What started as a hobby has now grown into a full-fledged business: the diving school and equipment shop of the Bruijnis brothers from Hoogersmilde. After sixteen years, they exchanged their parents’ overcrowded garage for their own home near Nijstad, Hoogeveen.
“It’s almost impossible to get through,” concludes owner Mark Bruijnis when he talks about the garage box, for which the brothers have learned to stack well. The company and inventory have grown significantly in recent years, but the space has not. “Finding materials is no longer an option.”
The desire for their own place was therefore great. Also, because the brothers now commute back and forth every day. The materials are located in Hoogersmilde, but the activities mainly take place at the Nijstad lake.
“It was never our intention to start a company, but to educate family and friends in the passion we have,” says Bruijnis. “But that got crazier and crazier and everyone was enthusiastic. Ultimately this resulted in something really decent and a building in a fantastic location.”
Their new home is being built right next to the beach. They share the building with two companies that focus on sports. To make it happen, various parties joined forces, including Pavilion Nijstad, where the diving school now has groups. “Together you become much more powerful and you can create something as beautiful as this,” says Bruijnis.
Anyone walking along the beach will soon be able to see the divers swimming in the room through the large windows. There is a water tank in the building, specifically intended for training. “We now rent swimming pools. But then you are stuck with municipal swimming pools where time is much tighter. Now you plan your own agenda and you have much more time.”
The Bruijnis brothers still have to be patient, but then a dream will come true. “You’ve been talking about a building for years and how beautiful it is when you see it now in such a location. Soon it will also have your company logo on the facade. You couldn’t be more proud as entrepreneurs.”
