Business View Caribbean, July/August 2018

52 53 get most of our work through them. They draw the design for a client and then look for a construction company to build the home. It can also be the other way around. Sometimes, people here on vacation see us building a house and ask how they can have one built. So, we connect them with an architect to start the design process.We have over 40 employees, consisting of masons, carpenters, a plumber, painters, and 15 to 20 sub-contractors, includ- ing tilers, swimming pool installers, and elec- tricians. Residential is our core business, with a small amount of commercial.We just started a big project of 33 apartments; they are residen- tial units, but the project is commercial in sales.” BVC: Who are your typical clients? van Lieshout: “We have three types of clients. Most are Europeans who want to retire here or invest in a second home. Second, are wealthy locals who want their home built to a very high standard. And we also have Americans and some local clients who buy existing property and want to flip it for a timeshare or for renting it out. All our clients are looking for quality and trust, because the majority of them don’t live in Curaçao, so they have to trust us with their wallet. AQUARIUS CARIBBEAN “I can honestly say that I still have contact with all the clients I’ve done projects for. I have multiple repeat customers that I do a second project with, or when they need repairs or want something extra on the house, they always call us.We are in constant communication with cus- tomers –by email, by phone, we send pictures to keep them up to date on the progress of the build. Small things; at Christmas, we send a lit- tle gift.We do everything to keep our customers close to the project because most of them are back in Europe and have to wait until they come to Curaçao to see what is actually there. I also assist with their move, and if they want to send their furniture over first. It’s not only, ‘I build your home and you have to pay me for it.’ I try to build a long-lasting relationship with them.” BVC: Is it difficult to source building materials on the island? van Lieshout: “We have a really good relation- ship with one of the biggest hardware suppliers in Curaçao–Kooyman– they have all the work- ing materials; wood, screws, tools, and small machines.We couldn’t work without Kooyman and their excellent level of service. Ten years ago, there was a problem with containers tak- ing six weeks or longer to bring materials to Curaçao, but now suppliers have adapted their purchasing to meet the increased investment