Leo van Tilburg

Since 1985, it became clear that many products for English customers needed to be repackaged into smaller bunch sizes. For example, spray carnations had to be reduced from 10 to 5 stems per bunch. Therefore, a conveyor belt was set up for this "splitting" process. As the demand for bouquets grew, more and more production lines were added. In September 1996, Leo van Tilburg joined the bouquet department to strengthen and expand it in response to this increasing demand.

Sometimes a task is simple, but its execution is crucial. For Leo, the motto was clear: "Take good care of the business, and the business will take good care of you." In other words: take responsibility, make it a success, and the results will follow naturally. And that’s exactly what Leo did with full dedication!

When he started, the bouquet department operated only three days a week with one production line and two days with two lines. But Leo saw opportunities and, together with his team, quickly established a third production line. This was mainly staffed by women who worked in the morning while their children were at school. Leo jokingly called this group the housewives' line. His commitment and care for his staff resulted in an exceptionally low turnover. Many employees stayed with the company for years, and some even reached retirement age there.

Today, two dedicated women are still part of the team after more than twenty years: Gerda Ouwehand and Dwi Sutandy. Their passion for the profession is unparalleled.

Growth and Innovation

The bouquet department expanded rapidly. In February 1999, the company moved to a new building, where a special space was designated for production. However, the demand for larger bouquets increased, while small bunches became less popular. This was partly due to changes in retail: stores were hiring fewer staff, and customers increasingly sought ready-made products. Leo responded to this by collaborating with a designer to further expand the bouquet assortment.

After several collaborations, Leo found the perfect floral arranger in Jan den Heijer. Together, they introduced a groundbreaking innovation in Rijnsburg: the Aqua Bouquet Machine. This machine allowed bouquets to be wrapped in a plastic cover filled with water, so customers could place them directly on the table without needing a vase. It was an instant success. Large clients were highly satisfied, leading to another growth spurt and another relocation—the bouquet department moved into a former greenhouse.

Lasting Influence

Leo remained a driving force behind the bouquet department until his retirement. But even after officially stepping down, he couldn’t stay away. He still spends about fifteen hours a week in his bouquet department, proudly watching as the bouquets continue to sell like hotcakes.

A man with passion, dedication, and an unparalleled love for flowers—that’s Leo. His legacy lives on in every bouquet that leaves the bouquet department.