Family business celebrates its 100th anniversary, 5th generation takes office Sustainability important success factor Worldwide sales with strong local roots 'Fresh energy for the proven concept' is the announcement made today by shoe company Loint's of Holland during its anniversary celebration. Erik Klijsen and Vincent Kriek are welcoming Johan Klijsen and Ronald Klijsen to the management. Erik's sons are the 5th generation to step into the organisation that celebrates its 100th anniversary this year -  a very special occasion.  

Happiness in everyday walks

There are plenty of shoe brands all over the world. Yet, some of them manage to stand out from the others, as Loint's of Holland does. This enables them to flourish between the big boys in the industry. "We enhance the well-being of our customers by making them aware in their everyday walks of a perfect walking comfort and their footprint on the earth, all of this enveloped in an exceptional design full of character. We make a difference as a company and as a shoe brand," Erik Klijsen says with pride.

A family business, is that sustainable?  

Erik: "Having a long-term vision and dealing with this in a sustainable and responsible way together with our employees, customers, business contacts and so on and so forth is in the DNA of the company." In addition to business operations, this sustainability also includes the products. Since the 1970s, long before the hype, the company has been very much aware of the environmental impact of the manufacturing of shoes. This sustainability has resulted in a healthy business that, thanks to its conscious choices, still operates in a niche of the market but also exports successfully to more than 20 countries, from Canada to Japan.

The secret of Loint's of Holland  

And yet, corporate responsibility and sustainability is not the only secret of Loint's of Holland. "If I tell the secret, there'll be nothing left for the 5th generation," Erik says jokingly. According to him, the sustainable motive combined with the design and fit is the major distinguishing factor. It constantly proves to be a huge challenge to design collections in which an exceptional design full of character, perfect walking comfort and sustainability are in perfect harmony. "One thing should not be at the expense of the other; they should instead offer solutions for each other." This results in unique collections that live longer than an impulsive trend, both in terms of design and service life. "Loint's shoes should certainly not be thought of as disposable products."

In the footsteps of 4 generations

Both successors have gained extensive experience. Johan Klijsen (1988) has been active within Loint's of Holland for some years, and previously worked in the automotive sector. Within Loint's of Holland, Johan will be focussing on the technical and operational activities, including the production. Ronald Klijsen (1990) worked for various organisations via management agency Boer & Croon. He gained experience within Retail at e-commerce scale-up Bloomon and multinational Unilever, among others. Ronald will be focussing on the commercial side of the organisation.

In the new composition, Vincent Kriek will be replaced by the next generation and transfer his shares to Erik Klijsen. For the time being, the former co-owner will be staying on as commercial manager to support the newly formed management and to ensure a smooth transition. Erik Klijsen will take care of general matters and will for now remain closely involved in the technical and operational matters.

See also http://www.lointsofholland.com/nieuws for the complete interview/news report.
English: http://www.lointsofholland.com/news