HIELKE TILLEMA, DIRECTOR KONTOUR VASTGOED

Hielke Tillema, director of Kontour Vastgoed, is this week's focus in the section 'De Kruiwagen Van...'. Kontour Vastgoed is currently realizing a number of luxury projects: from water villas in Friesland to the brand new villa project in Balk, the Puur Exloo family resort, and apartments and homes in Austria. The company handles all sales, manages every detail and advises on everything from A to Z: from purchase to notary. But who supported Hielke throughout his career?

Hielke Tillema, director of Contour Real Estate is this week's protagonist in the section 'The Wheelbarrow From…'. Kontour Vastgoed is currently realizing a number of luxury projects: from water villas in Friesland, the brand new villa project in Balk to the Puur Exloo family resort to apartments and homes in Austria. The company handles all sales, takes care of everything and advises everything from A to Z: from purchase to notary. But who helped Hielke during his career? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Kontour Vastgoed

What was your very first job?

“I worked in construction quite early in my teens. I tidied up, cleaned and emptied containers. My work actually consisted of the jobs that the carpenters did not like to do. I did this work during the holidays while attending secondary school. I ended up in construction through my father, because he worked as a contractor at Heijmans.

On a side note: If I look back at one of my school reports, you will also find that I would like to become a construction director 'later', but of course I first had to study to get where I am now. So I went to Delft to study Architecture at the Technical University. After my studies, I ended up at one of the VolkerWessels construction companies.” 

How did you end up in your current job?

“At a certain point I came into contact with Hans van der Mijl, the director-owner of Kontour Vastgoed, at VolkerWessels. Volkerwessels is fifty percent owner and this made this contact easy. Hans offered me to work for him as an entrepreneur and since 2008 I have been able to call myself director of the company. Hans manages the projects in Austria and I manages the projects in the Netherlands.”

Why are you active in Austria?

“Hans was on a winter sports holiday in Austria and came across a location that did not get off the ground. Kontour Vastgoed saw a lot of potential in this and we started working on this project in 2006. To this day we work with a team of local people. So the location that once failed to get off the ground has now grown into a bustling place with luxury apartments. The unique thing about these apartments is that the living rooms, for example, are relatively large. Normally the houses are somewhat smaller in Austria. So with the space and the level of luxury we have raised the bar considerably.”

Who was your wheelbarrow?

“I have known several mentors in my life. When I started working after my studies at Unibail-Rodamco, I learned a lot from a colleague I interacted with. He taught me to understand the commercial profession. What I learned most from him is that by being my authentic self, I get the best results. So by preparing a commercial, good story and delivering it with conviction, I get the furthest. What matters is what you put into it.”

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

“Making something from nothing. I like it so much that when I walk on the construction site, people are busy building and tangible things are created. Even after completion, I still occasionally visit the projects and it is great to see the residents and holidaymakers enjoying their purchase. This profession is my enormous passion.”

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

“My meeting with Hans and my start at Kontour were a major turning point. Because I did not start as an employee, but as an entrepreneur, I got to know the major responsibilities that an entrepreneur has to deal with. I don't think I could work as an employee anymore, I think entrepreneurship is too good for that.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

“Believe in yourself and don't doubt too much. If you stand for something and go, you will get there.”

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone?

“I hope to be a mentor to my employees and help them along their career path. I also meet so many interesting people, we also learn a lot from each other.”