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HIELKE TILLEMA, DIRECTOR KONTOUR REAL ESTATE

Hielke Tillema, director of Kontour Vastgoed is this week's protagonist in "The Wheelbarrow Of...". Kontour Vastgoed is currently realizing a number of luxury projects: from water villas in Friesland, the brand new villa project in Balk to the family resort Puur Exloo to apartments and homes in Austria. The company does all the sales, unburdens and advises everything from A to Z: from purchase to notary. But who helped Hielke throughout his career? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Kontour Realty

What was your very first job?

"I worked in construction pretty early on in my teens. I cleaned up, cleaned and emptied containers. My work basically consisted of the chores that the carpenters didn't enjoy doing as much. I did this work in addition to my high school during the vacations. Through my father I ended up in construction, as he worked as a contractor for Heijmans.

On a side note: If I recall one of my school reports, you'll also find that "later" I wanted to become a director in construction, but of course I had to study first to get where I am today. So I went to Delft to study Architecture at the Technical University. After my studies I ended up at one of the construction companies of VolkerWessels."

How did you end up in your current job?

"At some point at VolkerWessels I came into contact with Hans van der Mijl, the director-owner of Kontour Vastgoed. Volkerwessels is fifty percent owner and so this contact was easy. Hans offered me to start working for him as an entrepreneur and since 2008 I can call myself director of the company. Hans is in charge of the projects in Austria and I am in charge of the projects in the Netherlands."

Why are you active in Austria?

"Hans was on winter vacation in Austria and came across a site there that just wasn't getting off the ground. Kontour Vastgoed saw great potential in this and in 2006 we started working on this project. To this day we work with a team of local people. So the location that once just didn't get off the ground has now become a vibrant place with luxury apartments. The unique thing about these apartments is that the living rooms, for example, are relatively large. Normally apartments are a bit smaller in Austria. So with the space and the luxury level, we have raised the bar quite a bit."

Who was your wheelbarrow?

"In my life, I have known several mentors. When I started working after my studies at Unibail-Rodamco, I learned a lot from a colleague I dealt 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 most. It's about heart and soul what you put into it."

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

"Making something out of nothing. I so enjoy that when I walk on the construction site, people are busy building and tangible things are created. Even after completion, of course, I still visit the projects from time to time and then it's great to see the residents and vacationers enjoying their purchase. This profession is my enormous passion."

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

"My meeting with Hans and the start for me at Kontour have been a big turning point. Because I didn't start as an employee, but as an entrepreneur, I learned about the big responsibilities an entrepreneur has to deal with. I don't think I could work in salaried employment again, I like entrepreneurship too much for that."

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

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

Have you been a wheelbarrow for anyone?

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