"The only constant is change: that’s so typical for Troostwijk. In all my years here, there has never been a dull moment. The dynamics of industrial auctions, bringing buyers and sellers together, is both fascinating and challenging. People often underestimate how complex this business really is. My favourite memories? The crazy, surprising auction results and the laughter we’ve shared as colleagues. 

Troostwijk has always been a sustainable business, long before sustainability became a global topic. For almost 95 years we’ve been giving materials and machines a second life. One of our former owners, Mr. Arnold Troostwijk, even used to play the violin for employees on their birthday. That kind of spirit has always been part of who we are.  

The biggest change I’ve seen was the move from live to online auctions. I sometimes wonder if AI will be the next big shift, maybe even bigger than that transition. But whatever comes, one thing will always stay the same: there’s never a dull moment at Troostwijk."

"I started last century, in the era of live auctions, as a bookkeeper, and soon found myself clerking auctions all over Europe. When the internet arrived, everything began to change. We moved from live to online auctions, and I became the IT guy, responsible for developing and running troostwijkauctions.com with a small but dedicated team. Together with our colleagues from marketing and operations, we turned it into a great success. 

What has kept me here all these years is the energy of auctions, especially the live ones, and the amazing colleagues I’ve worked with. I’ve always appreciated the opportunities and trust I’ve been given along the way. 

Things may be different now, but one thing has never changed: it’s the people who make this business successful. Nothing else."

"My first happy memory? Getting the job at Troostwijk! A family member told me about the opportunity, and when I started, I asked everyone to write down their names so I could remember them. I felt at home very quickly. 

In the beginning, my work was in the kitchen, preparing mailings, folding letters, and running them through the folding machine. I really enjoyed it, especially the walking around, which kept me active! Later, I got other assignments like assembling boxes, entering address lists, and printing addresses on envelopes. 

After just a few weeks, to my surprise, I was invited on a long weekend trip to Lisbon together with colleagues from other countries. It was such a wonderful experience and a highlight in my life! 

Over the years, I have also done fun tasks like creating the Sinterklaas book, wrapping presents and chocolate letters, and putting bonbons in boxes. I have truly been lucky with such kind colleagues. I’ve now been with Troostwijk for 22 and a half years and will retire next year. 

Sometimes my colleagues ask me to make something creative, like designing cards or decorating gifts in a special way. I love doing that. I really feel part of a warm and caring team. "

"Having spent nearly 25 years in auctioning, I have witnessed its evolution from traditional in-room sales to live webcasts and today’s fully digital platforms. Yet the essence of auctioning remains the same: connection, trust, and opportunity. 

For 95 years, Troostwijk has shaped this craft by combining expertise, innovation, and a genuine passion for auctions. Beyond any title or role, I am proud to contribute by bridging operational experience with digital transformation, turning hands-on auction knowledge into innovative online solutions. 

Every milestone, from landmark auctions across Europe to daily collaborations, reflects the excitement, growth, and enduring spirit of our industry. 

'After nearly 25 years in auctioning, I’m proud to honour its heritage while shaping the future by bridging hands-on experience with digital innovation.'"

"I joined Troostwijk in January 2005, working first on debt portfolios for banks. After a year, I was promoted to office manager, where Van Beusekom gave me the opportunity to learn every side of the business, from fleet management, finance, and property management to hammer auctions, writing lots, and organizing viewing and delivery days. 

Over the years, I have done just about everything, and every task came with its own surprises. One of my most memorable moments was a Monday morning delivery in the Betuwe. I left early with a binder of invoices, a pin device, and what I thought was everything I needed, until I realized on the highway that I had forgotten the safe. It was not just any safe; it contained the keys to the auction location. 

I pulled over, searched the whole car, but it was nowhere to be found. Then it hit me: the safe was still at home, tucked away in the printer cabinet. Going back was not an option, so I called my sister-in-law, who confirmed it was there. In a panic, I arranged for a courier to pick it up and deliver it to the location. 

Meanwhile, my colleagues and a helpful neighbor managed to get inside the building through a narrow gap beside a parked truck. We started the deliveries without any cash, using our own small change to help customers until the safe finally arrived an hour later. Only then could I breathe again. It is a story I will never forget, full of Troostwijk energy, teamwork, and a little bit of chaos for good measure."

"The auction world is small, yet so big. When I first entered this industry 31 years ago, Troostwijk was still a competitor. I never imagined that one day I’d move from one ‘rival’ to another, from Fairfield Industries to DoveBid, Van Beusekom, BVA, Troostwijk Auctions, and now Vastgoedveiling B.V. 

What’s funny is that the buyers and sellers have always been the same familiar faces. You keep running into each other, and that’s what makes this world feel small. Yet at the same time, we operate globally, and it’s amazing to be part of that. 

No day is ever the same. It’s a cliché, but after three decades in this field, I can say from experience: it’s absolutely true. "