MASTERS Member of the week: Rob Planken

Each 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 manufactures innovative, high-quality parasols. The parent company is based 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. Each of the high-quality parasols exudes luxury and perfection. The handmade parasol cloths are made from the best outdoor fabrics available on the market. They do not discolor, 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 got 12 European countries under his belt. In 2008, the gentlemen put everything under one umbrella. Yacht builders, designers, high-end retail and top resorts and hotels are among the clients. TUUCI now operates worldwide and the parent company is housed in Miami. The subsidiary in Oisterwijk is where it all began for Rob. Now - 17 years later - he employs 25 people there. "We have a piece of production in Oisterwijk, where we make the cloths ourselves. A great strength of TUUCI is that - no matter how many pieces - they can make the product completely custom made. You name it, from frame finish to 100 different colors of cloth: we can make anything. People have to get the wow effect with our products."

Quality is the key to success

"Quality, functionality and service are our top priorities and we always look at the design. The parasol must be easy to use: automatic opening and closing of the parasol, an integrated heater 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 in the market. Parasols is our specialty and we never sit still. In Miami we have 20 engineers who are constantly developing and improving. Even if there is a yacht in the Bahamas, we send a part by DHL, so to speak."

MASTERS Membership

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