For sixty years, the fruit and vegetable stall of the Biekens family was a household name on the market in Drunen. Started in 1960 by father Jo. More than twenty years later, son Joan joined the business at the age of 17. “I started straight out of school.”
Father Jo is there on the very last day at the market in Drunen. He is 89 and in a mobility scooter. Joan about his father: “That’s because he worked hard all his life. He stood on the market in all weathers. He’s completely worn out.”
Son Joan wants to prevent that. He too worked hard for forty years, first with his father and later with his wife Karin. Often getting up at five o’clock to cut the vegetables for the day ahead. “I am now 57, I have worked hard and earned well. Now I want to enjoy myself.” Joan fights back his tears. “It’s a difficult moment. I had a good case.”
“You should always be kind to the people.”
Regular customers come to wish Joan and Karin all the best on their last market day. There are flowers and presents. “I know almost everyone here and talked to everyone. You always have to be nice to the people, otherwise you won’t sell anything. They will miss me, but they all say that I am absolutely right.”
At the time, father Jo would rather have emigrated to Canada to become a farmer. But when that failed, he started a horticultural business. First he sold vegetables door to door and later he went to the market. Over the years he saw the clientele on the market increase. “In the past, people all had their own vegetable garden, but today’s youth no longer has that,” he says.
“My daughters don’t like taking over the business.”
Jo would have preferred his son to have gone on a bit longer, but he understands. His son has no successors. Joan agrees. “My daughters have seen how hard I always had to work and that’s why they don’t want to take over the business.”
It was hard work, but it has always been fun for father and son to work on the market. “Actually, not much has changed in those more than 60 years,” says dad Biekens.” Son Joan still knows how to name a difference. The debit card made its appearance. “I always grew up with cash. I will not miss that card reader.”