That experience taught him how vital communication is when payment becomes difficult. “Not communicating about your difficulties is the worst thing you can do. Most people are understanding when you explain the situation in time and make clear agreements.” The irony of this is not lost on him. As a creator of software that gives companies control over their outstanding invoices, he had to learn that lesson himself.
Growing by letting go
Until recently, Simon did almost everything himself. With the arrival of his team, a new learning phase began. “My first employee brought a tremendous amount of structure to my chaos. In the beginning, I would do something myself rather than explain it. Now, I am learning to let go more and more.”
Simon draws energy primarily from clients, projects, and new solutions. He still seeks advice from people who are further along than he is. And he remains true to his philosophy: saying yes to opportunities. “It sounds simple, but it requires more than that. Saying yes opens doors. Persevering gets you through them. And structure ensures that you can continue to grow.”
