'The magic began when the first Big Green Eggs rolled into the harbour'

With an area of over 40,000 square metres, MASTERS EXPO is the Capital of Great Business for five days in December, bringing together special family companies from different industries. Big Green Egg, led by Wessel Buddingh, is among them. MASTERS spoke with the man behind the popular green kamado about trends in outdoor cooking and the magical novelty he will bring to the exhibition floor.

With an area of ​​over 40.000 square meters, MASTERS EXPO is the Capital of Great Business for five days in December, where special (family) companies from different industries come together. This also applies to Big Green Egg, led by Wessel Buddingh. MASTERS talked to the man behind the popular green kamado. What, according to him, are the trends in the field of outdoor cooking and which magical novelty will he take to the exhibition floor?

When did the entrepreneurial magic start for you?

'The magic started for me when I won the 'importership' of a German brick factory. This was in 1992. The first Big Green Eggs then rolled into the port of Rotterdam ten years later; that's when the magic really started.'

What is the most magical moment of your career?

'There have been so many... If I really have to choose, this is the moment that I became the founder of
Big Green Egg, Ed Fischer, met in Atlanta. We went to eat at the iconic restaurant Atlanta Fish Market and I – as a European – had to choose the wine. After three bottles we were pretty much on our way and decided to do business together. In the years that followed, this special evening was often discussed.'

“You really never stop learning in life”

What is your motto? 

'Stay curious, alert and always try to stay relevant with your company. Don't forget to really enjoy successes and encounters. You really never stop learning in life.'

Which talents are indispensable for a successful entrepreneur?

'I think that a mix of being curious, wanting to share with others, always thinking positively and having a lot of perseverance is a good basis for achieving great things.'

Which magical novelty will you take with you to MASTERS EXPO in December? 

'As the son of an architect, I thought it would be great to try to pay tribute to a special architectural style: Bauhaus. Together with the Rotterdam architectural firm Sputnik do we have The Barcelona Pavilion by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe was chosen as the starting point for our stand this year at MASTERS EXPO. With the right material choices, I hope that our stand will be magical.'

What are the trends in the field of outdoor cooking in the coming year?

'I am convinced that outdoor kitchens will continue to develop. The Big Green Egg – as the ultimate cooking source – naturally plays a central role in this. In terms of style, I don't see the outdoor kitchen as too complicated, but sleek and, thanks to the use of timeless and natural materials, also cozy to experience beautiful moments with a nice group. Back to basics, but with contemporary comfort.'

MASTERS EXPO

MASTERS EXPO is the only premium business fair in Europe, where more than 40.000 visitors experience the most special offers in the field of modern luxury and future-proof business. From 7 to 11 December, more than 350 national and international parties – trend-setting and unifying leaders – will participate in MASTERS EXPO in the RAI in Amsterdam. To attend? Order your tickets here.