We are pleased to announce that Dick Hulsbos & Erik Van Ierssel will be representing Kirk & Kirk in the Benelux territory. Friends and business partners for over 30 years, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise, and we look forward to having them on board.
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(Erik wears Victor in Earth and Dick Victor in Violet)
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We sat down with Dick to ask him a few questions, so you can get to know them a bit better.
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Tell us a bit about the roles you both play –
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DH: Hi! My main role is as a salesman for the Northern part of Benelux, but as the owner of the business I manage everything from the marketing and communications to all the other little jobs in-between, I’m forever busy! Erik is also a salesman, but for the southern part of the Netherland and has been my partner for 28 years!
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Incredible! And when did you come to know the Kirk & Kirk brand?
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DH: I’ve worked in optics a long time, over 40 years and Erik 30 years. I came to know of the Kirk brand about 10 years ago after meeting Jason at the tradeshows, it’s great to finally be working together and with a brand that has such a rich heritage.
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What is your favourite thing about the eyewear industry?
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DH: In short – all aspects! Of course, the product itself; the creativity and evolution of glasses and sunglasses is amazing, but I also enjoy the marketing of the brands, the production techniques and the people – we’ve made a lot of friends over the years.
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Where did you meet?
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DH: We met 30 years ago through a recommendation from a customer. I was looking for a rep, Erik was looking for a challenge! It worked out pretty well!
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Tell us a little bit about what you enjoy outside of work –
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DH: I love to read (fiction and non-fiction), to write (columns) and travel – from city breaks to long cycling holidays, also cooking and watching racing. I am an ex-racing driver so am a huge fan. Erik shares my passion for cooking, but also spends a lot of time on the tennis court or at Carnival! We are perhaps workaholic’s but we try to live by the motto ‘work hard, relax hard’ – and will often combine work trips with a holiday, such as a visit to Lake Como after Mido in Milan. We have some great customers in the Caribbean, so will make an annual trip there for some sunshine!