Doing business pleasantly with... Stephan van der Horst

In 'Doing business pleasantly with...' MASTERS speaks with prominent entrepreneurs each week. How do you conduct business in a way that works for everyone? Great-grandfather Co van der Horst started in home textiles in 1905. The fourth generation now leads the company, which has grown into one of the Netherlands' best-known interior design retailers. Stephan van der Horst and his brother offer space to more than 10,000 high-end interior brands across their 2,250 square metre showroom. They position themselves as a one-stop shop: full service at the highest level.

In 'Pleasant doing business with…' MASTERS talks to prominent entrepreneurs every week. Because, how do you do business pleasantly? Great-grandfather Co van der Horst started in home textiles in 1905. The fourth generation is now at the helm and the company has grown into one of the best-known interior design stores in the Netherlands. Stephan van der Horst and brother offer space to more than 10.000 high-end interior brands in their 2 m250 showroom. They call themselves a one-stop shop: 'full service at the highest level.' Text: Tamara GijrathWhat characterizes an entrepreneur?
“Someone who is and remains curious. Who always can and wants to see new things. Who keeps his ears and eyes open. I have always wanted to be an independent entrepreneur. I like the freedom of being able to decide for myself what I want to do. Of course you have to deal with so many other people and yet: which direction I want to go, I decide for myself.”

Where have you ever gotten your best deal?
“Often at suppliers, at people's homes and of course in our store. The location doesn't matter much. Well, at least I hope it doesn't matter.”The perfect business gift?
“What I like is when someone takes the trouble to send something handwritten. The moment you receive something very personal, you only notice how much impact it can have.”

Digital. Friend or enemy?
“My friend, for sure. But I'm not a digital wonder, I follow. At an appropriate distance. Our online performance is very important. And as a company we have set ourselves strict objectives for the coming years in the field of digital product information, for example.”

What do you do on an off-day?
“Then I like to listen to the problems of my eight-year-old son. It puts things into perspective a bit and that's nice.
Drinking a good cappuccino somewhere on a day off, without having the idea that you actually have to do something else, is a wonderful feeling. And sometimes I take a course, such as recently on philosophy, at The School of Life.”

How do you drink your coffee?
“I drink five espressos in the morning. And that was it for the rest of the day.”

Nice place for a good conversation?
“At home on our Flexform sofa.”

Watch?
“An Apple Watch”

Automobile?
“BMW 3 Series Touring. And in Amsterdam I prefer to ride my city bike.”

What is your favorite business suit?
“A loose jacket from Corneliani.”

What do you always have with you?
“My son's lucky monkey, because he thinks it's important that I have it with me.”

What is always on your desk?
“A mini Sinterklaas. Because of my father. He was an assistant Santa and he did that with complete conviction. After my father passed away, that little Santa Claus is everywhere. It was also somewhere in the cupboard at our stand at MASTERS EXPO. Our father always watches this way.”

Which entrepreneur would you like to have lunch with?
“With Roberto Payer, hotel director of Waldorf Astoria and Hilton Amsterdam. Hospitality in the world of five-star hotels comes from what we do with our customers. I would like to learn from him, especially how he manages to maintain his own identity with his hotels, while he is part of a large chain.”

What is your golden entrepreneurial tip?
“Stay curious. And know your own shortcoming. Don't think you can do it all, you need others to get better.”