“IT’S AMAZING TO SHARE THIS ADVENTURE WITH OUR TEAM”

This year, Jouke Baaima and Michael Berendsen are celebrating Corporate Housing Factory’s tenth anniversary. Since they founded it ten years ago, the company has grown into a veritable empire. How do they look back on that period, and what does the future hold for their company?

Corporate Housing Factory has been around for ten years now, and in that time you’ve built up an impressive company. Looking back over the past decade, what are some moments that stand out?

Jouke: “Building up and growing our team, for sure. We started out with six people and since then have grown to a workforce of thirty and three different divisions. That’s a testament to their hard work and innovation. It’s just amazing to be able to share this adventure with other people and to scale this mountain together.”

Michael: “Absolutely. But also the maturity we’ve achieved in this phase is pretty amazing. Whereas in the early days we were really pioneers, now we’ve seemed to reach seniority in the eyes of the market and get requests from major corporations and market players. That’s a compliment for our entire team.”

Jouke: “Yes, it really is all thanks to their hard work. And so are the two other divisions we have set up, which are really more like start-ups within our company. It’s a great combination to have that maturity to fall back on whilst at the same time being able to carry on pioneering and just seeing where that takes us.”

The organization has grown tremendously and yet you’ve managed to stay a tight-knit team. What’s your secret?

Michael: “I think it’s the values we formulated from the outset. And maybe because we started with just six of us, which made it a fairly intimate group – like family. Of course, some people have left the team since then. But those who stayed and joined over the years do really feel like part of that family. They feel at home, I suppose.”

Jouke: “That’s it, and we’re authentic. We’re all focused on serving clients. We’re commercial, of course, and at the end of the day we want to make a profit, but above all because that is how we can keep growing as a company. What matters more than anything is serving client demand. That’s our DNA, and if you look back at the small team we started out with and compare it to where we are now, then, yes, those values and that familial feeling have continued rippling out.”

The vibe here in the office always seems so friendly and laid-back, but of course you’re all working hard, too. How would you describe your company culture?

Jouke: “One of our company’s core values is that we are professional, yet personal. When you find that balance, it’s an incredible combination.”

Michael: “Absolutely, and people recognize that, too. I hope, and I honestly think, that our clients see us as a well-oiled organization. Everything works. People see our values and family-like culture reflected in everything we do and they really value that.”

Jouke: “We also try to keep pace with changes and be forwardlooking. That’s not to say we want to be the coolest kid on the block. We just want to find our fit in the market based on the standards and values that matter to us. A while back we were at an event and an industry heavyweight came up to us. He commented on how well we pulled through the pandemic and how much he admired the fact that we already have new projects in the works. It was a brilliant compliment and brought home that, oh yeah, we’re not doing too bad!”

The pandemic has indeed been one big obstacle in recent years. How was that period for you?

Michael: “Not always easy. It was the first time we had to let some of our team members go. It was really rough, because they were terrific people but just happened to be the last ones to come on board. We did what seemed best, but it was difficult. And meanwhile, our top priority obviously was serving clients. We started doing even more tailor-made, and, thanks to that and despite everything else, occupancy stayed pretty good. Purely because we listened to our clients and supplied what they asked for. So, more desks to let people work from home? No problem. Remote home tours by video call? Done. Without our team’s flexibility and resilience, we wouldn’t have made it.”

Jouke: “We were also very transparent about it along the way, towards our team and externally, towards clients. It’s never a nice feeling to have to let people go, but we talked it through extensively and were very honest about it. Even the financial part. We shared everything so the whole team was involved. And that then made them more creative, offering suggestions to help. It was really amazing to feel that we were all in this together.”

Michael: “If we had taken an alternative approach, it could have gone very differently. I think we did a good job pushing through.”

What are you plans for the coming years? Expansion? More cities?

Michael: “Haha, spot on. We can’t just sit around. So, yes, we’ll definitely be adding a new city and adding things in cities where we operate already. Besides that, we are also looking at new markets and beyond the Netherlands, because clients often ask if we can help them out in other countries. And, of course, we are rolling out and expanding our new divisions, including Corporate Housing Living. These are all exciting developments.”

Jouke: “Corporate Housing Living basically arose from demand for flexibility in offering longer-stay housing. It will let us operate and supply the full range of demand in lots of locations. We can’t wait to see how the coming years play out and how we can continue serving our clients.”

Come and indulge your senses at Sea Palace, the renowned floating Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Amsterdam. With its stunning pagoda-style architecture, Sea Palace is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight.

We invite you to try our famous Beijing duck. This dish is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. Our chefs use only the finest ingredients and take great care to ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. In addition to our duck, we also offer a wide selection of

Dimsum, which are small, bite-sized portions of Chinese cuisine that are perfect for sharing. Whether you’re in the mood for steamed buns, dumplings, or crispy spring rolls, our menu has something for everyone.

At Sea Palace, we take pride in offering our guests an unforgettable dining experience, with exceptional food, impeccable service, and a truly unique atmosphere. Come and see for yourself why we are one of Amsterdam’s most beloved restaurants.

You have made the move. Congratulations! But what now? You’re in a country and city that’s most likely entirely new to you, and you’re ready to begin your new adventure. First of all, try not to feel overwhelmed. To help you get settled, we’ve lined up some useful tips.