MASTERS Member of the week: Rob Planken

Every week a unique MASTERS Member is highlighted who is a member of MASTERS League. Rob Planken is general manager of TUUCI's EMEA division. This international company produces innovative, high-quality parasols. The parent company is located in Miami and Rob runs the subsidiary in Oisterwijk.Text: Larissa Schaule Jullens

TUUCI

TUUCI is a unique parasol brand and is known for its quality, design and functionality. The high-quality parasols all radiate luxury and perfection. The handmade parasol cloths are made from the best outdoor fabrics available on the market. They do not discolour, are waterproof and offer protection against harmful UV rays.

Mister Worldwide

Rob Planken has worked for TUUCI since 2003. Together with founder Dougan Clarke and their (at the time) two American business partners, they founded TUUCI Europe and Rob managed 12 European countries. In 2008, the gentlemen put everything under one heading. Yacht builders, designers, high-quality retail and top resorts and hotels are among our customers. TUUCI now operates worldwide and the parent company is based in Miami. The subsidiary in Oisterwijk is the location where it all started for Rob. Now – 17 years later – he employs 25 people there. “We have a production facility in Oisterwijk, where we make the cloths ourselves. A great strength of TUUCI is that – no matter how many pieces – they deliver the product completely custom made can make. You can't imagine anything crazy, from frame finish to 100 different colors of cloth: we can make everything. People should get the wow effect with our products.”

Quality is the key to success

“Quality, functionality and service are our top priority and we always look at the design. The parasol must be easy to use: automatic opening and closing of the parasol, integrated heating and LED lighting. Everyone should be able to operate our product with ease. The quality of our products speaks for itself. We really work with the best of the best available on the market. Parasols are our specialty and we never sit still. In Miami we have 20 engineers who are constantly working on development and improvement. Even if there is a yacht in the Bahamas, we will, so to speak, send a part with DHL.”

MASTERS Membership

Rob has been a member of the MASTERS Member League since March 2019. “Unfortunately, I was always abroad during the events. I do know a number of people who are also members. If everything is possible again next year, I hope to attend an event.”