In the next few weeks we would like to tell you more about our brand. More importantly, we’d like to show you why we do what we do. First-up, how Emerald started.
“When I was twenty, I worked as a manager at a Spa, and one day I decided to decorate the building with flowers,” says Hans van de Kerkhof, founder of Emerald Eternal Green. “Obviously real flowers wouldn’t last long in that environment, so I used artificial flowers and plants. The reaction from customers was very pleasant indeed. Everyone appreciated the splashes of color and people often remarked that they made the building feel fresher, more welcoming. It was this experience that inspired me to make these emotions available to as many people as possible. Within two weeks I had quit my job and started my own business – operating from my father-in-law’s garage.” Thirthy-four years later, Emerald Eternal Green is a market-leading international company supplying artificial flowers and plants to customers in more than 40 countries. Today Emerald employs 30 people and has an extensive network of partners and agents.
Thirthy-four years later, Emerald Eternal Green is a market-leading international company supplying artificial flowers and plants to customers in more than 40 countries.
Growing our customer base
“I always intended to develop Emerald into an international company, in which craftsmanship is a central focus,” says Hans. “So I went abroad to look for new customers. I attended numerous international trade fairs with notable success. We grew and grew, and with each growth spurt we moved into larger offices.” In 1999 the company moved into a newly built headquarters in Eindhoven, just near the airport. It is complete with a breath-taking, dual-level showroom displaying thousands of different flowers and plants. “Although we have grown, we are still a down-to-earth Brabant company, we just happen to deliver to 40 countries,” says Hans. “From Kuwait to Japan, our products can be found everywhere. We supply floristry wholesalers, interior landscapers, DIY stores, garden centers, retail chains and onliners and we are very proud of our large customer base that is growing every day. ”
And it all started in a garage with a dream to give people a splash of color, in their daily lives.
More to come
How we keep up…read it all in our next item. Soon to appear on our website.
