STEPHAN VAN DER HORST, OWNER CO VAN DER HORST

Stephan van der Horst owns high-end interior design store Co van der Horst with his brother Edwin. The family business has existed for 115 years, exhibiting no less than 250 exclusive brands and all that in a showroom of 10,000 square meters. From classic to modern to futuristic: you can build on this family business. But who actually built Stephan's career? Text: Mical Joseph
Image: Co van der Horst

What was your very first job?

"As a 15-year-old teenager, I was youngest clerk at Co van der horst where I worked during the summer. In addition, I went to high school. It was not natural for me to enter the family business right away and I was fascinated by art and history from a young age. After high school, I studied art history in Leiden and at some point left for Germany where I ended up working for an interior design company. During my time with that company, I found out that I really enjoyed interior design and was a valuable addition."

How did you end up in your current job?

"Co van der Horst was already an established family business, but I decided to join when I was 25 years old. I had the vision to polish and improve things a little more. My brother Edwin was already working at the company."

In that, who was your wheelbarrow?

"In my case, the last name actually says it all... My mom and dad have been wheelbarrows for me throughout my career, but not in the way people sometimes think. They gave me the freedom to make my own choices when I was younger. Because of this freedom, I decided to go into the business on my own. Because I was able to develop myself properly first, I got through what suited me."

What sticks with you the most that you got from your parents?

"I was taught that as an entrepreneur you have a huge responsibility. With a long-standing business, you are responsible for the employees and the families, it's important to be aware of that."

What have you learned from your brother over the years?

"My brother taught me that it is important to think ahead instead of short-term thinking. As an entrepreneur, you have to look far ahead every day if you want to get your company through certain crises or 'down' periods. In order for our company to still be thriving in 10 to 20 years as it is today, taking action time after time is a plus."

What is your greatest passion in your profession?

"I get up every day to encourage customers, suppliers and my employees. I also find innovation in the retail business very important and interesting. Concepts that we came up with 10 years ago, for example, and which we then see results from now, give a kick.

You asked for my greatest passion, of course, but there are so many things that make me get up every day with a smile. For example, I also think it's really cool to be involved with store presentation, especially home textiles. With textiles, fashion and interior design come together."

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career?

"The crisis in 2008 was one big learning moment that we obviously have a lot of use for in the current period. The period after 2008, from 2009 to 2013, we were fortunately able to save by making good decisions. The company did not stand still and we invested time and again. After that period, we were actually in even better shape than we were. By being frugal but investing and innovating, Co van der Horst emerged healthy.

During the (current) corona period there was more uncertainty than during the economic crisis, because with this second one you know that at some point the valley becomes more positive again. This last year is unique for everyone in the world, so the uncertainty is much greater. I think it is important to give my employees and customers that piece of security. By exuding calm and staying focused on the goals, this works well."

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

"Always persevere and work hard and you will get there. At Co van der Horst we deal with many trainees and we really encourage enthusiasm and curiosity. That way you learn something every day and keep developing."

Have you been a wheelbarrow for anyone?

"I hope I've given employees and interns I've supervised over the years a push in the right direction."