Not your average internship.
When Daan started his internship, he never imagined he would still be working for the same company twenty years later. After just one week, he was given an enormous responsibility. "Alexander came up to me and said, 'Things are going well. I've got an interim assignment for two months, so I'm leaving the company in your hands.' Suddenly, I was responsible for almost everything."
Back then, customer enquiries arrived by fax. Prices were looked up in a thick price book, written down by hand and faxed back to the customer. "Preparing a quotation literally meant looking up the part number, writing down the price and lead time, and faxing it back. Afterwards, we created the invoice in Microsoft Word." It was a completely different time. There was no warehouse, no ERP system, and hardly any stock.
From packing boxes to managing the business.
After his internship, Daan continued working at Lavastica while finishing his studies. Once he graduated, he joined the company full-time. In those days, job titles didn't really exist. "We did everything together; preparing quotations, packing boxes, sending invoices, emptying the bins, visiting customers, talking to suppliers. Whatever needed to be done."
Because the company was so small, he learned every aspect of the business. "I didn't start as a salesperson who only focused on sales. I've done every process myself, which means I understand what people need to do their jobs effectively." As Lavastica continued to grow, so did his role. From Account Manager to Sales Manager. From Commercial Director to Managing Director and shareholder.
Growing through challenges.
Lavastica's growth certainly wasn't without obstacles. One of the biggest turning points came when a key supplier unexpectedly ended the partnership. Overnight, the company lost around 60% of its revenue. While many businesses would have struggled to recover, Daan and Alexander chose a different path. "We looked at each other and said, 'This can never happen again. We never want to depend on a single supplier like this.'"
That decision changed the future of Lavastica. The company expanded its product portfolio, partnered with new suppliers, and entered new markets. Looking back, that difficult period became the foundation of the organization Lavastica is today.
A decision that shaped his future.
After more than a decade of helping build Lavastica, Daan reached an important turning point in his career. He had become an integral part of the company's growth. "I've always believed in Lavastica's future. I knew the company had enormous potential, and I wanted to help shape that future; not just as an employee, but as a shareholder." For Daan, it was now or never. As Lavastica continued to grow, becoming a shareholder would only become more difficult over time.
"I felt that if I wanted to take that step, this was the right moment." In 2016, he became a shareholder in Lavastica. Three years later, when founder Alexander decided to focus on another business, Daan took over the day-to-day leadership of the company. "For me, it felt like a very natural step. We'd spent years building the company together."
Leadership is built on trust.
Today, Daan leads an organization consisting of multiple companies and around one hundred colleagues across the globe. Despite the company's growth, his leadership philosophy has remained remarkably consistent. For him, trust matters more than control. "I can tell people exactly how to do something, but everyone works differently. In the end, it's the result that matters." He often compares it to something he remembers from school. "In maths, I used to lose half the marks if my calculation was wrong, even when I had the correct answer. I've always thought the answer in the end is more important than the calculation."
That freedom doesn't mean there are no expectations. Quite the opposite. Employees are given a great deal of responsibility and are expected to deliver on their commitments. "The most important is that people reach their goals. Not only their hard targets, but also their personal development goals." According to Daan, that level of trust encourages people to take ownership. Creating an entrepreneurial mindset is something he actively fosters throughout Lavastica.
Building the future together.
Although Lavastica has grown rapidly over the years, Daan is determined to preserve one thing: its entrepreneurial spirit. He believes employees shouldn't just perform their daily tasks, they should also feel encouraged to contribute ideas and help improve the business. The organization has become larger and more structured, with additional management layers, but he still works hard to keep communication open and accessible. "I'm still approachable for everyone. Whether you work in the warehouse or in the office, everyone is equally important."
According to Daan, company culture doesn't simply happen by itself. "You build a company culture together. It takes time, and it evolves as the organization grows." The pandemic, hybrid working and the company's rapid expansion have all influenced that culture. Yet his ambition remains unchanged. "I want people to enjoy coming to work, work hard, and help each other whenever someone needs support."
Proud of the people behind the business.
Over the past twenty years, Daan has experienced countless highlights. From winning the Marketing Award during Lavastica's very first appearance at Europort, to delivering major international projects and acquiring SSG. Yet when asked what makes him most proud, he doesn't mention awards, turnover or prestigious projects. He talks about people.
"When I'm in Thailand having dinner with twenty-five colleagues and their partners, I suddenly realize how many families depend on what we've built together." That feeling has only become stronger over time. "We now have almost one hundred people on the payroll. If you include their families, you're indirectly responsible for the wellbeing of around two hundred and fifty people. That may be the achievement I'm most proud of."
Why you should join Lavastica.
According to Daan, Lavastica is the perfect place for people who want to grow. Not only because the company continues to develop, but because employees are given the opportunity to develop alongside it. "You can learn an incredible amount here; about engineering, international trade and the maritime industry." He believes Lavastica has managed to retain its entrepreneurial culture despite its growth.
"We're large enough to deliver international projects, yet still small enough for individuals to make a real impact. Good ideas are heard here, and you genuinely have the opportunity to make a difference." People who are curious, take initiative, embrace responsibility and enjoy working together will find plenty of opportunities.
"I started here as an intern. The fact that I'm now Managing Director probably says everything about the opportunities that exist within Lavastica."
More than twenty years after walking into that small office as a nineteen-year-old student, Daan still looks to the future with the same enthusiasm. ‘Lavastica has come a long way and there is still enormous potential for the company to continue growing.’
European Head Office
Vareseweg 45
The Netherlands
+31 10 265 5070
Asian Office
Star Avenue 5, 169/105
San Phak Wan
Hang Dong District
50230 Chiang Mai
Thailand
Our team.
Our team is a dedicated group of professionals with years of experience in the
maritime industry and industrial industry.
Our sales team is committed to provide you with the best possible service.
“Whether you are looking for a single piece of equipment or a complete solution,
we have the expertise and resources to meet your needs.”
Our technical support team has deep technical expertise and experience. The
service team is available to answer any questions and provide guidance on the
use and maintenance of our products.
“We provide expert advice to ensure that you get the most out of your equipment.”
Our logistics team is responsible for coordinating the delivery of our products to
customers all over the world. They make sure that shipments are delivered on
time and in perfect condition.
“We understand the importance of timely delivery and strive to ensure that all
orders are fulfilled as quickly as possible.”
