1935
"I could do that myself", Gerard Keller, an agent for C. Bruijnzeel & Zonen Parquet floors, says to himself. It’s no surprise being the son of a Rotterdam carpenter that he’s perfectly cut out for working with wood. His eye for detail is no coincidence, he witnessed his father creating the most beautiful furniture as a child. The same goes for putting in hard work, because a carpenter’s work is never finished. So Gerard is quite familiar with the artisanal processing of wood, but as a salesman of parquet floors, he also learned everything there is to know about wood trading. He discovers he has a talent for it.
Learn more →In 1935 Gerard’s plans became reality. Along with his brother Henk he starts to import parquet floors, and soon afterwards they decide to manufacture the floors themselves. Quite clever, because it allows them to determine the level of quality and finishing for their customers themselves. That close collaboration with their customers is the key aspect in which the Keller brothers will continueto distinguish themselves. The success of the company, however, is interrupted by the Second World War. Due to the scarcity of lumber, it is not possible to produce parquet floors, howeverthe brothers showed their creativity. During this period, they manufacture furniture from railroad ties. The nicest products, and, thanks to the material, quite affordable. Their creativity does not remain unnoticed. After the war, Keller gets an assignment (mission) that will transform the company forever.
