‘My advice for entrepreneurs? Be stubborn, but listen to others from time to time!’ Geert Cantrijn is coaching six ventures in our Next Valley program where he shares not only his marketing and communications expertise, but also his personal and entrepreneurial experience. ‘I started my first company as an industrial designer. As a young entrepreneur, I relied mostly on my own stubbornness and bravado. I would change the world with new innovations. And so I did with the design and development of several new award-winning products and services. Over the years, I co-founded multiple companies with more than 25 employees.’
Fresh start
‘The businesses grew fast with leading international clients, content creation, and innovative digital platforms. Still, I would think that the best advice came from a personal trainer. At a young age, I learned to stand on my own two feet through the early loss of my father. But after years of business growth and expansion, I had lost my enthusiasm. I went to Spain for a personal leadership course and hiked with a group for days in the Pyrenees, accompanied by two trainers. There I got the insight to trust my own feelings again and stay true to myself. That’s when I decided to sell all my shares in my companies and make a fresh start. I bought a small island in the Vinkeveense Plassen and transformed it into an off-grid escape where I can relax with my family and friends.’
Rewarding experience
What is Geert’s experience as a Back coaching these innovative ventures? ‘It’s very rewarding being able to share my knowledge and experience with these ventures. Since I’ve gone through the process of starting a company myself several times, it’s easier to connect with the entrepreneurs and understand their (mental) struggles and what they’re going through.’
Geert continues: ‘A few years ago, I started developing Portuguese monumental heritage into modern real estate with style and respect for history. Once again, a new business, but with a slower pace. I now focus my attention on investing in real estate and working as an advisor.
I believe in young people with big dreams; stubborn but open to advice. The process of starting a business is unique, it is difficult to create a general program. This individual way of working with Frank and the Backs combined with my motivation to help young people is what makes it work well.’
Published – 31/1/24